Art Therapy Benfits

Although conventional psychotherapy has its benefits there are many alternative therapies such as music therapy, hypnosis and even color therapy that have had a measure of success in treating various conditions and enhancing well-being. Art therapy is one such form of treatment. Art therapy is a form of expression that strives to aid the emotional state of those that have suffered mental trauma and emotional abuse.

Art therapy is based on a belief that the creative process is healing and life affirming. For many people psychological trauma can be difficult to express in words. Art therapy provides a creative outlet for pent up emotions and hurtful feelings that are too painful to express verbally.

It is also quite successful in working with young children who lack the words to express themselves adequately. Young children are naturally creative and artistic. They can express their feelings and emotions quite easily through drawing or painting. Most children feel right at home when given crayons or paint and allowed to express themselves through their creations of artwork.

In this sense, art therapy can be a much more viable means of communication rather than mere talking. Children may be more apt to express traumatic events through art when they cannot or will not do so through the use of words. Often traumatic events that have been buried deep in the subconscious will surface through the art. Once the emotions have been released healing can then begin to take place.

Art therapy can be used to treat a variety of emotional conditions such as bipolar and posttraumatic stress disorders. Besides helping to improve mental and emotional health art therapy can increase self-awareness, cognitive abilities, reduce stress and assist in healing the emotional effects of traumatic experiences. Art therapy can even be beneficial to children with learning disorders