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Is art therapy becoming more popular?
Whatever technique is applied the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being is becoming very popular and giving rise to a whole new way of dealing with mental health challenges especially in kids. Sociological studies have shown art therapy to have positive mental health benefits among vulnerable groups. Art, drama, dance and music help community support groups where members do not find talking therapy useful or where talking is otherwise difficult. Who can benefit from art therapy? Art therapy is suitable for anyone who is willing to use art to express their feelings. It can be especially helpful for those looking for a creative way to move forward when they feel stuck in life. Art therapy provides a safe way to approach traumatic memories through the use of symbols, which may facilitate consolidation of experiences by converting an artistic form, representative of emotions and reactions to trauma, into linguistic communication (Gantt & Tinnin, 2007; Morgan & Johnson, 1995). Art therapy is an effective treatment for persons experiencing developmental, medical, educational, social or psychological impairment. A key goal in art therapy is to improve or restore the client’s functioning and his/her sense of personal well being.
Is art therapy scientifically proven?
Case studies do seem to suggest the treatments are effective. A 2014 review of 16 case studies and small experiments exploring art therapy as a treatment for dementias found evidence suggesting that art therapy may ease neuropsychiatric symptoms, raise self-esteem, and improve social behavior (2). But it’s important to note that art therapy is not a kind of CBT. Rather, CBT is a viable approach to art therapy. Nonetheless, many studies have shown that art is an effective tool in the CBT process. Two studies showed that, when combined with CBT, art can help treat anxiety disorders. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association A broad spectrum of ideas in therapy, practice, professional issues, and research. Peer-reviewed empirical research, theory and practice papers, viewpoints, reviews of current literature in art therapy, and best practices. More serious concerns included art therapy causing anxiety,72 increasing pain,72 and resulting in the activation of emotions that were not resolved. In one study,73 a participant was also concerned that art therapy may be harmful if the art therapist was not skilled. Traditional talk-therapy is also a challenge for individuals who have experienced trauma and have a difficult time verbalizing their experience. As an alternative, art therapy offers the space to explore and process the feelings, memories, and effects of trauma in their creations. Having a career as an art therapist can be fun. Sometimes you get to work with art materials. You can also make art with the clients and we all know that art-making is fun. It is very enjoyable and this can be something which can give you energy in your work and to your clients.
Why is art therapy not for everyone?
Art Therapy Is Not for Everyone While high levels of creativity or artistic ability aren’t necessary for art therapy to be successful,10 many adults who believe they are not creative or artistic might be resistant or skeptical of the process. Perhaps one of the most common differences between the two is the overall goal, which is self expression. In other words, the main goal involving art therapy is to either communicate or express something, while the main goal involving therapeutic art-making is to either experiment or learn something. Paints, oil and soft pastels, markers or other drawing tools, and clay give art therapists a solid toolbox for various therapeutic interventions, but there are many other tools that therapists use, such as tissue art, fiber arts, beadwork, and mask making. Art Therapist: Career Scope Hospitals and health centers, medical and psychiatric. Outpatient mental health organizations and day-care facilities. Residential treatment center. Halfway House. An entry level art therapist (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of ₹4,86,330. On the other end, a senior level art therapist (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of ₹8,23,283.