THE WHO OF ART THERAPY
Adrian Hill and Margaret Naumburg are the two most known for introducing art therapy into the mental health services scene in the 1940s to 1950s. Their contributions are what shaped what we know as art therapy today. Adrian Hill discovered the therapeutic benefit of drawing and painting while recovering from tuberculosis. His work highlighted the healing potential of creative expression and laid the groundwork for art therapy as a profession. Margaret Naumburg integrated principles of psychoanalysis and the use of spontaneous art expression as a means of access and exploring the unconscious mind. Her work helped establish art therapy as a recognised therapeutic discipline.
THE WHAT OF ART THERAPY
Art therapy uses creative expression to help clients communicate their experiences, explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflict, gain self-awareness, manage their behaviour, gain some distance and perspective, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem - to name but a few of the benefits.
KEY PROCESSES OF ART THERAPY
Creating Art
Using art as a tool, the process itself is therapeutic and creates a non-verbal way to express emotions and experiences. From drawing to painting to collage to dance and drama, there's no limit to what creative tools can be used.
Reflection and Insight
You can stop just at the creation or you can then use the creation to gain insight into thoughts, feelings and experiences that can allow for an uncovering of underlying issues and promote self-discovery.
Therapeutic Relationship
With all therapy, the therapeutic relationship is vital. Humans need humans and it is integral to the healing process that we have a trusting and supportive relationship between therapist and client. It is the therapist's job to create a safe space for self-expression through creative means and to provide a plethora of creative tools for the client to try.
Symbolism and Metaphor
Art therapy allows the powerful use of symbolism and metaphor found within the creations the client makes that help explore complex emotions and experiences. This is what helps a client express what might be difficult to put into words.
Mind-Body Connection
The kinesthetic nature of creating, that is the way the client uses their body to express themselves, builds a mind-body awareness. This connection between the mind and body can help clients process trauma and emotional pain stored in the body.
Emotional Release and Regulation
Being creative provides a means for emotional release and helps clients learn how to regulate their emotions. The process of creating can be a calming and meditative experience that helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Empowerment and Self-Esteem
Having control of the creative experience and successfully creating art can help boost self-esteem, and give a sense of accomplishment.
Problem-solving and Coping Skills
Creativity allows an opportunity to develop problem-solving skills and copy strategies through the art-making process as the client must figure out how to create what they want to and how to manage emotions that arise during the process, especially if it doesn't go the way they were wanting or expecting. The process allows individuals to approach challenges in new and creative ways.
Art therapy is facilitated by trained art therapists who provide the space, tools and guidance for clients as they explore and begin to understand the meanings and emotions behind their creations. Art therapy has a way of making known that which sometimes even the client wasn't aware of and allows for safe and deep exploration of the sometimes hidden aspects of our lives. The accident the client made during the process could be the very thing that brings about a whole new way of viewing an experience. That frustration felt when the process isn't doing what the client wants it to could be the key to a shift of behaviour.
I know I am biased, being trained in art therapy myself and having experienced the incredible gift of healing, shifting of views and insight it has provided me over the years, AND I think there is something incredibly powerful and magical about the entire process that no other form of therapy has going for it. Art therapy often skips the conscious mind and gets right into the subconscious, bringing to light what was previously hidden in the dark but needed to be seen to be able to move forward.
Art therapy is great for all ages in various settings from mental health clinics, schools, hospitals, aged care facilities, community centres and more. Whether you are experienced or inexperienced with the art materials, everyone can experience and gain benefits from art therapy.
Now go Express Yourself Unapologetically!
If You Need Extra Support
Australia (Call 000 in a medical emergency)
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ 1300 22 46 36
Lifeline - 13 11 14 or SMS 0477 13 11 14
Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ (02) 9382 2991
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
Beyond Blue - 1300 22 4636
Around the World
BetterHelp - https://www.betterhelp.com/
New Zealand - Lifeline - 0800 543 354
USA and Canada - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988 (call 911 in a medical emergency)
UK - Samaritans - 116 123
UK - SANEline - 0300 304 7000
Canada - https://kidshelpphone.ca/ 1800 668 68 68 or text 68 68 68
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