ART THERAPY IN RELATION TO DISABILITY

Art therapy in relation to disability

Art Therapy in relation to disability

Introduction

Art therapy is a pattern of expressive treatment that values art components, for example tints, chalk and markers. Art treatment blends customary psychotherapeutic theories and methods with an comprehending of the psychological aspects of the creative method, particularly the affective properties of the distinct art materials. Art therapy emerged as a mental health discipline in the mid 20th century, out of the fields of human development and education, psychotherapy, and the visual arts. Art therapy can have emotional, physical, cognitive, and social benefits. Art therapy, sometimes called creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, encourages people to express and understand emotions through artistic expression and through the creative process.

Emotional Benefits of Art Therapy

The growing popularity of milieu therapies at psychiatric institutions in the twentieth century was an important factor in the development of art therapy in the World. Milieu therapies (or environmental therapy) focus on putting the patient in a controlled therapeutic social setting that provides the patient with opportunities. But when we do let go, we are assuming an active role rather than a passive one over our experience. When you make art in relation to your disability, you are practicing control over an experience that may be otherwise difficult to accept. This active response is empowering as it increases your sense of control, hopefully providing a realization that you have a choice in how you relate to your disability. Having choices is empowering! This freedom of choice boosts our self-esteem and self-confidence.( Ford-Martin, 2002 205)

Physical Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy, sometimes called expressive art or art psychology, encourages self-discovery and emotional growth. It is a two-part process, involving both the creation of art and the discovery of its meaning. Rooted in Freud and Jung's theories of the subconscious and unconscious, art therapy is based on the assumption that visual symbols and images are the most accessible and natural form of communication to the human experience. Patients are encouraged to visualize, and then create, the thoughts and emotions that they cannot talk about. The resulting artwork is then reviewed and its meaning interpreted by the patient. By lowering stress and anxiety, creative arts therapy may even serve to boost a patient's immune response. (Haraway, 1991 82)

Cognitive Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy has traditionally centered on visual mediums, like paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Some mental healthcare providers have now broadened the definition to include music, film, dance, writing, and other types of artistic expression.

Art therapy is often one part of a psychiatric inpatient or outpatient treatment program, and can take place in individual or group therapy sessions. Group art therapy sessions often take place in hospital, clinic, shelter, and community program settings. These group therapy sessions can have the added benefits of positive social interaction, empathy, and support from peers. The client-artist can learn that others have similar concerns and issues. The advent of technologies that enable researchers to better understand the brain's process has provided ...