How to Coping Skills and Combat Anxiety Using Art Therapy

Art therapy is a separate discipline which incorporates various creative approaches to visual art, through painting, drawing and photography. Art therapy, in its broadest definition, can range from the academic study of art, to the application of art therapy for a variety of disorders and conditions. In the past, art was used for curing mental illness but today it is used as a therapeutic tool for all ages, from children to adults, who are suffering from emotional, physical or psychological problems. Although art therapy was traditionally thought of as being for the very young and the artistically inclined, today it is used for all ages and has become one of the most successful healing modalities in contemporary medicine and practice.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions affecting people in the western world today. Because of this it is surprising that a relatively new, although very important therapeutic modality is being used to treat depression with the help of art. Art Therapy was developed by Carl Jung when he recognised the link between artistic stimulation and the human unconscious mind. He came to see that through his own artful visualisation, he could create a safe and comforting environment within which to work through his psychological issues. He went on to say that “art therapy” is a generic term that can be applied to a wide variety of styles, methods and goals.

Art Therapy has become one of the most established areas of modern medicine and practice, due to the holistic approach it incorporates from its practitioners and therapists. Its principal goal is the integration of art with the client’s particular needs and objectives. Some of the benefits of art therapy include the use of music and movement to calm and relax stressed out clients, improve social skills and provide a sense of comfort and well being. Art has also been found useful in promoting and balancing general moods and emotions, through encouraging emotional expression and imagery.

As a mental health specialist, you will be trained to understand the nature of the self and help the client develop their personal representation and visualisation of themselves and their life. The aim of art therapy as a mental health practitioner is to create an environment in which clients can freely explore and express their identities outside of the rigid boundaries of the physical and mental health world. This is done through the exploration and expression of the self through the art, music or movement. These forms of art have been shown to foster feelings of relaxation and well being. Other positive benefits of art therapy include improving confidence and helping the client to make connections and understand relationships better.

If you are feeling stuck or overwhelmed and want to do something different for your mental health and well being this summer, why not try an art therapy? You could find the perfect solution to your problem; you just need to find the right therapist. As with any new treatment, it’s always advisable to check their professional credentials first. When choosing a therapist, you should ask them about the benefits of creating art as part of their treatment to combat anxiety and improve mental health and wellbeing.

If you want to learn more about how creating art can help you, why not consider talking to someone who is already using art as a form of therapy to help themselves and others. There are many professionals who offer private consultations and help individuals explore their unique traumatic experiences and discover coping skills to overcome anxiety. It’s never too late to start exploring the many possibilities for improving your life and coping skills. Why not try an art therapy this summer? Art Therapy for Trauma may just be the perfect solution to your problem.