Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy where the creative arts are used to help individuals understand their emotions and cope with mental health challenges. It is an alternative form of therapy that has become increasingly popular and is used to treat a variety of mental health issues.
Art therapy recognises that many people find it hard to express themselves through words alone and, therefore, a safe and creative space is provided where individuals can express their emotions through art. Art therapy has proven to be effective for individuals struggling with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
allows individuals to use art as a form of communication, allowing them to express themselves more freely than they would be able to do with only words. Those who struggle with mental health issues often find it hard to identify and describe their emotions, making therapy sessions challenging. However, art therapy provides individuals with a way to communicate their emotions and experiences without relying solely on words.
Several studies have shown that art therapy can be effective in treating individuals with a variety of mental health issues. These studies have found that art therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health disorders. According to a meta-analysis of 21 studies, art therapy interventions had a significant effect on the psychological well-being of individuals with mental health issues.
Art Therapy at IC
Here at IC we use art therapy in a range of ways to engage and support our students. The art room can act as a haven of creativity for our students – offering both individual works on projects and pieces which they have expressed an interest in or more directed works to support their creativity. Many of our projects have cross curricula links and we also link in our projects with many of the awareness days and events we mark throughout the year.
There are several types of art therapy, each using different artistic mediums, techniques, and styles. The most commonly used art therapy techniques include:
Drawing: In this form of art therapy, individuals are asked to draw images and symbols that represent their emotions, thoughts, and experiences.
Painting: In painting therapy, individuals are encouraged to express their emotions through colour, texture, and form.
Sculpture: This form of art therapy involves molding and shaping materials such as clay and modelling wax to create sculptures.
Collages: Collage therapy involves using scrap materials, pictures, and magazines to create a montage that expresses one’s emotions.
Art therapy has a wide range of benefits, making it an increasingly popular form of alternative therapy. Some of the benefits of art therapy include:
1. Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression
2. Increasing self-esteem and self-awareness
3. Stimulating the brain, fostering creativity and improving cognitive function
4. Providing an alternate way to communicate emotions and experiences
5. Enhancing cultural awareness and promoting multiculturalism
6. Bridging social, economic, and cultural gaps
Mandala colouring has also been found to help improve focus and concentration. It requires a certain level of attention to detail, which can help individuals improve their attention span and focus on the present moment. Additionally, mandala colouring encourages creativity and self-expression, allowing individuals to explore their emotions and thoughts in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
The use of mandala colouring in art therapy has been found to be an effective practice in promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, improving focus and concentration, and fostering creativity and self-expression. These benefits make it an excellent choice for individuals of all ages, especially those seeking stress relief and emotional healing. Mandalas are symbols of wholeness and balance, and they can be an effective tool in helping individuals find balance and healing in their lives. Therefore, art therapists should consider incorporating mandala colouring into their practice to benefit their clients.
Download your own to print and try
Create yourself as a superhero or supervillain.
Draw yourself as a superhero or supervillain, design your costume and think about what superpowers you would have?
Think about how strong and confident you are, and what you could do with these powers.
Write points around your superhero/supervillain.
Download and print your own superhero template
Draw a comic strip about something funny that has happened in your life.
Think about all the funny things you have seen and happened to you. Draw them down as a comic strip taking yourself through this again step by step.
Download and print your own comic strip template here
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