Art Therapy Essay

Art Therapy is defined by the American Art Therapy Association, as “the therapeutic use of art, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or disabilities, and are seeking personal development.” This process uses art media, images, and performances to enhance the patient’s abilities, personality, and quality of life. Patients who use art as a therapeutic device engage in creative outlets which allow them to gain emotional healing and relief from stressful and terminal diseases or disabilities (Benefits, 1). Art Therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational and forensic institutions. This treatment also has a variety of clientele, and formats, such as: individuals, couples, family, and group therapy. Creating, viewing, and talking about art, provides a way for people to cope with emotional conflicts and increase self-awareness (History, 1). The ability to create or interpret art provides the patient the proper format to express unspoken and often unconscious concerns about their misfortunes. Coupled with medical treatment, Art Therapy provides emotional support and stability for many people throughout the world. Although it is a growing field, with 34 master’s programs approved by the American Art Therapy Association in universities throughout the United States, Art Therapy departments and therapists are continuously shown a lack of appreciation and support. Other than the actual patients and their loved ones, successes shown within this form of treatment are relatively unheard of by the general public. The significance that Art Therapy has in the medical world should be known because is completely safe, without side effects and incredibly important to many people (Ar...

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...er stimulation on its road to recovery. Art Therapy is a relatively new profession as it emerged as a distinct occupation in the 1940s (Art Therapist, 1). Since then, Art Therapy has blossomed into an effective and important method of treatment in a variety of settings. However, the well-deserved attention that Art Therapy has received in the medical community and the healthcare facilities is not mirrored in educational programs. Thus, an increase in awareness is needed to update the general public and future generations about Art Therapy. School visits, job fairs, and other programs are needed so that more children choose to participate in the college level degrees of these courses. Upon gained interest in the field, Art Therapists throughout the world will receive greater funding and appreciation to equal their significance in the world of medicine and treatment.