You may have noticed we now offer Art Therapy in Adelaide at our Morphett Vale Art and Music Centre. Art therapy is a form of therapy that uses artistic expression and creativity as a means of communication and self-expression.
It’s widely seen as an effective treatment for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Claims are made that art therapy:
- can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- can improve self-esteem and self-worth.
- engaging in the creative process can help individuals to develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work
- it can promote social connection and interpersonal skills
But do the studies show that it works? Yes! Here’s what you need to know:
- Art therapy can be shown to improve mental health symptoms: Research has shown that art therapy can be an effective treatment for individuals with mental health issues. A widely quoted study, published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that art therapy reduced symptoms of depression in adults with major depressive disorder. Another study published in the Journal of Child Neurology has determined that art was effective in reducing anxiety in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Art therapy can often increase self-awareness and self-esteem: The creation of art can be therapeutic in and of itself, allowing individuals to express their emotions and thoughts in a nonverbal way. This can help one gain insight into their feelings and behaviours, leading to increased self-awareness. Additionally, creating art can boost self-esteem and confidence, as individuals can see the progress they have made and the skills they have developed.
- Art therapy can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy: Art therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or as a “booster” treatment to traditional therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, or with some of our other offerings such as Equine therapy. By combining art therapy with other treatments, individuals may achieve better outcomes and a more holistic approach.
Overall, art therapy can be really valuable and get great results whether by itself or with other activities. If you are interested in trying art therapy, it is important to find a qualified art therapist who can guide you through the process, so if you’d like to speak to one of ours, please fill in our self-referral form.
References:
Journal of the American Art Therapy Association: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07421656.2018.1462286
Journal of Child Neurology: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5728802/