Has doddling ever calmed your jittery nerves? Has painting a scenery made you forget all the stressful mundane affairs of the day? While you might be deliberating about a yes or a no, art is truly one of the best forms to dispose of varied emotions. In a very long list of psychological therapies, art also has a wide scope and room for exploration. All these artful techniques to treat are termed as art therapy in psychological terms.

Some of you might name it as healing through art. Others would term it as means of expression. Regardless of all these various understandings, the meaning of what is art therapy comprises various interpretations. It can be healing, expression and navigation altogether. There are certain key forces that contribute towards the success of art therapy. 

Art therapy can be applied for various people struggling or not struggling through any mental degradation. In this article, there will be a complete explanation of what is art therapy. Further, there will be a discussion on various myths associated with art therapy meaning. This article will also elucidate on what are the types included in art therapy in psychology. Lastly, the art therapy meaning will also be considered through elucidating the types of art therapy. 

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Art Therapy – A Brief History 

The prevalence of art therapy has been there since ancient times. Early humans, in order to keep their expressing self alive, carved on the stones and walls. Art was also considered to be a solace and driven towards spirituality through the sculpting of idols and figures. Art therapy as a profession emerged in the United States and Europe.

This shift in psychological therapies happened between the 20th century. The art therapy meaning in those initial days was considered to mean healing and published the same. However, during these times, art therapy was still at its rudimentary stage and far from being globally recognised. 

The exact term. “Art therapy”, was pioneered in 1942 by Adrian Hill, who was an artist from Britain. According to the artist, art was the means for providing healthy benefits for him to recover during tuberculosis. This later propagated various other psychologists to take up art therapy meaning and induce it in treating the people. In the early times, there was no kind of formal assistance to propagate art therapy. So, its applications and inferefeces were only carried out by the psychiatrists, psychologists and professionals for mental health. 

One of the major contributors for art therapy, specifically in the United States, was Margaret Naumburg. She is also deemed as the “mother of art therapy”, as she laid the foundations for spreading art therapy activities. She established the Walden School in 1915. This school, in its syllabus, included art so as to allow students to express freely and creatively.

It was believed that students can be best understood when they are allowed to express themselves without any restrictions or boundaries. Naumburg also emphasised that involving students in art therapy activities would potentially reveal their repressed thoughts. If a student suffers from any mental illnesses, the repressed thoughts could be possible indicators of it. 

Florence Cane is another contributor towards art therapy. She brought in the pattern of teaching that involved an artistic approach. Her art-as-therapy approach equipped the teachers to identify a student’s behaviour and crave for development. It focused on identification of any developed ego, growth or identity. Carrying forward this pattern of teaching required extensive training to the teachers. Hence, Elnor Ulman is credited to being the first journal for art therapy which has various training programs induced in it. All these programs were aimed to implement art therapy meaning in the practical sphere. 

Today, art therapy is used to treat various psychological retardations, and shape human behaviour. It is also prevalent in both domestic as well as outer fields. Art therapy meaning is discussed in detail in the next section. 

What Is Art Therapy – Know in Detail 

In a rudimentary understanding, art therapy is the set of activities that allow any individual to freely express, heal and dispense their emotions. By doing so, the individual liberates from a certain incident and strives towards achieving a better goal. The American Psychological Association, defines the art therapy meaning as, “The process of making art is seen as healing”. It is “an experience that provides an opportunity to express oneself imaginatively, authentically, and spontaneously.” These activities will “lead to personal fulfilment, emotional reparation and transformation.” (1)

Art therapy is classified under the broad term of psychotherapy which amplifies the need of self expression through drawing, painting or modelling. This includes various types of paintings, sketching, drawings and clays to do modelling. The main root that holds art therapy firm is the belief that self-expression can lead to healing.

Art is one effective way of expressing oneself and it is very personal to all individuals. The concept of art therapy is not suffice to drawing or painting. Instead, currently, it is expanded to various categories that would be discussed later. 

Art therapy techniques make use of creative cognition of an individual to determine any symptoms of psychological illnesses. The types of colours used, or the drawing or the strokes, are all involved in determining a mental well being of the individual. Further, the appreciation of the artworks will enhance the level of confidence, trust and induce willpower.

