Art Therapy as Self Care

Abstract

Art therapy as a psychotherapeutic tool enables individuals to explore and develop an understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours while utilizing various forms of creative expression. Various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and music, contribute to these creative expressions, which assist people in expressing themselves and addressing emotional and psychological issues. Individuals can use art therapy as a valuable and effective tool to communicate in non-verbal ways that may be difficult to express verbally. Moreover, this tool is effective for various individuals with varying mental health conditions, regardless of their background. Additionally, making art offers an opportunity for individuals to experience a sense of accomplishment, which may boost their self-esteem and encourage new coping mechanisms. As an example, Adrian Hill (a British artist) used art as a form of therapy to cope with his tuberculosis in the 1940s, drawing physical objects that provided him comfort and satisfaction. As a result, Hill expressed that he coped more effectively with his depreciating mental health and negative health conditions. Thus, improving his overall mood and well-being through the form of art. Historically, art therapy has been found to have significant and positive effects on mental health and overall well-being. Overall, I hope that through poster, I can provide a pros & cons associated with art therapy in the context of mental health; this includes but is not limited to anxiety and depression.

Faculty Mentor: Meredith Porter