Art as Therapy-
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What is art therapy?
From sketches of cave bears to children's drawings on a refrigerator, art has always been an integral part of humanity. Art therapy uses art and the creative process to help us:• reconcile emotional conflicts
• reduce anxiety
• build self-awareness
• solve problems and
• increase self-esteemDrawing on the visual arts, art therapy provides an outlet for our inner thoughts and feelings while giving us a sense of control over our surroundings. (Our ancient ancestors must have found it deeply satisfying to capture huge predators in charcoal and clay.) Art focuses our attention on the present. A person can hardly worry about the future when she's contemplating a brush stroke.
Art therapy has been recognized as an effective "mind-body intervention" by the National Institutes of Health's Office for Alternative Medicine. Not surprisingly, hospitals, out-patient clinics, nursing homes, and pain centers across the country offer art therapy as part of their treatments.
Who can benefit from art therapy?
Creating art has value for everyone. But those with serious illnesses have often found that art allows them to express themselves in non-verbal ways, which are often a release for strong emotions that they can't put into words. Numerous anecdotes suggest that those who gain include people suffering from stress, pain, and anxiety as well as many different types of injuries and illnesses, including cancer, eating disorders, psychoses, and substance abuse. Art therapy helps people face their illnesses and express their deep feelings.Art therapy can also be an important part of hospice care. A recent article in Hospice Journal describes the case of Henry, a 76-year-old man dying of lung cancer. Henry had never done artwork before, but a trip to an art therapy studio uncovered hidden talents. He soon discovered that painting and drawing helped him cope with previously unbearable pain.
Do I really need a therapist to use art therapy?
Art therapists can help in many ways, from providing instruction and motivation to finding the right materials. But according to Cathy Malchiodi, director of the Institute for the Arts And Health in Salt Lake City, you don't need professional help to benefit from art. "Painting is really therapeutic in itself, " she says. "That's why I do it. That's why anybody does it."If you want to make art a part of your recovery but don't have access to an art therapist, try painting. Even if you feel cursed with a complete lack of artistic ability, you'll still feel solace in your work. After all, being an artist is better than simply being a patient, and the personal satisfaction that comes from self-expression can be healing in many ways.
See Jonathan's Story.