You know the old saying “A picture is worth a thousand words”. This statement alone shows the powerful effect that arts and creative expression have on human understanding and communication. Art therapy harnesses that power to help and heal, art is therapeutic.
How Does Art Help?
Art Can:
- Allow you to express your feelings in a symbolic manner.
- Help bring focus to positive life experiences.
- Achieve enhanced self-worth and identity.
- Help you escape intense emotions.
- Be a means of artistic self-expression.
- Reduce cortisol – the stress hormone.
Emotional writing or journaling can create long term improvements in mood and health, and can influence immune function, stress hormones and blood pressure.
My Experience
I’ve learned that in amongst the busyness its important to not only make time for self-care, but also allow self-expression.
Art has helped me to slow down, deal with and process difficult situations. It has been a conversation starter and helped me bond with others. Art has helped me with self-acceptance. Like photography, all art forms can be a link to the past and a legacy.
There are so many creative activities to choose
Art Therapy Techniques
Formally art therapy is often used to explore emotions, develop self awareness, cope with stress, boost self esteem and improve social skills. As you create you can analyse what you have made, how it makes you feel. You can explore conflicts or themes that may be affecting thoughts, emotions or behaviour.
Techniques used can include:
- Collage
- Colouring
- Doodling and scribbling
- Drawing
- Painting
- Sculpting
- Ceramics
- And of course Photography
Why is Photography Important?
I’ve read that children feel safe, welcome, seen and loved if there are images of themselves in the family home. I love this idea and think this is something every family needs to know.
You see stories, memories and keepsakes are important. Life is short. Our humanity is what makes us beautiful. The light will never look or be seen the same again and neither will we. We will never have this moment again. So, let’s capture it!
