What is it?
A type of therapy that uses art to express thoughts and emotions.
Aims to reduce distress & improve mental health & wellbeing.
Promotes insight, self-compassion, sense of agency & self-worth.
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Description
Art therapy is a type of therapy that uses creative activities like drawing, painting, or sculpting as a way to help people explore their feelings and express themselves. It’s a bit different from just making art for fun; in art therapy, the focus is on using the creative process to work through personal challenges, reduce stress, or deal with emotional issues.
In a typical art therapy session, you might work with a trained therapist who guides you in creating art while also talking about what you’re feeling. The art you create isn’t judged for how it looks—what’s important is what it reveals about your thoughts and emotions. This process can be really helpful for people who find it hard to put their feelings into words or who are going through tough times.
Overall, art therapy can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional healing, and personal growth, especially if you find that expressing yourself through art feels more natural or comfortable than talking.
What is the theory behind art and creative therapies?
What is the theory behind art and creatives therapy?
Art and creative therapies are guided by several key theories that help explain how and why they work. These include:
- Expressive therapy, which suggests that using art and creativity allows people to express feelings and thoughts that might be hard to talk about.
- Psychodynamic theory, which proposes that art helps uncover unconscious emotions and experiences from the past.
- Humanistic theory focuses on personal growth and self-discovery, believing that creating art can help you explore and understand your true self.
- Cognitive-behavioral approaches highlight how engaging in creative activities can shift negative thought patterns and improve mental well-being.
These theories together, along with others, support the idea that art and creativity can be powerful tools for healing and self-exploration.
What to expect from art therapy
- Assessment
During an ACT assessment, you’ll have a chance to talk with a therapist about what’s been bothering you and how it’s affecting your life. They’ll help you explore your feelings and thoughts, and you’ll discuss what really matters to you and what goals you want to set. The therapist will also look at how you’re currently dealing with problems and introduce you to some new ways to handle them, like mindfulness and acceptance. Together, you’ll come up with a plan to help you work on these goals.
- What might a typical session look like?
In the first sessions of ACT therapy, you’ll work with your therapist to figure out what’s really important to you. After that, the focus shifts to helping you connect with those values and apply them to your everyday life.
Here’s what a typical ACT session might look like:
- Reviewing Progress: You’ll talk about the past week, recognising and celebrating actions that aligned with your values.
- Examining Challenges: You’ll look at actions that didn’t match your values and explore what got in the way.
- Working Through Barriers: Using ACT techniques, you’ll tackle those obstacles to help you move towards your values in the future.
Your therapist will guide you in applying these concepts to your life, which might include practicing acceptance or developing a different perspective on your thoughts and feelings.
Sessions may also include mindfulness exercises to help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a non-judgmental way.
Additionally, your therapist might point out when your actions didn’t align with your values and help you figure out what changes would better reflect your values. They might assign personalised homework, like mindfulness or values exercises, to practice between sessions.
- Length of treatment
ACT usually lasts for a few months, but the exact length depends on your needs and goals. Most people start to see progress after about 8 to 12 sessions. However, if you’re dealing with more complex issues or want to explore things more deeply, you might continue for a longer time.
Stat
There are over 2,500 art therapists in the UK
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What issues can art and creative therapies help with?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) acknowledges art therapy as a useful treatment approach for certain conditions, such as:
- Schizophrenia and psychosis
- Depression
- Autism spectrum disorder
While NICE guidelines do not provide specific recommendations for art therapy for every mental health condition, it is often considered as a useful complementary approach in the treatment of:
- Anxiety
- Trauma and PTSD
- Addiction
- Eating disorders
Pros and cons of art and creative therapies
Art and creative therapies can be powerful tools for improving mental health and well-being. However, their effectiveness might vary depending on what issues you are facing. It is important to talk with a mental health professional to determine if it’s the right fit for you.
- Pros
Express Yourself Freely: Art and creative therapies give you a unique way to express your feelings, thoughts, and experiences that might be hard to put into words. This can be especially helpful if you find it difficult to talk about your emotions directly.
Boost Creativity: Engaging in creative activities can enhance your creative thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s not just about making art; it’s about developing new ways to approach challenges.
Stress Relief: The process of creating art or engaging in creative activities can be relaxing and meditative, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It offers a break from daily pressures and can be a soothing escape.
Build Self-Esteem: Completing a creative project can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your confidence. Seeing your own progress and creations can be really satisfying.
Enhanced Emotional Understanding: Through art and creative expression, you can gain better insight into your emotions and experiences. This can lead to a deeper understanding of yourself and your personal struggles.
- Cons
Initial Hesitation or Discomfort: If you’re not used to creative activities or art, you might initially feel uncomfortable or self-conscious. It can take time to feel at ease and confident in expressing yourself creatively.
Varied Effectiveness: Art and creative therapies may not work for everyone or every issue. The effectiveness can vary depending on personal preferences and the issues you are struggling with.
Time and Effort: Creative therapies require time and commitment. If you’re busy or not particularly interested in art or creativity, it might feel like an added task rather than a helpful tool.
Skill Level Concerns: Some people worry that their lack of artistic skills or experience will impact the therapy’s effectiveness. However, art therapy is more about the process and expression than the end product.
Potential for Frustration: If you’re struggling with your mental health, engaging in creative activities might sometimes lead to frustration, especially if you feel your creations don’t match your expectations or if you encounter creative blocks. This is something your therapist will guide you through.
Limited Research for Some Issues: While there is growing evidence supporting art and creative therapies, it may not have as extensive research backing as more traditional therapies. This means it might be used as a complementary rather than primary treatment.
Voice
A review of the evidence on children accessing art therapy in schools shows that it improves their concentration and attendance, their peer relationships, and interactions with teachers. Overall art therapy improves and benefits children’s wellbeing and engagement in school.
- Jamie Williams, Lead Art Psychotherapist, The Creative Arts Therapy Service (CATS)
How can I access art and creative therapies?
How can I access art and creative therapies?
Access to arts and creative therapies can be challenging and varies by location. Here’s a summary of how you might find these services:
NHS: Arts and creative therapies may be available through NHS mental health services, either in the community or during hospital stays. Availability differs by region. Check with your GP for local options and referrals.
Charity Sector: Some charities and voluntary organisations offer arts therapies. These services can be hard to find, so it’s helpful to ask around and consult resources on finding support through charities.
Private Sector: You can access arts therapies privately, though it may be costly. Art and creative therapy requires specific training and specialist skills to deliver it safely and competently. To make sure your therapist is professional accredited, you can look on websites such as:
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