Art Therapy as a Mode of Expression

Art therapy is a unique discipline that comprises creative methods of expression via visual art media. It helps to improve the lives of individuals and families through creative processes, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic setting.

Art therapy is overseen and conducted by a professional art therapist who can work with individuals or families in various settings such as hospitals, schools, crisis centers, senior communities, and more. In addition, art therapy is used to help individuals with medical and mental health challenges and those desiring additional emotional and spiritual advancement as well.1  

Techniques Used in Art Therapy

The main objective of art therapy is to use creative applications to assist people in exploring self-expression and, as a result, discover new avenues for personal insight, as well as developing coping skills. The following are just some of the few techniques used in art therapy:2

Conditions Art Therapy Can Benefit

Here are some conditions in which art therapy can be used for treatment:4

Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy

People dealing with co-occurring disorders must heal the underlying trauma and pain. In addition, it helps the patient learn about themselves and discover meaning in their lives. Art therapy can be used in addition to traditional or Western mental health care and treatment. The goal is to manage stress and anxiety better and boost self-esteem while also helping treat the root of the issues.

Unique Aspects of Wellness Art Therapy Can Improve

Below are some of the mental health benefits of art therapy.

Art Therapy vs. Expressive Therapy

The distinction between expressive therapy and art therapy is that expressive art therapy utilizes a variety of art forms to initiate change. In contrast, art therapy is typically based on a single art form. However, both art therapy and expressive art therapy use multiple different mediums to help patients manage their thoughts and emotions. Art therapy can focus on either photography or drawing, for example, where expressive art therapy might utilize both at the same time and add sculpting in as well.

Art and expressive therapies play a significant role in health sciences. They can both be used to interpret emotions and promote self-worth and accomplishments skillfully, and both play a significant role in facilitating lifelong learning, which helps make meaning of experiences. Art and expressive therapy enhance health and well-being, but it also helps enrich communities.6

Patients Might Be Overwhelmed

The goal of theory in visual art is for patients to channel their thoughts and emotions during the process without minding the result of the finished product. Therefore, the therapist is expected to observe and ask questions during the art process while the patient is creating the art.

These simple observations might overwhelm some individuals due to art being a very personal form, and they may decide not to cooperate fully with the treatment process. Similarly, some patients may believe they are not creative or artistic enough to be in the program.

Limited Sessions

Most art therapy sessions follow a schedule that also involves counseling for patients. Therefore, the therapist is expected to find interesting information from the participants within this period. Although most art therapy sessions are slow, they might not be long enough to meet the needs of every participant.

Patients might get frustrated and turn into skeptics, especially if they cannot complete their daily tasks due to limited sessions.

Expensive

Art therapy sessions are relatively expensive for patients as opposed to other forms of therapy, as consulting and booking a session with an art therapist doesn't come cheap. As a result, many people are discouraged from seeking it.

Perception of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a relatively new therapeutic field for those that suffer from mental health issues. Some people find it difficult to connect the relevance of artwork in solving their problems, and a large section of the public still sees art as just a talent without any therapeutic benefits.

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