Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.The creative process involved in expressing one’s self artistically can help people to resolve issues as well as develop and manage their behaviours and feelings, reduce stress, and improve self-esteem and awareness.

Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy and we use Mandala art, zentanglement, sand play, clay art, painting and much more. Art therapy combines traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, especially the affective properties of the different art materials.

Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art.

 

Young children often rely on their limited language skills to express complex thoughts and emotions. That barrier can be breached with methods of expression they understand a little better, like drawing and colouring. Teens can also benefit from a pressure-free, consequence-free medium for their thoughts and feelings.

 

Just because adults have more experience with language than children doesn’t necessarily mean they are any better at understanding their own emotions and telling others what they’re experiencing. Often, in dealing with adult problems, it’s even harder to articulate what hurts and why.

 

Art therapy has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help reduce feelings of isolation. This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness.

 

Positive results in art therapy may often be achieved by those facing issues such as:

Anxiety

Depression

Substance dependency

Stress

Posttraumatic stress

Attention deficit hyperactivity

Aging and geriatric issues

Cancer

Compassion fatigue

Heart disease

Anorexia

Bulimia

Other eating disorders

Cognitive impairments

Family or relationship issues

Because art therapy allows people to express feelings on any subject through creative work rather than with speech, it is believed to be particularly helpful for those who feel out of touch with their emotions or feelings. Individuals experiencing difficulty discussing or remembering painful experiences may also find art therapy especially beneficial.