Within the last few years, especially, society has started to recognize the necessity of prioritizing our mental health. Feeling good about ourselves, our accomplishments, relationships, and where we fit into the world is as important as staying active, eating well, and attending regular checkups with your dentist and physician.
One trend that’s been gaining more and more traction as of late is art therapy. Expressing your emotions through creative means can be a powerful tool when it comes to healing. For more information about art therapy in Calgary, contact us today.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is classified as a method of psychotherapy, a branch of treatment concerned with changing a person’s ideas about themselves and their circumstances. Whether painting, drawing, writing, making music, or sculpting, artistic outlets are inherently designed to allow us to convey our deepest desires and darkest thoughts safely. It also gives us a place to escape.
This form of therapy is not equivalent to taking an art class. Rather, clients who engage in this are guided and empowered to do so with a trained art therapist.
It’s important to keep in mind that you don’t have to be creative at all to do art therapy. All that matters is that you’re willing to try, have patience, and show yourself grace if one method doesn’t work for you.
To learn more about art therapy, contact a psychologist near you.
A Brief History of Art Therapy
Even though the popularity surrounding art therapy may seem very new, this treatment can be traced back to the 1940s! Who knew?
Adrian Hill, a British artist, is known for shedding light on the mental and emotional benefits that creative purists provide us. Though his work centred around patients with tuberculosis, his findings and techniques are relevant when treating other health conditions. Some of Hill’s earliest patients were injured soldiers who fought in World War 2.
Fellow artist Edward Adamson became intrigued with Hill’s work. Like Hill, Adamson was a firm believer in the fact that treating the mind was just as essential as treating the body. The two men eventually met, and their contributions to the therapy realm were applied to psychiatric hospitals. As a result, art therapy grew to be a respected and, most importantly, a reliable means of study and care.
What Can Art Therapy Treat?
Mental health is an umbrella term that encompasses many things, much like the term art therapy. This is arguably one reason this avenue of treatment can be so effective: it’s easily adaptable to fit a person’s needs.
The following are some of the conditions that art therapy is used to address:
• Depression.
• Anxiety.
• Trauma.
• If an individual has trouble communicating.
• Relationship problems.
• Coping with chronic and debilitating illnesses.
Don’t be afraid to speak to an art therapist in Calgary if you want to learn more about how this can be applied to your situation.
The Many Advantages of Art Therapy
Different forms of therapy work for different people, and that’s okay. Art therapy is one way to understand yourself better and confront your feelings and challenges. It is a very effective way to do so for the following reasons:
• It helps us put our thoughts, however chaotic, private, or problematic, that are difficult to explain into the world fully.
• It can complement treatments like medication and traditional therapy sessions or be an alternative.
• It’s a realm where you can feel safe.
• There is no one right way to do art. No judgment exists here, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to do anything.
• You’ll receive the support you need.
• It can be a space to meet and talk to others who are going through a similar experience.
• It reduces stress.
• It will help improve your self-esteem.
Art therapy is still therapy; you will face uncomfortable things you may not want to discuss. Your therapist should be a certified professional who knows how to handle these topics and ensure that whatever happens it’s best for you and will help you progress. Before you go ahead and commit to anything, make sure that your art therapist is one of many registered Calgary psychologists.
Are you looking to talk to an art therapist near you? At Prevail Psychology, our team is ready to assist you however we can. Call, visit us, or head to our website to schedule an appointment today. Life is full of ups and downs, and we’re here to help you get through it all and help you realize that you are strong than you think.