Art therapy: What is it, and why does it matter?

In recent years, art therapy has gained increasing popularity as a form of psychotherapy, combining practical creation with emotional expression in an alternative to traditional verbal therapy. In sessions led by trained art therapists, people taking part foster a sense of accomplishment and calm in the creation of low-stakes art: painting, drawing, sculpture, or art of any kind that provides an outlet for unexplored emotions and anxieties. This form of therapy reaches from promoting confidence in schools and communities, all the way to helping PTSD sufferers work through complex trauma. So, what is it that makes art therapy such a versatile tool that matters to so many?

Perhaps the secret to this versatility, one of art therapy’s greatest benefits, is art’s potential for articulating emotions without articulating speech. Arguably the most daunting element of verbal therapy is the requirement to talk about feelings and experiences in order to work through them. A nightmare for anyone who struggles with conversation or verbalising their emotions. With art therapy’s focus on working through emotions practically, this element is completely removed. Creative activities allow people to visualise what may be difficult to put into words, to explore and express their emotions on the canvas in a way that promotes emotional catharsis without the vulnerabilities of speech.

on a larger scale, it could be incredibly useful in helping people to work through traumatic memories

This is what allows art therapy to be useful to such a wide range of people. In schools and community groups, such creative exercises could be used to build confidence, helping young people to express themselves. But on a larger scale, it could be incredibly useful in helping people to work through traumatic memories, especially those who suffer with PTSD. This act of visualisation could allow them not only to express themselves to others, but to gain insights into their own memories and emotions in a way that is less taxing than talking through their experiences. There is much to be said for visualising subjective pain rather than trying to explain it.

And the benefits of art therapy are far from ephemeral or theoretical. Many who have taken part in sessions found they began sleeping better, had lower blood pressure, and felt generally more relaxed. This shows the capability for art therapy to relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety. It has even been suggested that this therapy goes so far as to improve cognitive ability, improving capabilities for visualisation and mental imagery. In a blog post by PtsdUK regarding the use of art therapy to treat PTSD sufferers, they claim that brain imaging technology can prove that art therapy actually connects neural pathways: “To bring together a mind-body connectedness […] and allow the brain to use mental and visual imagery.” These improvements show the extent to which mental and physical health go hand in hand, and why it is so important to care for both.

We have to think of art as the act of creation itself, rather than the end product.

In the true sense, art therapy is a professional therapy given in guided sessions by trained practitioners. But can a similar catharsis be achieved at home? Many simple creative activities can be practiced in your spare time to improve emotional wellbeing along similar lines. From painting at home, to sketching on the back of your napkin in a café, art will always be beneficial as long as we remember the maxim: ‘art for art’s sake’. We have to think of art as the act of creation itself, rather than the end product. Instead of worrying about making ‘good’ art, just engage with the creative process. Make art for yourself and yourself only. That is the principle that makes art as therapy useful: it could work for everyone regardless of age, skill, or situation.