Art and lives!

The importance of Art and Art Therapy

As a kid, my mother used to give me markers and papers to keep me busy. If not, markers then color pencils. If not paper, then I would just to town on the walls of my home. I know, like me, others had their childhood filled with such times. Without even knowing it, or realizing it, some form of art has been a part of our routine.

Art has always been a powerful form of expression, capable of transcending language barriers and tapping into the deepest realms of human emotion. You could put two strangers in a room, give them some art supplies, and watch them become friends! It is a universal language that speaks to the soul. It's a medium through which individuals of all ages can express themselves, explore their emotions, and connect with the world around them. From intricate paintings to simple sketches, art allows us to communicate thoughts and ideas uniquely and profoundly. In this blog post, we'll dive into the transformative power of art and its ability to inspire, heal, and enrich our lives.

Exploring Art Therapy: Unveiling the Healing Power of Creative Expression

Now, let’s talk about Art Therapy. What is Art Therapy you might ask? Well, Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes creative expression and the artistic process to improve mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In art therapy sessions, individuals work with a trained art therapist to explore their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through various art materials and techniques. The focus is never on producing aesthetically pleasing artwork (although, that might be a bonus!) but rather on the process of creation and the emotions and insights that emerge during that process.

Art therapy harnesses the healing power of art to promote mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It's a form of therapy where individuals use creative expression as a means of communication and self-exploration under the guidance of a trained therapist. Through painting, drawing, sculpting, and other artistic mediums, participants can delve into their innermost thoughts and emotions, often uncovering insights and perspectives that may be difficult to access through traditional talk therapy alone.

 Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. By engaging in the creative process, they can gain a sense of empowerment, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.

Art therapy, characterized by creative expression through various mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, allows people to externalize their emotions and memories in a non-verbal manner.

This form of expression will not only enable the participants to release pent-up feelings but also facilitate the gradual integration and processing of their traumatic experiences[1]. Here, at Global Health Canvas, we aim to incorporate some aspect of art therapy into our events to help people cope with their emotions and become in tune with themselves [2]. We wish to help people realize that art is not just for acclaimed artists, it is for everyone.

Ramin Rahil

References:

[1] Bosgraaf, L., Spreen, M., Pattiselanno, K., & van Hooren, S. (2020). Art Therapy for Psychosocial Problems in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Narrative Review on Art Therapeutic Means and Forms of Expression, Therapist Behavior, and Supposed Mechanisms of Change. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 584685. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.584685

[2] Bazargan, Y., & Pakdaman, S. (2016). The Effectiveness of Art Therapy in Reducing Internalizing and Externalizing Problems of Female Adolescents. Archives of Iranian Medicine, 19(1), 51-56. PMID: 26702749. PubMed link