Human beings have created different alternatives and means that allow them to express themselves, which makes language more diverse. Before beginning to use verbal language, at first people related to each other in a spiritual, physical and emotional way through practices carried out manually. It is here where the use of artistic expressions begins, even today you can find artistic vestiges of this type used by ancient civilizations.

Eventually the therapeutic properties of these practices could be observed , beyond their cultural and historical importance. The multiple benefits that this type of expressiveness provides will raise awareness and is in line with the body, this is how the learning of various trades that allowed people to integrate with the rest of society is achieved.

Art therapy began to be known as such from the second half of the 19th century. It is during this period of time that the European psychiatric medical community observed the benefits that the generation of plastic productions brought to patients. This is how mental patients of this time unleashed their creativity through a process with a high potential for self-healing.

But it would not be until the twentieth century when this type of therapy was institutionalized as a formal profession. Psychoanalysis and artistic education would join forces with a therapeutic result focused on creative activity . The godfathers of this initiative to use art therapy are considered to be Freud, Jung and Steiner; but also with contributions made by Gombrich, Winnicott and Kramer.

At present it is considered that art therapy is one of the most suitable alternatives to treat some of the mental conditions that most affect the world population. But it is also used as a pedagogical resource to care for patients of child age who have difficulties in their development. We take a closer look at this issue below.

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a relatively new type of therapy, which combines the use of different types of artistic techniques. For its implementation, the creativity or expressiveness of the patient is used , focused on the therapeutic route in order to heal any type of psychological disorder. It is usually recommended to treat patients suffering from some type of trauma, phobia or disorder that is significantly affecting their quality of life.

This is a technique whose main objective is to achieve purely therapeutic advances . Experts consider that it is the best alternative to help the personal development of the patient, in the same way it will serve for emotional expression as well as self-knowledge. Consequently, this practice allows to explore the mentality in such a way that information is obtained closer to creativity and other expressive capacities.

It is a very useful resource because it develops without speaking, this aspect sometimes becomes a conflict or a limitation for some patients who have difficulties communicating through this means. Without interruptions there is total creative freedom for the person to consciously perform an activity that finally reflects part of the unconscious.

What are their characteristics?

The main characteristic of this type of therapy is the use of different artistic disciplines . This means that patients can freely express themselves through the various manifestations of art to rehabilitate themselves and treat mental and physical difficulties. But it is important to note that there are two variants of this therapy.

First is art therapy that uses plastic as a means for the patient to express himself and dialogue with the therapist. To begin with, a creation is made with plastic content created to express what has not been possible verbally. The second variant is a type of art therapy that focuses its attention on artistic abilities, it is proposed as a complementary resource for psychotherapeutic work.

In both cases the use of different techniques such as sculpture, painting, photography and music is observed mainly. The selection of the technique depends on the capabilities and interest of the patient in performing these exercises. However, the opinion of the therapist must also be considered, who will know how to determine which is the most indicated depending on the mental or physical condition to be treated.

What is it for? 

The main objective of art therapy is to help patients affected with some type of psychological condition, therefore it obtains therapeutic purposes. However, in recent years some variations have been added in the techniques used to adapt it to the field of action. The association in this case is that it serves for the processes of change and self-knowledge , consequently it is the ideal means to develop or improve creative skills. It also influences perception and intuition.

From the point of view of psychology, psychologists and therapists affirm that art therapy covers issues and mental conflicts that other types of therapy do not allow to treat. In comparison, this type of therapy helps people who have social integration problems as well as some mental deficiencies . In the latter case, an increase in the popularity of this therapy has been observed in the population considered to be in the elderly.

It is also important to mention that this therapy allows to achieve positive long-term results when it comes to diseases such as anxiety and stress. But it has even been added as another alternative to treat eating disorders and anxiety disorders like OCD ; and even hyperactivity.

Some consider that it is the most recommended therapy to treat children or people of school age who have difficulties in mental development . This is the case of the population that is integrated into school failure due to attention disorders, it has been added as another pedagogical method that allows helping these children within school classrooms.

Among the many applications of art therapy, rehabilitation and mental health education stand out. In these cases, the therapist and the patient will be able to delve into those personal aspects that limit an improvement in the quality of life. A notable positive influence has even been observed on the communication skills of people with sensory, motor and social adaptation problems. 

As for the pedagogical field, it has been integrated into therapies to try to control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Likewise, its application is common in children and adolescents with depression and emotional learning problems.

Examples of art therapy

Art therapy can be carried out in different ways considering that there is a multiple variety of artistic manifestations . This means that according to the type of condition that will be treated, some of these manifestations will adapt in a better way. For example, practicing dance, theater, painting, writing and music; are just a few examples of tactics used when it comes to improving patients’ communication and social skills.

Other examples such as modeling and collage as well as painting are used in people who are treated for anxiety disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress and the like. These therapy sessions allow the patient, following a series of instructions and exercises , to express himself freely and to express information that must be shared with the therapist.

It is not necessary to have experience or artistic skills, the most important thing is that the patient feels comfortable and that he / she finds in this medium a resource that will allow him / her to interact with others. In addition, during the process a self-recognition is carried out as well as reflection on certain relevant personal issues. Aspects such as spontaneity, sincerity, responsibility and freedom must be guaranteed to be successful with this therapy.

The most practiced type of art therapy is painting and other types of manual exercises such as sculpture and handicrafts. In the pieces created the patient sees his internal world reflected , the therapist will use these to analyze the patient according to how he has expressed himself. Commitment is required on both sides, as they are responsible for each stage of this process.

Gestalt therapy is directly related to art therapy because it focuses its efforts on processes and content . This means that the emphasis of this therapy will be on addressing relevant issues for patients by analyzing from the beginning, what could have been, what it really is and the projection of future results. In this way, patients analyze in greater depth those mental aspects that affect them the most while maintaining a rational posture.

What are its benefits?

The application of art therapy in different areas has multiple benefits, not only within the field of psychology but also in pedagogy. The main reason why it has gained great popularity in these areas is because it allows people to express their feelings and ideas in a creative way . Other notable benefits are listed below:

  • It is a resource suitable for all audiences , it will not present restrictions in terms of artistic or manual abilities.
  • Psychologists often apply this type of therapy in treatment of children and adolescents, as well as with the elderly. They are because usually this part of the population that has difficulty communicating . Allowing creativity to be used freely reveals those thoughts that you want to release.
  • It is even an alternative that promotes reflection and the encounter with oneself. During the process, people will be able to recognize and analyze those emotions that affect them the most, in this way they will be able to access deep conflicts that would otherwise be more difficult to find.
  • Psychologists prefer it because they consider it to be an effective resource for accessing the unconscious. Due to the fact that during the process all kinds of objects or artistic activities are created, personal aspects are revealed.

The activities carried out during these sessions promote rapprochement and an improvement in social relationships. Interaction with other people is significantly improved by allowing us to express ourselves through different resources beyond verbal language.

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Alexa Clark specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She has experience in listening and welcoming in Individual Therapy and Couples Therapy. It meets demands such as generalized anxiety, professional, love and family conflicts, stress, depression, sexual dysfunction, grief, and adolescents from 15 years of age. Over the years, She felt the need to conduct the psychotherapy sessions with subtlety since She understands that the psychologist acts as a facilitator of self-understanding and self-acceptance, valuing each person's respect, uniqueness, and acceptance.

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