Art is a powerful form of expression, and it has no bias – regardless of a person’s age, race, gender or culture, they have the drive to create. As far back as the 1940s, mental health professionals realized the power of art in mental health counseling and have been using it ever since.
A recent survey of more than 1,500 patients revealed that 43% of them preferred to use art therapy to help with recovery. It was eye-opening because it showed that patients were also aware of the power of art in the healing process.
The American Art Therapy Association has more than 5,000 members, and it is estimated that there are more than 11,000 art therapists in the country. These numbers indicate a need for therapists who understand the use of art in counseling and its benefits for patients. Mental health counseling students as well as nurses who specialize in mental health now have the option to take art therapy as an additional module.
Those who enroll in online MSN FNP programs, for example, can add art therapy to their training so that by the time they graduate, they know how to apply it to help mental health patients. MSN FNP programs from universities such as American International College cover topics such as the art and science of advanced nursing, advanced concepts of health assessment and primary care clinical management. In addition to these courses, those who are interested can apply with their respective departments to join art therapy classes. The courses are all online, so students can learn at their own pace, and professionals can learn and work at the same time.
If you are interested in using art therapy in your career, it is important to understand what it is and how it is applied.
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of therapy that makes use of a patient’s artistic creativity to improve their mental, emotional and physical health. It helps patients manage behaviors and feelings, eliminate negative thoughts, and build their self-esteem.
Patients don’t need to be artistic geniuses to benefit from this kind of therapy. The premise behind it is that we are all capable of making art, so if a person can draw on a piece of paper, paint or even make a sculpture, they can enjoy the benefits of art therapy.
How does art therapy work?
The process uses creative expression to tap into one’s thoughts, feelings and experiences. Instead of relying on language, which can be limited when patients try to talk about their feelings, the process relies on sensory, perceptual and symbolic tools.
Art therapy doesn’t look to find out what is ‘wrong’ with a patient – rather, it focuses on what is working and what best helps patients access their feelings. Many therapists prefer to do group sessions when they use art therapy, but they can also do individual sessions depending on the patient’s diagnosis and what is needed to help them get better. Patients are also encouraged to do art therapy at home whenever they feel negative thoughts or feelings coming on.
What are the benefits of art therapy?
- It gives patients an accessible outlet.
- It has been known to reduce stress.
- It is often used to channel negative thoughts and feelings.
- It is used to alleviate depression.
- People with emotional difficulties can use it as a way to express themselves.
- It has proved useful in treating those with PTSD.
- It is also a beneficial tool for those fighting substance abuse.
What creative arts are used in art therapy?
Visual arts
Visual arts use mediums such as drawing, sculpting, collage, painting, weaving and even scribbling. Patients are encouraged to channel their feelings using any of these mediums, and they can choose what they find most helpful.
Visual arts are commonly used in mental health facilities and rehab centers to help calm down patients, reduce their stress levels and alleviate depression. They are encouraged to do whatever comes to them and to express how they feel in their work.
Music
Music is a popular form of therapy and it addresses a range of mental, cognitive and social issues. Most therapists use a combination of active and receptive techniques.
Active music therapy means that the patient is involved in some sort of creativity, such as singing or playing an instrument. They are free to express themselves in the process and they can discuss how they feel when taking part in their chosen activity.
Receptive therapies require the patient to listen and respond to music. Afterward, they can discuss how it made them feel, whether the lyrics resonated with them, or even whether it made them feel like they wanted to dance.
Drama
Drama uses the power of storytelling to tap into a patient’s feelings and helps them to access their inner thoughts and express themselves better.
Storytelling as a form of therapy is an old technique that was used in Europe in the 18th century, and it can be used to deal with trauma, relationship problems, post-traumatic stress and other mental health difficulties.
Drama can be used in an individual or group setting depending on the kind of help the patient needs. Some therapists also use it in the family setting to encourage family members to express themselves.
Does art therapy have side effects?
When not used correctly, art therapy has the potential to harm the patient, so it should only be undertaken by therapists who are trained to use it. In some patients, it can cause even higher levels of anxiety, especially if they feel that they are under pressure to be creative. It can also bring to the surface certain emotions that, if not properly processed, can harm the patient. Some patients have reported that they have difficulty coping when art therapy is abruptly terminated.
Conclusion
Art therapy is a powerful mental health counseling tool and can help patients process their emotions without necessarily putting them into words. It should, however, be applied only by trained professionals who understand how best to use it to help their patients.