Art therapy is a diagnostic and rehabilitation method that uses activities such as drawing, painting, photography and dance to express emotions and concerns. It also increases self-awareness and relays information about traumatic events or feelings. Art therapy is especially effective for children, who are typically natural when it comes to creating artwork. This method of therapy has many uses and benefits and should only be used with a licensed professional.
History
The American Cancer Society states that art therapy was first recognized in the late 1800s. In 1922, a book called "Artistry of the Mentally Ill" stirred interest in the medical community, and over the years patients' artwork began being seen as symbolic. Educators began discovering that children's artwork reflected development and emotional growth. Not long afterward, art was being used as a therapy tool. In 1969, the American Art Therapy Association was established.
Benefits
Art therapy can reduce stress and fear and also distract a child from painful procedures. It can also help improve communication, since a child can experience traumatic events before she is able to effectively convey her feelings with words. According to the American Art Therapy Association, the creative process involved with art helps to resolve problems, develop skills, manage behavior, and provide insight for parents and therapists. For example, a child with cancer may be asked to draw an image of himself with cancer, in turn expressing his feelings about it. A 2001 study at the University of Catania in Italy showed that art therapy helped provide support and reduce trauma in both children and parents during bone marrow transplants.
Uses
Art therapy is used to help treat children suffering from emotional or physical problems. It can be used during medical procedures and as a method of treatment for eating disorders and emotional problems. It can draw out the feelings of a withdrawn child who has experienced loss, injury, or physical and sexual abuse. A child who is chronically ill or experiencing a disability can use art therapy as a method of acceptance. It can also be used to enhance cognitive abilities for a child with autism who needs increased sensory and stimulation.
Examples
New Horizons for Learning points to many examples where art therapy is used to convey specific feelings or situations. A child asked to draw a portrait of his family may portray a domineering parent as much taller than the rest of the family. Family divisions can be represented by missing limbs or other important body parts that the child is otherwise capable of drawing. Limbs drawn too small on a child could mean that she feels powerless in her situation, and if she has trouble learning, she may draw herself small in a classroom but normal size in other pictures. If the child is depressed, he may use pencils only and show minimal creativity.
Types
A child is given the tools necessary, such as clay, pencils, paint, chalk or music, to create a structured or free choice art project. An art therapist may also ask a child what she sees when looking at art or photographs. Licensed art therapists have training in art, therapy and psychology. Art therapy is done in hospitals, clinics, halfway houses, shelters, community agencies, workshops, schools, correctional facilities, nursing homes and private practices. Therapy sessions can be conducted individually or in groups.
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