Benefits of Art Therapy

Benefits of Art Therapy

The human race is prone to conflict, stress, mistakes, problems and hardship. Since the beginning of time, we have been faced with difficult situations. It is reasonable to believe that we all will face a situation where we feel overwhelmed at some point in our lives. Although we can not prevent turmoil, we are able to deal with it however we choose. Some options we tend to employ when dealing with conflict are avoidance, journaling, psychotherapy, and art therapy.

With many options available, which one is the best solution?

Art therapy is successful in virtually all situations in helping people cope with the hardships they endure throughout their lives. It is especially beneficial to medical patients, victims of domestic or societal violence, and the disabled.

What is art therapy? According to American Art Therapy Association, it’s the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development. This type of therapy uses art as the primary source of communication to treat patients. With the use of art materials and creative techniques, art therapy promotes personal growth, self reflection and emotional stability. Art therapy is often used in conjunction with counseling to improve the overall well-being of the patient.

Art therapy helps patients in medical settings, especially children and adolescents. Tracy Councill, an art therapist, explains how art therapy helps patients in hospitals deal with the insecurity of the situations they are facing.

"Medical applications of art therapy are a natural extension of the use of art therapy with psychiatric populations. The fundamental q...

... middle of paper ...

...y the stimulation of their artwork.

Art therapy helps those with special needs and learning disabilities express themselves and adapt to everyday difficulties such as team work, communication and more. This is amazing because in many cases the patient may be scared or unable to communicate. This allows the patient a chance to express what he or she is dealing with without feeling misunderstood.

The arguments and supporting evidence presented, help solidify art therapy as a legitimate treatment for many people in many different circumstances. The detractors of art therapy should allow that many people show great difficulty in expressing themselves verbally.

Expressive art therapy is a successful alternative to traditional psychotherapy approaches. Art therapy is an opportunity for individuals to thrive and heal themselves through creativity and self expression.