What is Art Therapy ?
Art can aid us in processing trauma, expressing our grief and regaining control. Benefits of art therapy are vast. As therapy, art can improve well-being, introduce a healthy lifestyle, bring self-awareness and regulate behaviour positively. Symbolism plays a huge part in this as art therapy. It is especially helpful for children with mental health issues and developmental disabilities. Moreover, during the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual art therapy has gained a momentum. Research suggests as a result of the pandemic, children are now more vulnerable to experience increased emotional distress. In conclusion, art based therapies have shown promising results in boosting children’s well-being.
Benefits of Art Therapy
Recognizing Yourself
Creating art in settings with the therapist helps in uncovering the contents of your subconscious by removing emotional roadblocks. Furthermore, handmade art helps in battling mental health issues that are not entertained by the society.
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Emotional Release
This is the greatest benefit of art therapy as some people find it difficult to vent disturbing thoughts into words. Complex emotions are difficult to express and to cope up with. Nevertheless, it can be released easily through art.
Stress Reliever
As highlighted in the previous point, art therapy reduces stress around a topic till one is ready to talk about it. In addition to this, research shows art therapy lowers levels of cortisol – the “stress inducing” hormone.
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Makes Us Happier
Studies have shown that creating art releases dopamine also known as the ‘happy hormone’. As a matter of fact, dopamine acts as a natural antidepressant. Art therapy sessions not only restore the body’s natural dopamine levels but also boost the well-being.
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A New Form Of Communication
Even though art is not a contemporary way to express one’s emotions, it can be changed into one. Various art therapies are used according to the needs and skill set of the participant. Specifically textile art therapy is one such medium, consequently it is fairly new, mental health professionals have been employing ‘cloth stories’ and sewing especially in contexts where it is culturally relevant.
Facilitation
Art therapy facilitates insight, empathy and acceptance of the challenges in one’s life. Hence it is not only a good problem solver, but also subsequently empowering.
Muscular exercise
For children with neurodegenerative issues, art therapy is a unique way to exercise and strengthen muscles. As a result it develops hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and finger dexterity.
Developing other skills
The most important benefit of an art therapy is increasing attention-span and thinking ability. It decreases frustrations, anxiety and instills constructive techniques to manage oneself.
Book Your First Art Therapy Session here – Art Based Psychotherapy For Clarity Of Mind And Heart
Reducing Symptoms
Not to mention, art therapy reduces stress and increases the production of dopamine. Furthermore in this process of symptoms of distress are also reduced. Here, art therapy workshops play a major role.
Book your Art Therapy Session by clicking here.
Venting
Above all, art is a great way to vent. Mental health is a taboo in the society. Certainly art therapy is a socially acceptable way to be express ourselves – thereby providing catharsis. In group settings, it gives participants the opportunity to acknowledge differences between people and promotes social adjustment. In individual settings, interactions with the therapist or parents have proven to reduce emotional distress.
It is important to note that art therapy is not just for children but also for individuals of all age groups. Those who do not otherwise consider themselves creative or good at art, can also be benefitted. Actually art therapy not just works with those experiencing clinical disorders, but also for rehabilitation purposes of patients with, or recovering from, terminal physiological illnesses. Artforms like music engagement, visual arts therapy, storytelling, dance movement therapy, textile art therapy and expressive writing are mediums that have proven to enhance mental and physical well
being.
The Bottom Line
Art therapy is not a treatment but a catalyst for effect of prescribed medication. In addition to it, benefits of art therapy especially shine for those being treated for addiction and trauma. Besides, it is also important in tracking the participants progress.
Similarly comparing the artworks from the initial sessions and the closing sessions depict recovery and
emotional breakthroughs experienced by the individual. Art therapy plays a vital role in the long term
recovery of an individual, and people should not underestimate it.
Follow Rajasthan Studio on Instagram for more amazing art and travel content. Reach out to us on email at contact[at]rajasthanstudio[dot]com. This blog is curated by Rajasthan Studio and written by Samira sarin.
