Art has evolved alongside humanity for tens of thousands of years, remaining an essential part of our cultures. From ancient cave paintings to art pieces that still shape our societies, art has always been a powerful tool for storytelling, religious expression, social commentary, and personal reflection. While it has traditionally been appreciated for its aesthetic and cultural significance, its role has expanded today. Art as therapy is a new and unprecedented way of utilizing creativity to promote well-being, emotional healing, and self-discovery which usually are taken care of in different ways.
There are numerous types of art therapy, all of which are included in five main groups: visual art, photography, clay, music, and dance therapy.
- Visual Art therapy involves painting, drawing, and other visual media. A pencil or brush acts as a tool for the canvas to absorb all our concerns. We can draw or paint to express our emotions.
- Photography therapy allows us to capture moments, emotions, and perspectives through the lens of a camera. It also encourages us to walk outside to new places and expose ourselves to different environments. The various environments break the monotony of daily routines, offering a fresh perspective and a mental rest. We can remove familiar triggers as we make memories in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Clay therapy is a tactile form of art, in which we can sculpt or mold clay. The hands-on nature of this practice can be meditative for some people, making it an effective way to deal with anxiety or sensory processing challenges.
- Music therapy influences us through composing, listening to music, or playing instruments. Participating in any kind of music therapy can release emotional stress and promote our unique communication skills. It is a nonverbal means of expression, which can be helpful for some who struggle with social communication. Through rhythms and melodies, we can practice a way of communicating in an enjoyable and stress-free way.
- Dance therapy helps us connect with our entire body, not just our hands
Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental conditions and psychological distress. Some conditions where art therapy may be used include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and relationship problems. Studies of adults who experienced trauma found that art therapy reduced trauma symptoms and depression. It also helped patients undergoing cancer treatment improve their quality of life and mediate psychological symptoms. There is only a little research on how art therapy improves mental health, and more data is needed to fully acknowledge the effectiveness of this new form of therapy. For those who have found joy in art and are looking for therapeutic support, art therapy offers a meaningful path toward healing and inner growth.
At Berkshire, there are countless art programs, such as Studio Art, Ceramics, Photography, Digital Music, Acting, Chamber Music, and Chorus. These courses can help students manage stress during challenging academic classes. This contemporary approach conveys therapeutic power, offering everyone a unique way to express emotions beyond words. Try taking a deeper interest in art!
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-art-therapy-2795755
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01531/full
