By Christine Elder, M.Ed., PLPC
Art therapy is a unique form of therapy that combines the healing power of art with the insights of psychology. Through the creative process, individuals can express their emotions and explore their inner world, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. Art therapy is not just about creating art; it is a mental health profession that requires trained art therapists to lead sessions in a safe and confidential space. Art therapy is a versatile and effective form of therapy that can benefit people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds, with no prior art experience necessary to participate. From painting to sculpture to collage, the possibilities are endless, and the results can be truly transformative. If you’ve ever wondered what art therapy is all about, our art therapist, Christine Elder, is here to provide further insight into art therapy and common misconceptions.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a mental health profession that combines principles of talk therapy with the creative process of art-making to improve or enhance the mental well-being of individuals of all ages. It has been shown to benefit individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, substance abuse, and other behavioral and emotional problems.
While art therapy typically involves some verbal processing component, the creative process of art making on its own serves as an non-verbal outlet and alternative method of expression to traditional talk therapy. This can be particularly beneficial for those who find it difficult to articulate their emotions through words, as art therapy can help individuals break down communication barriers through providing an opportunity for individuals to explore their thoughts on a level beyond words or language.
Who are Art Therapists?
Art therapists are masters-level clinicians who work with people of all ages across a broad spectrum of practice and variety of settings. Many art therapists continue their education to become board certified, which requires more than a thousand hours of clinical experience. Honoring individuals’ values and beliefs, art therapists work with people who are challenged with medical and mental health conditions, as well as individuals seeking emotional, creative, and spiritual growth.
Art Therapy and the Brain
Art therapy is one of the few forms of therapy that can tap into both the right and left hemispheres of the brain. The creative process involved in art therapy stimulates the right brain, which is associated with emotions, imagination, and intuition, while the use of verbally processing and analyzing the art made in therapy engages the left brain, which is associated with logic, language, and reason. This integration of both hemispheres can lead to a more holistic and thorough exploration of thoughts and feelings and can result in deeper insight and understanding.
Additionally, Art Therapy has been shown to enhance brain function and alleviate anxiety symptoms by promoting brain plasticity. Brain plasticity refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and create new neural connections through the creative process, which can be especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from anxiety-related disorders or have a history of extensive trauma.
Traumatic memories are often difficult to express verbally, and it can be particularly beneficial for individuals to engage in a more physical and visual form of therapy when exploring these memories. Art therapy provides a unique opportunity for individuals to externalize vivid imagery to process their inner thoughts and feelings related to traumatic memories with the support of an empathetic art therapist. By externalizing a memory, thought, or feeling through art, individuals may find it easier to separate it from themselves and regain control.
In further contrast to traditional talk therapy approaches, expressive arts interventions seek to establish emotional distance from traumatic memories and foster a sense of safety. Through the creative process, expressive arts therapy can promote healing by shifting individuals from being “in their minds” to being more fully present in their bodies, where trauma is often stored.
3 Common Myths About Art Therapy:
Myth #1: Art therapy is arts and crafts.
Fact: Art therapy is done in a therapeutic setting, led by a trained art therapist. It is an established mental health profession that has been around since the 1940s. It works just like traditional talk therapy in that Art Therapists work with clients in a safe, confidential space to help them work through issues and move towards healing and wellness.
Myth #2: I need to have specific art experience or be good at art to benefit from art therapy
Fact: Art Therapy focuses on the process of creating art rather than the final product, meaning that the purpose of art making is to deepen the client’s understanding of their experiences rather than to create a polished work of art. Unlike art education, no prior art experience is necessary to participate in Art Therapy. In fact, being a beginner can be an advantage since experienced artists may be overly critical of their work. With even a simple mark on paper, anyone can participate in Art Therapy. The Art Therapist will provide appropriate materials and guide the client through the process, helping them let go of judgment and simply create.
Myth #3: Art therapy is just for kids.
Fact: Art therapy is a therapeutic approach that can benefit people of all ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. Although children tend to be drawn to art naturally, individuals of any age ranging from young kids to the elderly, can participate in and benefit from art therapy. In fact, Art Therapy can be very powerful with adults since it can often be a less threatening way of conveying experiences that are difficult to express in words. Art therapy can be delivered in individual or group sessions and workshops, making it a flexible option for different preferences and needs.
Art therapy is a fascinating and powerful therapeutic approach that can help individuals navigate the complexities of their inner world. Through creative processes, individuals can express themselves beyond words and tap into both hemispheres of the brain. Art therapy is not just for artists, and anyone can benefit from it, regardless of their prior experience. Art therapists are trained professionals who can provide a safe and confidential space for individuals to explore and express their emotions through art. Art therapy is a flexible and effective form of therapy that can benefit individuals of all ages and backgrounds, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. If you are interested in tapping into your creative side and exploring the benefits of art therapy, consider reaching out to our Art Therapist, Christine Elder, PLPC to learn more.
