Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses the medium of art as its primary form of expression. It helps people work through a variety of issues by encouraging self-discovery. To become an art therapist, you must have a flair for the arts and be willing to acquire knowledge of different forms of art as offered by CCM. Developing your strengths in psychology and behavioural sciences will improve your career prospects. You can gain internships in related fields to improve your chances of finding a job.
Art Therapy Is a Form of Psychotherapy
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilises the creative process to treat mental health and emotional problems. It can be a beneficial way to deal with stress and build self-esteem. Many people who undergo art therapy also use it to work on social skills. The benefits of art therapy are numerous. Here are a few of the most common reasons why art therapy is beneficial. Read on to learn more about this therapeutic approach.
Art therapy is a great option for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The art therapist will suggest different themes for the patients to explore. They will also ask them questions related to how the art affected them emotionally. The purpose of art therapy is to address the causes of the emotional distress and the symptoms that accompany it. It’s important to note that art therapy does not address all of these conditions.
It Uses Art Media as its Primary Mode of Expression
Art therapy is a form of expressive psychotherapy that utilises the use of art media as its primary mode of expression. It combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process. The therapeutic potential of art has long been a focus of psychoanalysis, and writers such as Freud, Jung, Klein, and Winnicott have written extensively about this.
In art therapy, patients are encouraged to explore difficult emotions and feelings through the use of art. A recent study asked thirty-two women with heart disease to draw a portrait of their illness. The artists then analysed each drawing for its use of colour, composition, and spatial arrangement. Using art as a therapeutic medium allows a client to explore their complex histories and the way they perceive themselves. It is a powerful form of self-expression and has been proven to help people overcome difficult feelings.
It Can Help People with a Variety of Issues
In the 1940s, artist Adrian Hill coined the term “art therapy” after observing the health benefits of drawing and painting. As art therapy continued to grow in popularity, mental health professionals began to refer to it as such. This prompted more practitioners to be trained in different disciplines and to be supervised by other professionals. A few influential writers at that time include Elinor Ulman and Edith Kramer.
People suffering from chronic or life-limiting illness may also benefit from art therapy. In addition to helping the patient identify their goals, the therapist will also help the patient explore the impact the illness has on their perspective. Moreover, there is no need to be an artist to engage in art therapy. It is a safe way to express your emotions and work through difficult times. Art therapy is also suitable for those who do not have prior knowledge, skill, or training in the field of art.
It Promotes Self-Discovery
People who engage in art therapy are often experiencing a process of self-discovery. The creative process helps people to express themselves and reveals a variety of personal experiences. Through the process, people can understand and resolve emotional roadblocks that prevent them from expressing themselves adequately in normal social settings. Self-expression is important for mental health, and art therapy can help individuals find their voice. But how does art therapy promote self-discovery?
In the 1930s, art therapist Karl Menninger introduced a program of art therapy to treat patients suffering from mental illness. He employed several artists in residence at his clinic. The Menninger Clinic was a pioneer in the art therapy movement, and many artists in that era were also recognized as therapists. Through the 1950s, art therapy was a key component of psychiatric treatment. Leading art therapists included Edith Kramer, Hanna Yaxa Kwiatkowska, and Janie Rhyne. A number of studies have revealed that art therapy benefits people from all walks of life. It promotes personal fulfilment and a sense of self-worth.
