Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art in therapy sessions to help people with mental health problems. It is usually done by a trained art therapist who works with patients to help them express their emotions, feelings, and thoughts through drawing or painting. The patient will usually work alone or with another person (usually a family member or friend) to produce artwork which will be assessed by the therapist. Art therapy has been around since the 1950s but only gained prominence in the 1970s when it was recognized as an effective way to treat a wide range of conditions.

The main aim of art therapy is to help patients to express themselves in ways that they may not feel comfortable doing in other situations. The process is often described as a safe environment where the patient can share their innermost feelings. It is important that the patient feels comfortable enough to open up and discuss their problems with someone else. This can help them to understand what is happening inside their head and why they have certain issues. Often this will allow them to make changes to their lifestyle or behavior so that they can improve their overall well-being.

The process of art therapy is often quite simple. The therapist will usually ask the patient about their day or how they are feeling. They may also ask questions about the patient's past experiences or their current situation. Once the patient feels comfortable they will usually start to draw pictures or paint pictures. Some therapists may encourage the patient to do more than one piece at a time, while others may only require one piece. After the patient has finished their artwork the therapist will then assess it and discuss any issues that were raised during the session.

There are many different types of art therapy and each therapist will use different methods depending on their background and experience. Some therapists may use art therapy as a form of relaxation therapy while others may use it to help people to express their anger. The therapist must be experienced in the field of art therapy because it is not always easy to know whether the patient is expressing something positive or negative. For example, if a patient draws a picture of a person being hit by a car, it could be a sign that the patient needs to express their anger. If the patient is happy and expresses happiness, it could be a sign of a positive outcome.

It is important to remember that art therapy is not suitable for everyone. Some people may find it hard to express themselves through art and this may cause them to withdraw from the process. Also, some people may have low self-esteem and this can cause them to feel uncomfortable in front of others. If these factors apply to you it is advisable to speak to your doctor or therapist before you begin. They will be able to tell you if art therapy is suitable for you.