Art Therapy
“Every child is an artist; the problem is how to be one after growing up” – Picasso
Art Therapy and creativity have a special place in psychology; through it, one may understand an individual better. Creating an image has many uses – it can trigger a cathartic release of emotion, express a conscious view on a particular theme, build self-esteem or even pinpoint deeper issues in the subconscious mind. Art Therapy and creativity have a special place in providing pyscho – social support to a patient in palliative care or suffering from-stroke, dementia, trauma, natural disaster etc. The patient identifies and uses “Art” to work through anger, resentment and other emotional stressors, and to achieve better outcomes.
I use Art Therapy as a tool to overcome mental illness, medical illness, grief and depression. The purpose of Art Therapy is to help an individual heal and express through non-verbal means. I help an individual to undertake a journey of self discovery, personal fulfillment, empowerment and pain management (both emotional and physical) all of which finally give relief and relaxation.
In my experience, Art Therapy along with Music Therapy give great results especially with small children who can’t verbally express themselves.
- Self expression and Self Discovery.
- Reflection and Creativity
- Control, Relaxation and relief.
- Communication and Catharsis.
- Personal fulfillment and Empowerment.
- Helps in exploring changes, confusion, anxiety, relationships and beliefs.
- Increases mental and emotional well being.
- Encourages non-verbal communication which other therapies may not.
- Provides an alternative means of 'voicing' emotions, assisting people who struggle to express how they feel.
- Increases self esteem by allowing us to 'create from the soul'. In seeing their own creation, both adults and children alike take pride in the beauty of their achievement.
- It is not about making a pretty picture.
- It is not a therapy designed for artists who are unwell.
- It is not about interpreting hidden messages in pictures.
- It is not about using art to distract people from their problems.
- Couple counselling.
- Grief therapy.
- Stress management.
- Group / Team building exercises.
- Pain control and physical rehabilitation.
