Art Therapy or Activity Therapy: Uses, Benefits

What is Art Therapy or Activity Therapy?

Psychotherapy which uses “Art” or “Activity” as a chief mode of interaction is known as “Art Therapy” or “Activity Therapy.” The overall goal of the practitioners of Art Therapy is to allow individuals have a change and grow at a personal level with the use of art materials in a conducive environment. The relation between the practitioner and the person receiving therapy is of utmost importance. Art therapy or Activity is different from other psychological therapies, in that it is a group process between the client, the therapist, and the medium of art which may include sculpting, drawing, painting, music, and other different art modalities. Thus, it gives the opportunity for putting across thoughts and interact, and it can be particularly helpful to people who find it difficult to put across their thoughts and feelings verbally.

Uses of Art Therapy or Activity Therapy

Art Therapy or Activity Therapy is generally used to treat anxiety, depression, family issues, relationship issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, emotional difficulties due to disability or illness, trauma, cognitive, and neurological problems.

Art therapy or Activity therapy is one of the various modalities competent of helping guide someone to good health and happiness. The quest of art can be accomplished through various mediums including sculpting, drawing, painting, music, and other different art modalities. Art therapy is very useful in assessing and treating a variety of the psychological disorders.

Art therapy or Activity therapy is applied on children, teenagers, adults, elderly, families, veterans, and people with chronic health issues. Art therapy is also used to treat anxiety, depression, family issues, relationship issues, domestic violence, substance abuse, emotional difficulties due to disability or illness, trauma, cognitive, and neurological problems.

Art therapy is not a mechanism capable of suddenly curing, healing, correcting, restoring, or resolving a person’s mental health needs. Rather, it is similar to a variety of psychotherapeutic modalities. It is an instrument that helps guide and promote psychological health and well being.

This therapy is useful for promoting self-expression, feelings, and emotions.

Understanding Art Therapy or Activity Therapy

Art therapists or Activity therapists have significant understanding of the processes involved, which is further strengthened by vast knowledge of remedial practice and they work with both individuals and groups in an array of residential and community based settings like learning disabilities, family centers, palliative care, etc. The specialty of this area of work is displayed in the number of “special interest organizations” that have developed in association with “British Association of Art Therapists.” More thorough information about this can be acquired from the Association.

Art Therapy or Activity Therapy

Art therapy or Activity therapy is a varied profession and thus it is necessary to make certain that the practitioners are maintaining standards that should be upheld by a professional body. Art Therapists are required to register with the “Health Professions Council.”

Benefits of Art Therapy or Activity Therapy

  • Art therapy has the ability to assist in positive viewpoint on one’s life.
  • It is beneficial in promoting a sense of personal independence, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency.
  • It can also benefit the child to work through difficult experiences.
  • One of the benefits of Art Therapy or Activity therapy is that it allows a child to communicate his/her emotions that otherwise may be abandoned from others in the community.
  • Art therapy encourages constructive techniques to self-manage.
  • It increases one’s awareness and orientation.
  • It helps facilitate and develop strategies for fine and gross motor skills, finger dexterity, etc.
  • It encourages development of healthy coping strategies.
  • Art Therapy or Activity therapy is beneficial in facilitating insight, understanding, and acceptance of other people’s life challenges.
  • Activity therapy is also helpful in promoting problem-solving skills.
  • It is capable of discovering, managing, and providing perception into traumatic experiences.
  • It is useful in developing interpersonal skills.
  • It allows and lends a voice to those receiving therapy.
  • Activity therapy or Art Therapy is capable of helping children increase their attention span and decreases any frustration in them.

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Team PainAssist
Team PainAssist
Written, Edited or Reviewed By: Team PainAssist, Pain Assist Inc. This article does not provide medical advice. See disclaimer
Last Modified On:January 31, 2019

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