In a world where words often fall short, a profound form of therapy emerges, one that communicates through colors, shapes, and strokes. Art therapy, a specialized branch, is a testament to its unique approach. Here, therapists blend psychotherapeutic techniques with creative processes and art media, enhancing the lives of individuals, families, and communities in a way that words alone cannot.
British artist Adrian Hill first coined the term 'art therapy' in 1942. During his recovery from tuberculosis, Hill found solace in drawing, using it as a vessel to express his emotions of anger, frustration, and sadness. This journey led him to discover art’s subtle yet impactful healing properties, which he then sought to share with others. His journey culminated in the publication of his book “Art Versus Illness”, a significant milestone in the history of this disciplinary field.
There are different kinds of creative therapies, including:
Visual arts therapy
Music therapy
Drama therapy
Dance-movement therapy
Does Art Therapy Work? If so, how?
Art therapy is a relatively new field, but it still has much to offer in terms of its approaches. However, while we know that art therapy can be beneficial, it's worth taking a closer look at how it works.
I mean, what is it about creating art that can have such a positive impact on our mental well-being? Does art therapy work, and how effective is it in doing so?
The graph above is taken from a study conducted in 2020. It aimed to explore the perceived benefits of art therapy for patients through a survey to see how it improved their daily, emotional, and social functioning.
The results revealed notable improvement in many aspects, particularly in expressing emotions, self-image, autonomy, and pattern recognition. Patients made it clear that they perceived these target areas are because of art therapy, with the results higher after three months.
When patients find a means to express themselves through their artwork, they also discover the ability to share this experience with others. As a result, it positively influences the social aspects of their lives. This aligns with the concept that creating meaningful art in the presence of others can serve as a bridge for communication about emotions between the patient, therapists, and others involved.
If you want to learn more, please click HERE for an insightful video!
Reference List
Haeyen, S., Chakhssi, F. and Van Hooren, S. (2020). Benefits of Art Therapy in People Diagnosed With Personality Disorders: A Quantitative Survey. frontiers in Psychology, 11, p.8. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00686.
Hu, J., Zhang, J., Hu, L., Yu, H. and Xu, J. (2021). Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology, [online] 12(34456801). doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.686005.
Mcmath, A. (2023). The Compelling Impact of Art Therapy: 6 Eye-Opening Statistics. [online] Black Alphabet. Available at: https://www.blackalphabet.org/post/the-compelling-impact-of-art-therapy-6-eye-opening-statistics.
Perkes, I. and Versitano, S. (2024). Lost for words? Research shows art therapy brings benefits for mental health. [online] The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/lost-for-words-research-shows-art-therapy-brings-benefits-for-mental-health-221309#:~:text=Art%20therapy%20has%20been%20associated.
Shukla, A., Choudhari, S.G., Gaidhane, A.M. and Quazi Syed, Z. (2022). Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health: a Critical Review. Cureus, 14(8).
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