Using Art Therapy to Find Purpose
“Everyone finds different outlets for coping; some play sports, others get lost in a book, and even video games act as stress relievers. As of recent, art therapy is rising in popularity — even for those who classify themselves as unartistic.
Flow state is vital for those who constantly ruminate, experience manic episodes, or are simply overwhelmed, as it helps achieve a healthier balance between stress and relaxation. Activities that are deemed as art therapy — such as dancing, theater, writing, and music — may induce this flow for some individuals.
Let’s break down each subgroup of art therapy:
Dance Therapy
Dance therapy, or movement therapy, utilizes movement to promote social, emotional, cognitive, and physical integration. In a typical session, a therapist will guide you in breathing and mindful movement, promoting emotion-based thoughts and feelings.
Drama Therapy
Drama therapy involves using theater-based techniques to act out a series of events. It is used to help an individual gain self-confidence and explore new problem-solving skills.
Writing Therapy
Writing therapy incorporates writing into a patient’s therapy routine. The patient can write in any genre or style they please, including poetry, stories, narratives, dialogue, humorous stories, or journaling.
Music Therapy
Music therapy ranges anywhere from playing music to creating it. Some therapists utilize passive and active interactions with music, depending on the needs of their clients.
Art Therapy
Art therapy uses creative expression to explore self-expression and develop new coping skills. Therapists will often have their clients paint, sculpt, or sketch out whatever comes to mind. At the conclusion of the session, the client reflects on their work, noting how it makes them feel.”
Read the complete full article on Medium
✨Takeaway: One of the most popular treatments for people with
physical and mental difficulties and disorders is art therapy. You don't have
to be talented to reap its rewards!
✨Reflection: Have you tried any form of art therapy? If not, would you like to
try art therapy?
#Art #Therapy #MentalHealth #Coping #Hobbies
@innateJoy9602
This is a great article! I did not pay much attention to art therapy before because there was not much data on how effective it is and for what people it works the best - therefore; I preferred therapies such as ERP, CBT, etc. However, I recently noticed that it could do wonders and work better than these therapies if it is the right fit. I have not tried it before even though perhaps my coping connected to listening to music could be similar to how art therapy helps.
@innateJoy9602 My favorite type is drama therapy. Most other art therapy methods are mostly focusing on emotions and behavior which can be highly effectived and therapeutic. However, what's unique with drama therapy is that it helps you represent the situation in real time and visualize any problems in order to solve them in long term. So a big part of it involves mental activity too apart from just emotion and behavior. Thank you for the informative post!
I wrote several hours today and it was very therapeutic and helped me move on from yesterday, which was not a good mental health day. Today was much better thanks to a few focused writing assignments.
I wrote about what happened yesterday and what I need to do in order to not get to that dark place again. I took some notes for an online article that I am writing. I am also outlining several chapters for a novel. I may never finish said novel, but I truly enjoyed working on the chapters today and really feel the story coming today. So, I count today as a win. 🙂
Art therapy is wonderful. I love to paint ceramics too, but that can get costly. Haha. But, it’s fun to do on occasion.
@Olive1Q82
I'm sorry you had a bad mental health day yesterday<3 I'm glad to hear that writing helped you feel better!
I loved how you took the approach to write about the bad and the steps you need to take to overcome a day like that! Also, the fact that you started writing is great enough; even if you don't finish the novel. What matters is the process and that you are enjoying it! :)
Thank you for reading and for your wonderful reflection💛💫
@innateJoy9602
I got my AS in psychology and wanted to get the BS and MS and then go into practice helping people with trauma as a Licensed Practicing Art therapist. It turns out there was no benevolent and good God in existence that could empower this.
@BasketCase505
That sounds like a lovely goal! I'm sorry it didn't happen. But, it's never to late. <3💛💫
@innateJoy9602 no money, money is required to get an accredited BA/BS and an MS/MA in this field or a related one to even apply for a certification to provide therapy. After the Master's degree, it requires two years of supervision before someone is certified. In the United States, this is a horrible mess, but the US is never known for medical or mental health care.
@innateJoy9602
Wonderful article!
I have taken drama lessons (very intense emotionally), sang in choirs and played musical instruments. I listen a lot to music. I used to draw and paint and wish to get back asap.
None of these were done under the guidance of a therapist, or with therapeutic purposes, but I have found Art very healing indeed.
@HealingTalk
I love that you took the initiate yourself!!
I'm happy to hear that you found it healing! drama as a form of art therapy does sound like a great mechanism as to getting a lot of emotions out! I'll have to try it someday! <3
Thanks for reading💛💫
@innateJoy9602
You are welcome!
Thank you for sharing this great material! ❤️
