What is art therapy?
Art therapy belongs to the creative therapies. It is based on the knowledge that creating pictures and other artistic activities can have a healing effect. The aim is not to create works of art, but to gain access to one’s inner world. In art therapy, the picture or sculpture becomes a mirror of the soul.
Art therapy builds on different disciplines. Depending on the training institute, it includes, for example, cognitive-behavioral, depth psychological, anthropological or systemic approaches. In depth psychology, art therapy is sometimes also referred to as Gestalt or painting therapy. However, it should not be confused with Gestalt therapy, which is an independent form of psychotherapy with a humanistic approach.
When does one do art therapy?
By means of art therapy, those affected have the opportunity to express themselves without words. Therefore, this therapy method is also suitable for people with dementia or mental disability.
What do you do in art therapy?
Important goals in art therapy are that the patient himself becomes creatively active and gets to know himself better. The resulting works are not evaluated. This should enable the patient to try things out uninhibitedly, free of conventions and without fear of “making mistakes”.
Relationship building
As in any therapy, a trusting relationship must first be established between therapist and patient. A good relationship contributes significantly to a successful therapy process.
Problem identification
The advantage of art therapy is that the expression of inner states initially does not require words. Nevertheless, the conversation between art therapist and patient plays an important role.
To do this, the art therapist first describes in a nonjudgmental way what he or she sees in the painting or sculpture in question. In group therapy, the participants also talk to each other about what they perceive in each other’s works of art.
Problem solving
Art therapy should not only help the patient to recognize problems, but also to cope with them. To do this, it draws on techniques from depth psychology, behavioral therapy or other methods.
In order to find new ways of coping, the art therapist uses not only conversation but also work with works of art. Patients often find the possibility of expressing themselves in color and form to be a relief.
Art therapy offers a wide range of possibilities. Through the many different methods and materials, almost every patient finds a creative expression that suits them. However, the art therapist also encourages patients to try out new or unfamiliar colors, materials or design methods. Exploring new paths strengthens the patient’s ability to solve problems.
What are the risks of art therapy?
Pictures or sculptures can evoke painful memories in the patient. Especially in the case of psychological disorders, but also in the case of dementia, this can lead to emotional overload, which has a negative effect on the course of therapy. As a result, the patient’s mental state can deteriorate. An experienced art therapist can notice such changes in the patient and counteract them.
What do I need to keep in mind after art therapy?
In some cases, the patient’s condition deteriorates after the therapy session. However, if the deterioration is only short-term, there is no need to worry. Dealing with painful feelings is the first step toward positive change. Existing fears or worries should be discussed by affected individuals with their art therapist.