This will also enhance social skills of the individuals and will promote a better adaptation to new changes. The entire meaning of art therapy revolves around providing a room for expression. There are certain instances which an individual fails to share, therefore, art can help him or her to do so. 

There are several instances of psychological distress that can be treated or reduced significantly through implementing art therapy. These are: 

• Anxiousness 
• Ageing Issues 
• Depression 
• Bulimia/ Anorexia Nervosa 
• Emotional Baggage 
• Family Issues 
• Traumatic Experiences
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 
• Addiction 
• Stress 

Art therapy in all of the above cases, aims to mitigate the obstruction in lives of individuals who are facing it. It does it through diverting triggering thoughts of an individual towards investing it in any form of art. Currently, art encompasses both visual, conceptual and cinematic art. Therefore, an individual can either include drawing, theatre and many more options under these categories of art.

Once the individual starts involving in these art forms, the influence of triggering thoughts, incidents or memories reduces. A frequent and continuous involvement would open up the individuals to various opportunities. This would again commence their path for development. They would first begin with achieving small steps and gradually move to look ahead at bigger goals. 

There are certain myths associated with art therapy and it is confused with normal art sessions. However, they need to be debunked and art therapy meaning should be differentiated. This is explained in the next section. 

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Common Myths About Art Therapy 

There are certain myths and common comparisons that muddle the entire meaning of art therapy. As a result, the real purposes and the aim of art therapy is misinterpreted. Some common myths about art therapy are:

An Artist is Eligible for Art Therapy

The common perception about art therapy is that only artists can take it up. What is the real notion? Well, you require no artistic skills to be taking up art therapy. Anyone is eligible to take up art therapy activities. Also, the plus point is anyone of any age can take up art therapy. The main reason for art therapy is to help one express themselves in order to break through the stress. So, if your are child, teen, adult or old, you are can completely involve yourself in art therapy if you need to. 

Art Therapy is Same as Art Class 

The common notion about art therapy is that it is the same as art class. Well, the right answer is that art therapy is completely the same as art class. Art classes are essentially about teaching to learn about artistic skills and producing finished products. However, art therapy is about letting individuals express themselves through art. Here, art is the medium for the people to let out their repressed thoughts or feelings. In an art class, a person would be more focused on creating a thing based on their creative abilities. But, in art therapy, the clients or the patients are asked to use art to depict what is inside them. 

Art Therapy Can Be Done Anywhere 

Some of the perceptions also consider that art therapy can be done anywhere, such as school, office or home. However, this notion is completely different. Art therapy is done in a specific place and settings. It can be done in mental hospitals, mental health offices and various organisations that deal with mental health illnesses. Some of the colleges, or universities that have psychological courses can also incorporate art therapy. However, this is a psychotherapy which can be only executed by trained experts and in specific settings. 

These are some of the myths related to art therapy which require to be debunked. These myths should be clarified so as to ensure that any individual who wants to take up art therapy, must not resist. 

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Types of Art Therapies

In the umbrella of art therapy, there are various categorizations of activities that have been termed as types of art therapy. There are various art therapy activities which, with time, have been called under various types of art therapy. These are elaborated in detail below. 

Dance Therapy

Included as a type of performing art, dance therapy is an art therapy form which uses movement as a way to treat stress, anxiety and others. By dancing, an individual can divert their thoughts, relax muscle tension, improve flexibility and encourage concentration. Further, dance therapy can also significantly reduce anxiety levels and cure depression. 

Drama Therapy 

Using the technique of theatre prominently, drama therapy is a collaborative form of art therapy. In this therapeutic approach, individuals are grouped and asked to perform a skit or any drama genre. This would include dialogue performance, expressions and relating to the particular characters. With drama, an individual would better learn to express their feelings and find a positive channel to dispense their emotions. Further, it would also help them to open up, to themselves as well as people. 

