The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as “an approach to mental health that utilizes the process of creating art to improve mental, physical, and emotional wellness.” Depending on the client and the therapist, art therapy can incorporate coloring, drawing, painting, sculpting, making collages, and more.
History of Art Therapy
People have applied the concepts behind art therapy for thousands of years; it’s not necessarily a revelation that making art makes many people feel better. However, in the 1940s, medical doctors and psychologists began to recognize art therapy as a specific discipline. The Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc. and the American Art Therapy Association were established so that therapists could be credentialed and recognized as mental health professionals.
About Art Therapy
Art therapy can be used with patients of all ages, and may in fact be more effective than traditional talk therapy with young patients and patients with limited verbal ability, such as elderly patients with dementia. Art therapists have found art therapy to be especially beneficial to patients dealing with emotional or physical trauma, abuse, anxiety, and depression. It has been noted that cancer patients who are offered art therapy report fewer psychological symptoms and an overall improvement in quality of life.
Art therapy can take place in many different settings, including art studios; schools, colleges, and universities, community centers, correctional facilities, group homes; homeless shelters; hospitals and residential treatment centers; private therapy offices; senior centers; wellness centers; and women’s and children’s shelters.
Art therapy does not center around teaching art in a technical sense, although that can be part of the therapy. The goal is to encourage patients to open up and focus on their imagination, perceptions, and feelings. Creativity tends to open up the mind and the heart, and patients can also take a step back to look at their creations. They can explore subconscious themes in their artwork, and talk about how those themes affect their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Patients can develop both personal insight and coping skills this way.