ART THERAPY – “ Freedom of expression “

By its very nature we intuitively know that art is healing and therapeutic—but why? Is it the process itself, the actual act of making art that soothes our nerves and settles our brains? Is it the freedom of expression it allows us?

Among art therapists a dichotomy exists as to why art therapy works. Is the creative process itself the therapy? Or does the artwork act as a form of communication between the client and the therapist?  From my experience, art therapy functions as a combination of these two perspectives, facilitating both catharsis and therapeutic expression.

The needs and abilities of the clients will often determine how the art process works and how the healing takes place. In some people the art will act to access the subconscious mind, uncovering new insights that can be discussed with the therapist. Some clients may have disabilities that create verbal challenges; for some it is too painful to talk about an “unspeakable” trauma or abuse. In these cases the art acts as a bridge, allowing clients to express themselves and tell their stories for the first time. In children, drawing with a specific topic work effectively both as a process of cathartic release and an expression of difficult emotions. Art therapy is quickly able to get us in touch with our intuition and subconscious mind, cutting through over-thinking and emotional defenses that have built-up over the years.

After Gujarat riots and Tsunami, The social service department of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore used art Therapy to help children work through the trauma that they had experienced. Art Therapy gave children the opportunity to express their feelings, look at the impact it had on their lives, process the things and people they lost, and look to the future. When noticed the colours used in the drawings after Gujarat riots were predominantly red while tsunami drawings were blue.

As an artist, art therapist and counsellor I have been privileged to bear witness to the healing power of making art. I have experienced for myself the catharsis of becoming absorbed in a painting—my stress dissipating as I completely tune into the project at hand. As a therapist, I have seen clients make deep connections about themselves through exploring symbolism in their collage, painting and sculpture. I have watched my children become calmer and more focused while making crafts, drawing or scrapbooking.

Art therapy is psychosocial competency tool, when administered, can influence overall wellbeing to everyone who believes and practices art as a therapy. As an art therapist and counsellor, I have decoded people and problems through art. I have helped hundreds of children to overcome fears and failures, adults from stress and struggles and families from crumbling apart due to unresolved conflicts. I have witnessed transformation, growth and achievement in people when art opened a window to their subconscious.