Art isn’t just for children and individuals working in the field any longer. In fact, more and more people are discovering they can benefit from taking part in art activities. Researchers continue to find new ways to incorporate art into a variety of treatment methods, and the results have been amazing. Following are four of the benefits of art therapy and how they improve the lives of people across the globe.
Communication
Art therapy permits individuals to express themselves through a variety of creative mediums. It allows them to communicate with others when they aren’t able to put their thoughts and feelings into words. In addition, art therapy for dementia can be of great help to those seniors struggling with this disease as it allows them to have a personal identity while keeping their stress levels down.
Regardless of what medium is selected, the senior finds a new means of expression and this brings comfort to them. Furthermore, family members may discover they have a treasured item that their loved one created once he or she passes.
Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities may prevent a person from taking what they can see, hear, or feel in their brain and explaining it to other people. While they know what they want to say, write, or otherwise get out, they are unable to do so as a result of the disability. Art provides them with another method of doing so and brings them joy as they are able to connect with others.
A difficult concept may come to life using this technique, which is only one of the many ways art therapy is of assistance to these individuals of all ages. The stress of dealing with their disability and its accompanying challenges is another.
Addiction
Addicts often turn to drugs when they have an issue they don’t know how to resolve. They cannot find another way to cope with what they are experiencing and the drug takes their pain away, whether it be physical pain or emotional.
When an addict is offered access to art therapy, he or she may find there is another way to release emotions bottled up inside and the drug of choice is no longer needed. Although this won’t work for all addicts, it is one option that should be considered as a person moves through the recovery process.
Chronic Illness
Research has shown that art therapy can be of benefit to patients suffering from a chronic illness such as cancer. For example, cancer patients often find they experience less pain and stress when they engage in art activities and their quality of life improves. Children become better able to cope with the frightening symptoms that come with their disease and the treatment they must undergo.
Furthermore, this type of therapy benefits numerous others with chronic conditions and every person dealing with a medical condition of this type should learn if it is offered in their area.
Painting, photography, sculpture, and numerous other mediums are available for art therapy. Sometimes it becomes a matter of finding which works for the unique patient. However, all who need a release should try this method, as it has been shown to be very successful in a wide range of cases. Find the relief you need or help a loved one cope with issues in his or her life. Art therapy may be the answer in these types of situations.