How art therapy can promote mental health

In times when stress, fear and depression are on the rise worldwide, more and more people are looking for alternatives to promote and preserve their mental health.

Art therapy is a particularly effective method .

Creative work promotes emotional well -being and helps to process internal conflicts gently. Find out here under what circumstances you use art therapy and how it works.

A widespread prejudice

A widespread prejudice in the field of art therapy is that one has to have artistic talent in order to benefit from a therapist. However, this assumption is fundamentally misleading. In fact, anyone who wishes can benefit from this form of therapy - regardless of their artistic talent.

In contrast to the widespread performance, art therapy is not the focus of the creation of works of art, but rather the opportunity to find access to his own inner world and to deal intensively with your own feelings.

Therefore, it is often referred to as the "mirror of the soul" . This underlines the therapeutic value that creative processes can have as part of self -reflection and personal development.

What actually happens in art therapy?

Art therapy is a psychotherapeutic method that is used primarily in psychosomatic and psychiatric institutions together with other therapy approaches. It is useful for people with physical complaints and patients with psychological difficulties.

Art therapy is a relatively young discipline that is used in many psychosomatic and psychiatric clinics. In addition, it is also used in some old people's homes and special schools. It is usually offered as group therapy; However, it can also take place as individual therapy.

In such a protected frame, you can just let feelings out - without words, without pressure, without perfection.

Under the guidance of a therapist, you can let off steam creatively and bring everything on paper, which is often hidden. Painting, drawing, shaping sound - everything is allowed.

Art becomes a mirror of its thoughts and gives them the opportunity to understand what moves internally on a new level.

Different basics and approaches

Art therapy integrates a variety of disciplines and is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach. Depending on the direction of training, it includes, for example, deep psychological, anthropological, cognitive-behavioral and systemic methods. In deep psychological practice, it is occasionally also referred to as design or painting therapy .

It thus offers a valuable way to promote individual forms of expression and to support therapeutic processes, which makes it an important component in the psychotherapeutic landscape. It is not one -dimensional approach, but integrates a variety of different methods, strategies and techniques that can be used in many ways.

For example, it is not only worked with pen and paper or colors, but also with plastic-sculptural techniques and materials such as sound or photography. In addition, other art forms such as music , drama , dance and poetry their legitimate place in this therapeutic field.

Common to all of these different techniques and methods that they aim to create internal images that are communicated to the outside world.

Many people feel art therapy due to the non -verbal expression of their personal sensations as a particularly enriching form of therapy. They are not forced from the start to put their concerns or problems into words, which often makes the process easier and more pleasant. For these reasons, this treatment spectrum is one of the patient -centered therapy approaches and offers a unique path to self -development and healing .

Objective

Art therapy enables patients to express their memories and feelings in a non -verbal way, which means that they can perceive their environment and themselves from a new perspective. It not only creates a soothing break from everyday life , but also offers a protected space for personal reflection .

By dealing with your own internal, this form of therapy promotes self -confidence and trust in your own skills. This in turn supports a deeper understanding of your own needs and talents and has an activating effect on the individual development process.

The central goal of art therapy is to help the patient to get to know and understand themselves better - the essential question "Who am I?" to answer. This makes it possible to shape your own life in harmony with the individual values, goals and wishes.

Mode of action - why the whole thing is so good for the soul

The theoretical foundations of art therapy state that creating images and working with various artistic media can have a profound healing effect on humans.

The effects are diverse: it makes a decisive contribution to strengthening resilience , both in a personal and social and economic point of view. In addition, it promotes personal responsibility and initiative , which helps the participants to improve their quality of life sustainably.

Clearly: creative action can reduce stress, relieve fears and strengthen self -confidence. ”

If you are regularly creative, you will gain a better understanding for yourself and your feelings. Art therapy helps to solve blockages and to sort the interior.

Regardless of whether you are in a difficult life situation or just look for more balance - you can rediscover yourself art

Application fields - Who is art therapy suitable for?

Art therapy is really something for everyone - no matter how old, no matter what history. ”

Could you get to the point.

