Art

Art TherapyProducts Relating to 'Art Therapy'

Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy .The client or patient is encouraged to express themselves freely by some form of art eg. painting, drawing, sculpture, and is used as a way of revealing the deeper emotions that may not otherwise be clearly expressed verbally .

Art has always been a human form of self-expression . It has been used for millenia by all cultures to convey ideas and emotions in a non verbal form.

The art work produced by a patient or client during an art therapy session can help to bring to light suppressed emotions or conflicts. Analysing the images produced can help to understand and deal with the issues that arise. It is a process of self discovery for the patient who can use one of many forms of art to express and then with the assistance of the therapist understand some of the issues that are concerning him.

The benefits of art therapy first became apparent after World War 2 when survivors of the war used art in hospitals and rehabilitation centres to help to overcome the traumas they had experienced.

Art therapy encourages self-discovery and emotional growth. involving firstly the creation of a piece of art and then discovering some of its meaning. Patients are encouraged to visualize, and then create, the thoughts and emotions that they cannot talk about. The resulting artwork is then reviewed and its meaning interpreted by the patient.

Art therapy can be particularly useful in relation to children, who frequently have limited language skills. By drawing ,painting or using other visual means to express troublesome feelings, children can begin to address these issues, even if they cannot specify these emotions with words or even understand what they are .

Art therapy is also used with traditional medicine .

The connection between mental and physical health is well documented, and art therapy can promote healing by relieving stress. Allowing the patient to develop the necessary skills to cope and come to terms with their physical ailment .

Many healthcare providers now recognise and promote art therapy . Not only by painting and sculpture but with the use of music or drama .Either as an individual one to one or a group session.

The British Association of Art Therapists (BAAT) is the professional organisation for art therapists in the United Kingdom. www.BAAT.org

The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) www.arttherapy.org is a similar body for the United States .

Article Published: Wednesday 3rd January 2007