While there is still some stigma surrounding therapy, more and more people realize that everyone can benefit from therapy. Everyone could use a little help from time to time with the problems in their life. While therapy can be necessary for those suffering from severe mental health conditions, it can also benefit those going through a rough time or a significant life change.
One form of therapy that is increasing in popularity is art therapy. What is art therapy? Art therapy is very different than talk therapy. Whereas other forms of therapy focus on open dialogue as a tool for emotional expression, art therapy prefers creation as its primary way of expression. For more information on art therapy services and benefits, contact the team at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery by calling 855.773.0614.
What Is an Art Therapy Program?
What is art therapy? An art therapy program can take on many different forms and is highly dependent on those teaching the program. Some may emphasize one particular art form over another and incorporate that art form into various exercises. However, art therapy’s goals and benefits are consistent across the board. Art therapy is designed to help those who have difficulty expressing their emotions.
This difficulty in feeling and expressing emotions can display itself in many different ways. Some may have trouble externalizing their feelings through non-destructive means, while others may have difficulty accessing traumatic memories due to dissociation or other versions of burying the trauma.
Art therapy aims to strengthen clients’ ability to connect their thoughts and feelings with their impulses and actions to gain better control and understanding of their mental health. Benefits commonly associated with art therapy are:
- Promotes healthy emotional expression
- Opportunity for emotional release
- Stress management
- Stress reduction
- Improved understanding of the recovery process
- Increased ability to articulate and communicate emotions that were previously difficult to express
- Opportunity for creative self-expression
- Increases motivation
- Improves self-confidence
Art therapy doesn’t simply incorporate art exercises into another form of therapy. Instead, art and creative expression are the primary focus of the treatment so that clients may find more comfortable methods for expressing their emotions.
What to Expect from Art Therapy Services
The best way to know what to expect from an art therapy program is to thoroughly examine its curriculum, reviews, and testimonies from those who have completed the program. Art therapy typically contains the following art forms:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Music
- Sculpting
- Acting
- Journaling
- Poetry
Some programs promote an equal focus on all the services they provide, while others prefer to focus on one form of artistic expression over the other. Some might assume that choosing an art form they are familiar with will yield the best results, but this is not necessarily true. Art therapy is about getting out of one’s comfort zone emotionally and creatively. Trying new art forms can open people’s perspectives and allow them to confront their emotions safely and without judgment.
Learn More About Art Therapy at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery
At The Willows, we believe that everyone processes what they need to get out in different ways, be it recovering from addiction or a mental health issue. We have designed our curriculum, so that each client feels heard, understood, and appreciated. Our leadership and treatment teams are passionate about providing top-level treatment to everyone who walks through our doors. If you’re still asking, “what is art therapy?” and think it may benefit you or a loved one, consider contacting one of our team members today for more information using our online form, or call 855.773.0614. We’re here to help you through your journey of recovery.
