Types of therapy
At Paracelsus Recovery, our 360-degree approach to healing often includes therapeutic techniques such as Art Therapy. Art therapy combines psychotherapy with the artistic process to facilitate self-exploration and the expression of thoughts and feelings that are otherwise difficult to articulate.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy where various artistic methods are used as a strategy to facilitate healing. It is commonly used as part of a comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment programmes. The aim of art therapy is to offer creative ways to explore self-expression in order to gain insights about their emotions and thoughts and find resolution to any issues causing distress. When you are struggling with a mental health or addiction issue, it can be hard, if not impossible, to put into words how you are feeling. As a non-verbal process, art offers a unique way for people to communicate their feelings.
Art therapy is facilitated by art therapists and psychologists who are also trained in art. They propose using different techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, photography, sculpting, dooling, colouring and working with clay. Art therapy can also take the form of theatre therapy, music therapy, writing therapy or dance movement psychotherapy. You do not need to be artistically talented to do art therapy, nor is the purpose of art therapy to work towards completing a finished product. Instead, art therapy is about focussing on your inner experience as you immerse yourself in the creative process. While art is the primary mode of expression during an art therapy session, the process may also involve talking with the art therapist.
What are the benefits of art therapy?
While art therapy can help anyone, it is particularly beneficial for those navigating crisis, trauma, grief or life changes in circumstance. This makes it suitable for those who are experiencing mental health issues, chronic health issues or substance abuse disorders. A main benefit of art therapy is that it provides those navigating challenges a creative outlet for exploring and expressing challenging feelings and understanding themselves better. As they create art, clients may see themes coming up and be offered new perspectives about their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Because art offers a way for the subconscious to express itself creatively, insights may be profound. For many of our clients, art therapy has proven immensely helpful, particularly for those in artistic fields and for whom art always served as a kind of coping mechanism.
Aside from this, the process of creating and appreciating art helps clients develop new coping skills to navigate current and future challenges. Art therapy can also boost self-compassion, self-esteem, self-worth and a sense of agency. In addition, participating in art therapy offers a refreshing break from intensive talk therapy and a soothing way to manage stress. It is important to note that art therapy is not a standalone treatment for mental health or addiction issues; it must be offered alongside traditional psychotherapy and other treatments. At Paracelsus Recovery, we include art therapy in our holistic, comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment programmes whenever we believe it will be beneficial.
Is art therapy evidence-based?
IIt is known that even just the presence of art can enhance mental health. In the case of art therapy, there is growing evidence of its efficacy as a complementary mental health and addiction treatment modality. This includes conditions such as anxiety, depression and trauma, as well as those suffering from serious health conditions like cancer. For example, a review into research on art therapy found that using art therapy as a complementary treatment helps to improve mental health.
Research into art therapy as an effective treatment for trauma is promising. While more research is needed, art therapy has the potential to reduce not only psychological trauma symptoms but also depression. There is experimental evidence that art therapy can reduce your stress and have a positive effect on your mental health due to its ability to lower cortisol levels. Art therapy can also help those suffering from pain to manage their pain as their mental focus is pulled away from the pain while immersed in the creative process. While research into art therapy shows promise, further research is needed.
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