What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy is an integrative form of psychotherapy that enhances and improves the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a therapeutic relationship.

Benefits of Art Therapy

  • Reduces stress and anxiety

  • Improves mood

  • Enhances self-awareness and self-esteem

  • Increases communication skills and ability to express themselves

  • Provides a creative outlet

  • Supports trauma recovery

  • Cultivates emotional resilience and helps enhance social skills
  • Promotes emotional well-being such as increase in self-confidence, self-image, creative problem-solving skills, etc.
  • Promotes mindfulness as an encounter that is both engaging and intense

References

Betts, D. J. (2002). Art therapy and self-esteem: Theory and practice. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Deaver, S. P. (2011). Art therapy with adolescents in residential treatment: A retrospective study. Art Therapy, 28(2), 72-79.

Karkou, V., Sajnani, N., Orkibi, H., Groarke, J. M., Czamanski-Cohen, J., Panero, M. E., ... & Baker, F. A. (2022). The psychological and physiological benefits of the arts. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 286.

Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Handbook of art therapy (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Monti, D. A., Peterson, C., Kunkel, E. J., Hauck, W. W., Pequignot, E., Rhodes, L., & Brainard, G. C. (2006). A randomized, controlled trial of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT) for women with cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 15(5), 363-373.

Regev D, Cohen-Yatziv L (2018) Effectiveness of art therapy with adult clients in 2018-what progress has been made? Front Psychol 9:1531. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01531

Steele, W., Kossakowski, J., Bonuck, K., & Kenyon, L. (2016). Art therapy groups for adolescents with psychiatric disorders: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 55(9), S202.

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: A review of current literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254-263.

Van der veen, F. M., & Eppingstall, B. (2015). Art therapy as an intervention for depression: A randomized controlled trial. Art Therapy, 32(4), 170-178.

Wadeson, H. (2010). Art therapy for anxiety. Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 27(1), 14-19.

Wood, M. J., Molassiotis, A., & Payne, S. (2011). What research evidence is there for the use of art therapy in the management of symptoms in adults with cancer? A systematic review. Psycho-Oncology, 20(2), 135-145.

*These are based on some of the common findings in past academic research papers and reported case studies

**They are not limited to only the points stated above.

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