Art therapy – this is a popular treatment method among children and adults, where art is used instead of pills. This phenomenon is still very young, since it arose in the 30s of the last century. And its ancestor is the Austrian artist Edith Kramer, who paints with children. In practice, she proved that art not only inspires, but also heals the soul. Indeed, art therapy can work wonders: it returns people with depression to a happy life, makes people with low scores more confident, and helps children with autism overcome their fears in communication. What is this unique technique really, how does it differ and what methods of art therapy exist? Read about all this in the article estet-portal.com.
What is art therapy and what are its goals
Art therapy – a mysterious and attractive method widely used in practical psychology and psychotherapy. It is based on creativity and self-expression. Art therapy differs from other methods in that it allows you to explore your "I" with the help of created images in drawings, photographs, graphics, sculpture and other forms of art.
Among the popular forms of creativity used in art therapy are the mandala, dance therapy, playing a musical instrument, acting and writing fairy tales.
Such "healing creativity" has a very positive effect on the mental, physical and emotional state, namely:
- helps you express your emotions;
- relieves stress;
- improves mood;
- relieves stress;
- restores the body after severe physical and mental trauma;
- increases self-esteem;
- helps to overcome fears and phobias;
- allows you to discover all the facets of personality and reveal your creative potential.
Different methods of art therapy have the following goals:
- Output of negative and positive emotions. Let off “steam” and clay drawing and modeling help to relieve tension.
- The concentration of human attention on inner feelings and sensations. The visual arts are a source for experimentation with kinesthetic and visual sensations. It also helps develop their perception.
- Facilitation of the treatment process. Non-verbal communication makes it easier to survive stress, feelings and some tragic events than verbal communication.
When is art therapy needed
There are no age or social restrictions in art therapy. This technique is great for everyone: children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, the elderly. Moreover, you can study both independently at home and in a group form in an art studio.
Art therapy methods are used in a wide variety of cases. Often they are necessary with a feeling of internal discomfort and in various confusing situations. In general, such a modern technique is used for a fairly wide variety of problems. These can be various depressive conditions, loss of a loved one, increased anxiety, various fears, phobias, low self-esteem. Art therapy is also very useful for children suffering from autism, hyperactivity, speech problems, and mental retardation.
Art therapy is unique in that it helps to throw out all your accumulated experiences, making room for something good. It does not require special creative skills. The main emphasis is on harmonizing one's emotional state.
And this unique technique works very simply: it turns negative energy into creative energy.
Popular art therapy methods
Art therapy is rich in various methods, which are somehow connected with the creative activity. Each method is good in its own way, and also does not require much time and money. All that is needed for this is a secluded place with the TV and radio turned off, paints, clay, pencils, chalk, plasticine, a musical instrument or other details – it all depends on what you will be doing. Below we will look at some of the methods of art therapy, from which you can choose the one you like best.
Drawing
Isotherapy – a powerful technique that develops creative imagination and creativity. And she is a great helper when looking for an individual style. When drawing, there is a so-called expression, an expression of what is inside. In addition, this technique has no restrictions, it is characterized by complete freedom. Using colored pencils, felt-tip pens or paints, on a blank sheet of paper you can depict whatever your heart desires: clouds, weather, mood, a river, and so on. Try also drawing a mandala - a drawing with intricate patterns that has healing properties.
Color Therapy
No less effective is color therapy. Psychologists have already proven that certain colors affect the psycho-emotional state of a person. For example, green is calming, purple is creative, yellow is uplifting.
It is enough to conduct a special meditation, that is, to look at a certain color for a long time, as the condition immediately improves. Only if you do color therapy yourself, do not forget to study the effects of colors.
Music
The positive effects of music have been proven by scientists many years ago. In the course of research, they found that listening to various musical compositions relieves a person of fear, anxiety, apathy and other negative conditions. Moreover, it is useful not only to listen to classical and other compositions, but also to play musical instruments. It can be an African drum, harmonica, violin or other instruments. It doesn't matter if you know how to play or not. Even if you succeed in pure improvisation, you will thereby be filled with self-confidence.
Sand Art Therapy
Such a non-verbal technique will allow you to acquire harmony with yourself and the world around you. This can be the usual pouring of sand, as well as the creation of entire works of art with the help of fingers or various objects.
Storytelling therapy
Fairy tale therapy – great method for kids. Having a special ease of perception, it helps to correct children's behavior, if the baby is not obedient, to save the child from excessive nervousness, and also to acquire inner peace.
As you can see, the benefits of various art therapy methods are significant. This effective tool will help get rid of many problems, as well as start a new life, fuller and brighter.
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