Support, relief and healing in numerous symptoms

Art therapy actually offers a remarkable variety of areas of application that can be of great benefit children and adults Music therapy , for example in infants and premature babies, can develop positive effects even in the early age

For sick or injured children and adolescents, a stay in the hospital is a formative, often painful experience. Art therapy offers you the opportunity to express your feelings and suffering through creativity and imagination. This promotes exchange with the treating team and with the family members. Art, music and dance therapy are modern, gentle and non-invasive therapy approaches.

The Swiss Foundation Fondation Art Therapy enables hospitalized children and adolescents this valuable access to art therapy:

Adults who are confronted with personal difficulties have the opportunity to work on their individual development in clinical, pedagogical or social institutions together with a professional art therapist.

Even in old age, especially when working with seniors or residents of old people's homes, professional art therapy can show support and healing effects.

Another significant area of ​​application of art therapy is the treatment of mental illnesses and somatic complaints . Numerous studies show that patients with dementia or Parkinson's experienced music therapy through movement -based music therapy can experience and improve their clarity. In particular in the therapy of post -traumatic stress disorders , for example in refugees or other traumatized people, it proves to be a valuable aid to deal with traumatic experiences.

In addition, patients with depression through art therapeutic interventions show improved self -perception and sensitivity. After therapy, they are able to define their limits more clearly and to recognize and transform negative thought patterns more easily. For many people with mental disorders, art therapy also has a calming and balancing effect. Other disorders such as eating disorders , schizophrenia as well as exhaustion depression and burnout can also be successfully treated by design or painting therapy.

In addition, art therapy is also used in the treatment of somatic diseases . Many oncological patients in rehabilitation centers benefit from art therapeutic measures that benefit their trust and confidence in relation to the disease. These therapies encourage patients to talk more openly about their restrictions and symptoms and reduce their fears.

So whether you want to process trauma, fight with depression or just want to do something for your well -being - art therapy adapts flexibly to what you need.

Many people also combine them with other forms of therapy, such as talk therapy, and thus experience even more intensive results. It is almost an all-round care for the soul.

Creativity as a break from everyday stress

Being creative can be really liberating - like a short vacation for the head. Studies show that art therapy can noticeably lower the stress level because the hormone cortisol is reduced.

At the same time, the brain is activated to better process and sort feelings. People who are regularly creative often feel more balanced and have it easier to master stressful situations.

Creativity as a valve in difficult times

For people who process particularly serious experiences or are in an emotional crisis, art therapy can act like a valve.

When words are missing and the emotions seem overwhelming, art creates a space in which feelings can express themselves in its own way - gently and without pressure. It helps to process pain, anger or confusion in such a way that you don't feel lost, but wins control again.

The works that arise remind you that even in dark moments there is always a way to give space to your own feelings and to find it again.

Insights into the practical application in different facilities

Simone Wolf, art therapist at Diakovere gGmbH , presents art therapy in the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine in the Henriettenstift in Hanover. In particular, the personal support of this form of therapy is brought closer:

Art therapist Mandy Laicht explains art therapy in the LWL Clinic Dortmund :

And this is how art therapy in the Bayreuth district hospital expires:

Art therapy is digital

online offers for everyone who prefers to be creative in their own four walls or have no therapists near them .

So you can take part in a session flexibly and safely via VPN , no matter where you are. The digital world makes it possible for you to make this creative way without any spatial limits. More information here.

Find yourself to yourself with creativity

In summary, it can be said that art therapy is a great way to get to know yourself better and let go of the emotional ballast of everyday life.

Whether in difficult times or simply as a balance to the stressful everyday life - the power of art can help us solve internal blockages and find a bit more serenity.

And the best thing about it: art therapy is accessible to everyone, whether young or old, experienced or beginner. So why not take your brush or sound in your hand and give yourself a little creative freedom?

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and managing director of Kunstplaza. Publicist, editor and passionate blogger in the field of art, design and creativity since 2011. Successful conclusion in web design as part of a university degree (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expression painting and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through many years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.

www.kunstplaza.de/