Expressive Therapy

In this therapeutic approach of art therapy, the individuals with extensive substance use are treated. Here, the individuals are first made comfortable to share their personal experiences. This approach believes in Freud’s analysis, that is, past experiences trigger present complications. After the individual is made comfortable, the sessions then focus on explaining to them how their situations are worse. Once, it is realised by the individuals, they change their expression towards the situation, in a positive manner. 

Music Therapy

Included in the branch of performing arts, music therapy is one of the art therapy that has profound effects on the individuals. Here, the mood changing properties of the music are highly used. Most oftenly, music with a meagre upbeat, happy tone or relaxing property is used. Again, depending on the mental status of the individual, the music is encouraged. Here, there can be two scenarios. There can be a particular person entrusted to play music for the people suffering through similar mental distress. Or, the struggling individuals can be encouraged to play music to reduce their mental degradation. 

Writing Therapy

In this form of art therapy, the individuals are encouraged to pen down their feelings. They can do so through stories, journals or poetry. They can even frame an entire act on their situations. By writing, the individuals can put down their feelings or thoughts that have been burdening them. It is also helpful for a psychologist or psychiatrist to understand the triggering point of any individual through their write ups. Writing also helps the individuals to reflect on their perceptions and maybe try to change them for better accommodation. If one enrolls in art therapy, he or she is asked to write frequently, so as to smoothen mental stability. 

Visual Therapy 

In this form of art therapy, all the visual aspects of the artistic sector are utilised. This included painting, sculpting, sketching and drawing. Here, the individuals are left free to express through the use of colours, shapes and patterns. It becomes easier for the therapist to identify what the internal feelings of an individual are through the visual works. This includes identification through strokes, colours, shades used and patterns drawn. Generally, the use of dark shades reflects pessimistic thoughts. This therapy attributes to the closest meaning of art therapy. It encompasses how colours and patterns are a complete form of expression.  

These are the types of forms of art therapy known. These forms are generally classified to be types of art forms, however, they are also studied independently. These therapies are also independent to apply, without actually including the person towards art therapy. 

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Parting Note

In this article, there is a complete elaboration to what is art therapy. This is first elaborated through the history of art therapy. The actual term of art therapy was coined in 1942, by Adrian Hill. He was a British artist, who believed that creatively can be a tool to assess any potential mental retardness. 

Further, this article, completely elaborates on what is art therapy. In a rudimentary understanding, art therapy is the set of activities that allow any individual to freely express, heal and dispense their emotions. By doing so, the individual liberates from a certain incident and strives towards achieving a better goal.

There are also some myths associated with art therapy which require to be debunked. Some common myths associated with art therapy are: 

• An Artist is Eligible for Art Therapy
• Art Therapy is Same as Art Class 
• Art Therapy Can Be Done Anywhere 

Lastly, this article also discusses and elaborates on types of art therapy. These types of art therapy can also be used individually. These types of art therapy are:

• Dance Therapy 
• Drama Therapy 
• Expressive Therapy 
• Music Therapy 
• Writing Therapy 
• Visual Therapy

Commonly Asked FAQs

1. What do you mean by art therapy?

The American Psychological Association, defines the art therapy meaning as, “The process of making art is seen as healing”. It is “an experience that provides an opportunity to express oneself imaginatively, authentically, and spontaneously.” These activities will “lead to personal fulfilment, emotional reparation and transformation.” 

2. Who coined the term art therapy?

The term art therapy was coined by Adrian Hills in 1942. He was a British artist, who claimed that creativity would best demonstrate the underlying mental issues on an indiviuals. 

3. What are the types of art therapy?

There are 6 types of art therapy. These are:

• Dance Therapy 
• Drama Therapy 
• Expressive Therapy 
• Music Therapy 
• Writing Therapy 
• Visual Therapy

4. What are the common myths about art therapy?

The common myths about art therapy are:

• An Artist is Eligible for Art Therapy
• Art Therapy is Same as Art Class 
• Art Therapy Can Be Done Anywhere 

5. Is art therapy the same as art class?

No, art therapy cannot be synonymous to art class. Art classes focus on teaching and expertising a person in acquiring artistic skills. Whereas, art therapy basically focuses on letting an individual express their repressed thoughts or emotions through art.