Art Therapy: The Healing Power Of Painting & Having a Daily Practice
Frida Kahlo used her art as a way to bare her physical and emotional pain as well as help her cope with a series of tragedies through her life.
“There have been two great accidents in my life. One was the trolley, and the other was Diego. Diego was by far the worst.” F.Kahlo
Art therapy is the process of using art to explore and express emotions and ideas. It has been used for centuries to help people heal from emotional wounds. This is a very important topic to me because I've used art to help me deal with difficult situations, and I know this is not just me, the whole world has just experienced something that was hard to believe and even harder to get through.
By making art, people can open up about the things that are causing them distress, and learn to express themselves in new ways. This can help to relieve stress and improve mental health overall.
So, What's Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a form of mental health care that uses art as a medium to explore emotions, memories, and thoughts. It can be used to address a variety of issues, from depression to trauma. Art therapists use a wide variety of art forms, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking. They often work with clients one-on-one or in small groups.
While it is clear that making art can be therapeutic for some people, it's not limited to just Art therapists. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of making art by taking some time to create something. That's it, you just need to create - it doesn't need to be anything technical, beautiful or made with expensive supplies. You just need to create.
But... How Does it Work?
I don't know, I'm not a professional art therapist nor a researcher, but what does science have to say? A study published in the journal "PLoS ONE" found that people who make art experience reductions in anxiety and stress levels. During the study, the participants were asked to make a piece of art, and fill out questionnaires measuring anxiety and stress levels before and after the process.
The study, which was conducted by the University of Missouri-St. Louis, looked at the effects of art therapy on anxiety and stress levels in adults. The results showed that those who made art experienced significant reductions in anxiety and stress levels compared to those who did not. This is likely due to the fact that making art is a creative activity that involves both mental and physical efforts.
Another study, published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that your mental health can be improved by spending a small amount of time everyday creating art, independently of how skilled we are. This is likely due to the way that art allows us to process and express emotions in new and creative ways, as well as provide a space for self-reflection. In addition, art can be an effective way to connect with others, which can help relieve loneliness and increase social support.
Who Can Benefit From Art Therapy?
Art therapy can be beneficial for anyone who needs a break from their normal routine. It can help people who are struggling with mental health issues, as well as those who just need some time to relax and reflect.
And finally, there are many benefits to art therapy. Some of the benefits include: reducing stress, improving communication, and building self-esteem. It can also help people with mental health issues by providing them with a creative outlet.
In conclusion, art therapy is a powerful tool that can be used by anyone to heal from emotional wounds. It is a safe and effective way to explore your feelings and find resolution.
I either paint or draw every day and even though it was hard to make it a habit nowadays I enjoy it a lot.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor nor an expert, this is my personal approach and although art therapy has really helped me through difficult situations, you should always contact a professional to find the best treatment for you.
