Todd Sumamno
Art therapy is a relatively modern treatment method that has demonstrated success in helping people understand themselves through the art that they create. This article will show you how art therapy works and how countless individuals are learning how to cope and grow as individuals by enjoying what it has to offer.
What Is Art Therapy?
At first glance, defining art therapy might seem like a very simple task; after all the act of creating art is very therapeutic in itself and people all over the world use it as a way to relax and get away from their problems.
However, art therapy is a bit more involved than that, and there are very specific details about what makes this treatment very unique in comparison to other methods that are available.
Art therapy is an empirically-based treatment method, meaning it has research and data to back up its efficacy, and it combines the use of art with the standardized methods seen in psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which is one of the leading forms of treatment for mental health conditions.
Basically, when creating something in art therapy, this method allows the individual (with the assistance of a professional) to interpret their work and try to discover the underlying feelings and emotions behind them so that change can be made.
The professionals who provide these services have a specialized skill set and they are required to be both experienced in art studies and providing psychotherapy for patients. Not all therapists are qualified to practice art therapy until they are trained to become art therapists.
Overall, art therapy is a unique way to heal by combining the benefits of self-expression and the coping techniques that you’d gain by working with a regular counselor or therapist, and millions of people are changing their lives through it.
What Are The Goals Of Art Therapy?
As mentioned briefly in the previous section, art therapy can help people learn how to cope with stress and find self-improvement, but this can occur in several different ways.
Aside from being able to reduce distress in patients and give them more insight as to what they are feeling, art therapy can assist with developing a person’s social skills, cognitive abilities, and sensory processing, to name a few examples of challenges that can cause great difficulties for people, especially on an emotional-level.
By addressing the concerns that people have, art therapy helps build self-esteem and can make people more mindful of themselves and their surroundings. These are arguably the most important goals of art therapy because they are directly connected to their wellbeing and how they perceive the world.
To reach these types of goals, different forms of art can be used depending on your preferences – after all, the sessions are about you. A few examples of the most popular choices include drawing, panting, coloring, and making collages. Some art therapists might even offer sculpting and ceramics!
Where Can You Find An Art Therapist?
Because art therapy is a specialized profession, art therapists aren’t as widely available as regular counselors and therapists, but they can still frequently be found at schools, hospitals, different types of clinics, and senior living spaces, and therefore, assist people of all ages.
By searching online, you can most likely find a licensed art therapist in the local area that can help get you started; however, if your search comes up short, there are still other options available for you.
For instance, online therapy is a very popular method that can teach you the coping skills you need to grow as a person and overcome any challenges you might be currently dealing with. Counselors and therapists at MyTherapist are affordable, convenient, and flexible, and getting started and connected to one starts with a click of a button. Visit MyTherapist today to learn more.
Conclusion
Many people are unaware of art therapy and the benefits it has to offer, but hopefully, through this article, you’ve learned what it entails, how it can help you, and where you can find a practitioner who provides art therapy services. You don’t need to be talented to enjoy art therapy, just an open mind and a desire to learn and grow.
