Discover and Recover your Inner Self with Art Therapy

For some people art is creativity, but for some art is a way of enjoyment and relaxation. Art is an inspiring and relaxing activity that is known to be effective for mental health. Art reduces stress, anxiety, and other issues from life and establishes peace and calm.

It is also beneficial to overcome PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), phobias, and depression. In this blog, I have covered a 101 guide for Art Therapy. So, let’s get started.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a way to define your application of visual art in relation to the improvement of mental health. If you think you’ve got this, and you can do this, you can opt for art therapy which can be really therapeutic. You can begin your art therapy with various simple activities like the creation of collages, sketching, journaling, and small play with clay.

Choose any artistic activity which you enjoy the most and comfortable in doing it. Or, you can also opt to learn a new skill in an artistic way. These activities help our mind and soul to build healthy connections with people and are effective for depression.

Mental Health-Related Benefits of Art Therapy

Below-mentioned are some of the mental health-related benefits of Art Therapy. Art therapy helps in managing the behaviors, processing feelings, reducing anxiety and stress, and increasing self-esteem.

1. Self-esteem

The procedure of art therapy provides you the feeling acknowledgment and accomplishment which in turn increases confidence and self-appreciation.

2. Self-discovery

The creation of art opens our visual thinking and creativity which leads to a discovery or invention which improves our subconscious mind. Basically, art therapy helps us to discover again.

3. Stress reducer

Art therapy helps to fight depression, emotional trauma, and anxiety. Art therapy relieves stress from mind and body and establishes calm and peace.

4. Relieve from emotional disaster

Whenever you experience mood swings or find yourself in an emotional roller-coaster, art therapy will relax your mind, will help you to live in the present moment, and will take you on the road of self-acceptance.

5. Fight negativity and establishes positivity

Yes, it is true; being artistic flourishes and embraces your bright side. Art brings out the creative and positive side of yours which helps to fight all the negativities which come in between.

6. Releases dopamine

Art therapy makes you calm which releases a happy hormone named dopamine. The release of dopamine is really beneficial and effective for fighting depression, anxiety, and stress.

Who Can Practice Art Therapy?

Anyone who feels pressurized or overwhelmed can practice art therapy. The creation of art slows down the negative emotions and let the mind explore various visualizations that come in a creative form. Moreover, there is no age limit for art therapy, and it is not important to experience something bad to practice art therapy.

You can practice art therapy as a hobby also. You can also recommend art therapy to the people experiencing anxiety, adjustment disorder, grief and loss, eating disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder, relationship issues, and whatnot.

Art therapy does not focus on converting a person into an artist, art therapy is being practiced to find inner self and maintain a connection with life. All you need to be is a little more creative and imagination power should be strong.

Where You can Practice Art Therapy?

The therapist who takes the help of art therapy uses a variety of methods like painting, drawing, sculpture, or collage. You can find art therapists online, mental health offices, community organizations, inpatient offices, schools, and other community places.

Below-mentioned are some of the specific setting wherein art therapy is practiced: 

• Community centers 
• Art studios 
• College and universities 
• Group homes 
• Correctional facilities 
• Homeless shelters 
• High schools and elementary schools
• Private therapy offices 
• Hospitals 
• Senior centers 
• Residential treatment centers 
• Wellness centers 
• Women’s shelter 

Art therapy is all about letting people focus on their thoughts, feelings, and experiences instead of focusing on the drawing technique. While creating something, people are asked to focus on their feelings, imagination, and perceptions. People are encouraged for creating something that expresses their thoughts and feelings so that the therapist can get an idea of thoughts and create coping strategies accordingly.

I hope this blog helps you to understand Art Therapy in brief. Comment down and share your art therapy experience with us. For more such content, follow Calm Sage on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!

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