Art has always been used to heal and work through complex emotions. While typically not a total replacement, art therapy can often be used as a supplement to talk therapy, allowing for exploration and self-expression.
We’ve all felt crazy and hectic moments in our lives: work feels like it’s piling up, obligations to friends and family are heavy, stress is high, and spirits are low. A lot of my time in therapy has been spent identifying moments to relax during these periods. We often look at things like eating a good meal, taking a long shower, or binging a show as a preferred method of self-care. But what if we put ourselves into action, into art?
Licensed art therapists can guide individuals through the process of art-making to draw on emotions and thoughts that cannot be thoroughly talked about. The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making and the creative process within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Keep reading to learn about the five types of art therapy and where you can start practicing art as a therapeutic tool.
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