About Art Therapy

Significance

• Art therapy has been one of the most admirable and suggested types of therapy for those who find it difficult to maintain a stable mental and physical stamina. Because of its unique approach, many therapists and scientists believe in the power of creativity and thus use art therapy to recognize and identify the hidden expressions of the person. It has become an official form of psychotherapeutic techniques, sprouting new organizations and institutions that aim to utilize it to its maximum potential.
  
  

Function

• Regardless of a person's need for therapy, art therapy aims to improve and maintain the overall mental health and emotional well-being of a person. Through the patient's creation art therapists attempt to analyze and identify certain symbols and metaphors that are usually difficult to express through normal means such as talking.
  
  

Types

• Depending on which form of art therapy the patient is most comfortable with and with which the patient can fully express himself, a variety of art forms may be utilized during sessions. During an art session a patient might be requested to go through various forms of art therapy, which can range from drawing to sculpting statues. Those who prefer sketching and drawing can do so to express themselves while those who prefer creating things with their bare hands can do so by sculpting or clay making.
  
  

Effects

• Although art therapy affects lives of all ages and all stages, many abused and neglected children are greatly transformed by this therapy. It enables people to rediscover themselves to the point of changing their previous negative antics to better, fruitful ones.
  
  

Benefits

• By improving their mental and emotional states to the point of elevating one's well-being and self-esteem, art therapy also benefits those with challenges expressing their feelings and controlling their emotions. Those seeking help controlling their inner selves can now do so through this type of therapy.