What is Art Therapy?
According to the American Art Therapy Association, “Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of artmaking to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and self-awareness, and achieve insight.” – What is Art Therapy? – art-therapist.org
There is no single way to provide art therapy; as a result, it can look very different when practiced by and with different individuals. It can be free-flowing or structured, open-ended, or goal-oriented.
How Is Art Therapy Different From Art Classes?
Art therapy is a tool for helping people access their emotions as a form of mental health counseling. Emphasis is on the artmaking process instead of the product. By contrast, art classes are intended to provide students with instruction on how to achieve specific artistic effects or goals.
While art classes may be appropriate for those who enjoy art and want to improve their skills, they are not a substitute or the same as art therapy. Certified Art Therapists are credentialed by the American Art Therapy Association.
What is a Comfort Box?
A comfort box is a special container that holds a collection of items that help you during times of stress and difficult emotions. The goal of a comfort box is to help with our emotional regulation. It can hold items that remind you of important people or things, your favorite places or hobbies, and sentimental items.
These techniques work well especially during times of extreme anxiety or panic by helping us to feel grounded in the present and help our minds recalibrate instead of bouncing around from one disaster scenario to the next.
Want to Learn More?
If you find yourself struggling with chronic anxiety or other mental health issues, we suggest that in addition to seeking out an art therapist please consider talking to professional counselors, social workers or other licensed professionals who may be able to help you further with other emotional regulation strategies.
To learn more about the amazing benefits of Art Therapy and how art therapy sessions can help you or your child check out our other blogs listed here:
Expressing Feelings Through Art Therapy
https://staging.blossomchildrenscenter.com/2021/10/06/expressing-feelings-through-art-therapy/
A Guide to Art Therapy
https://staging.blossomchildrenscenter.com/2021/07/23/a-guide-to-art-therapy/
Art Therapy
https://staging.blossomchildrenscenter.com/?s=art+therapy
Art Therapy for Children with Autism
