How does art therapy work?
Psychologists have found that art opens access to our inner self, and helps heal the patient's physical realm as well. Therapy is a good option for patients of all age ranges.
To which patients, art therapy is directed?
The therapy is directed to patients who have problems in establishing verbal relationships, with anxiety disorders, depression, neurosis, after trauma, treating addictions. Art therapy works well for patients with intellectual disabilities. This form of therapy can complement the treatment of patients who suffer from cancer. Art therapy allows you to get in touch with autistic children, after experiencing traumas, allows you to relax, releases tension, also people who are completely healthy. The selection of the appropriate therapy will depend on several factors, such as the predispositions of the patient in question, on the invention of the therapist, on the skills and experience of the patient. There are many centers dedicated to art therapy workshops. One of them is SensArte - art therapy academy. If you want to learn more about therapy through art and start working using its techniques then here you can find out what it is art therapy And how to become an art therapist. It is worth remembering that this involves the completion of specific courses and training.
How does art therapy work?
Expression and self-expression in art allows one to experience a sense of liberation, an inner cleansing, which we will refer to as catharsis. At a certain point, when we start working on ourselves, emotional blockages break, the patient opens up. The patient feels a reduced intensity of stress, his tension is eliminated, he begins to realize the basis of the problems he has experienced, which in turn leads to an improvement in his situation, a step in the right direction. Art therapy works on both the conscious and subconscious levels. People who are unable to build correct, mature relationships often go to therapy.
During art therapy, the patient's sense of self-esteem is often strengthened as he realizes how much he can do. The patient changes his perspective on the world, thinks and feels differently than before. In the course of therapy, a different person emerges, more aware of himself and his talents. Art therapy has three basic functions:
- Corrective, where it's all about regaining mental balance;
- educational, where the patient acquires new skills, expands his range of knowledge, enriches himself internally;
- recreational, as classes can be a great form of relaxation, a valuable time spent;
What are the types of art therapy?
Examples of art therapy would be:
- choreotherapy - dance and movement therapy, helps release stress, releases joy, relaxation;
- Music therapy - working with the voice, music stimulates or calms, gives the opportunity to feel empowered;
- Fairy tale therapy - therapy involving listening to fairy tales, directed at children - is supposed to suggest some solutions;
- Film therapy - therapy through film, watching films ending with a discussion;
- therapy through visual arts - provides a signpost for the therapist.