What led me to Art Therapy?

After my research on Cognitive Behavioural Play Therapy (which can be found here), I came across two main problems: the target age wasn't appropriate and it was primarily a physical, hands-on therapy process. A similar approach that I found was art therapy, which is used by people of all ages and can be completed through various mediums (including digitally).

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is the use of artistic methods e.g. painting, drawing, modelling etc. to treat mental health disorders such as:

• Aging-related issues

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Eating disorders

• Emotional difficulties

• Substance use disorder

• Family or relationship problems

• Medical conditions

• Psychological symptoms associated with other medical issues

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Stress

The foundations of this technique are formed from the idea that creative expression can enhance well-being and overall mental health. Art therapy originated as a formal term in the 1940s, though communicating artistically has been practised for thousands of years. Doctors had noticed that patients who were dealing with mental health issues would regularly express their feelings through artwork, ultimately initiating an exploration of how art can be used as a healing strategy.

Benefits of Art Therapy

"According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, less than an hour of creative activity can reduce your stress and have a positive effect on your mental health, regardless of artistic experience or talent.

An art therapist may use a variety of art methods, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with clients ranging from young children to older adults.

Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively."

How Art Therapy Works

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/art-therapy

Strong links to CBT

I didn't want to stray too far away from my original topic, and I was lucky to discover that there are several existing resources that link art therapy and CBT.

A few beneficial examples of combining these two practices together include:

• An art activity is always a great ice breaker! Children might not feel comfortable talking to an adult about their family and/or school (in the first session), but it’s easier to express it in a drawing. Even if a kid is not the biggest fan of drawing, making a piece with colorful modeling clay could be an option.
• Understanding the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and consequent behaviors is always much easier once explained through art and play. Having pre-made images to explain the correlation and then engaging the child in creating his/her own version of this correlation make the concept better understood.
• Through story-making, character-making, and mask-making , children can practice CBT tools and techniques.
• Problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, abstract thinking, and practice of patience are inevitable when art activities are present.
• Art activities help improve children’s understanding of facial expressions, moods, and emotions.