Art therapy has been around since about the late 19th early 20th century. It started off as a minor study with children. Today, art therapy is used in many different circumstances from children with or without learning disabilities, to adults, to those who have experienced a traumatic event and everything in between. Art therapists use a variety of methods including drawing, painting, sculpture, and some patients even prefer photography. Many people who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, abuse, anxiety, depression, and any other psychological issue can benefit from expressing themselves creatively. There are a number of places today that art therapy services are available; some being hospitals, schools, private offices, nursing
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She had “Believed that the process of art therapy is based on the recognition that a person’s most fundamental thoughts and feelings derived from the unconscious expression in images rather than in words”(Art Therapy 2011). Margaret focused on the interpretations of the unconscious meanings in art productions. Following, was Edith Kramer who in the 1950s, emphasized the integrative and healing properties of the creative process itself (Wadeson 1980). It was not until the 1960s that art therapy became an accepted profession. During this time, doctors began to realize that individuals who have been suffering from mental illnesses expressed themselves through forms of art. This led many artists and therapists to explore the use of art as a healing approach. This was also when the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) was first established as well. Ever since, art has become an essential component of the therapeutic area and used in some treatments. According to the AATA art therapy can be defined as, “The therapeutic use of art making within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living and by people who seek personal development.” That is just one of many different ways to describe art …show more content…
Therapist do not directly interpret the meaning behind their patients art work. Instead, they use their knowledge of psychology and human development to help the patient produce art work that articulates deeply emotional material. One main goal amongst art therapists is to improve patient’s sense of personal well-being. Art therapy sessions focus on inner feelings, perceptions, and imagination. Art invites the establishment of a world that is egocentrically structured. Kramer (1971) said that, “Each element of the child’s work contains apart of himself.” Art therapy can also convey personality changes. An example of this is that, when a person’s setback was caused by a traumatic event, expressions in art helps them understand and deal with the experience. This specific type of therapy has been very successful in the healing process. As an expressive medium, art can be used to help patients not only with communication, but also overcome stress, and explore different aspects of their own personality. Another reason this specific type of therapy is very beneficial is because it expresses what words cannot. Spatial matrix, or the ability of art to communicate relationships using shapes, color, and line was created by art therapist Harriet Wadeson (Malchiodi 1998). For example, explaining the relationship between one’s family members may be difficult,
She had “Believed that the process of art therapy is based on the recognition that a person’s most fundamental thoughts and feelings derived from the unconscious expression in images rather than in words”(Art Therapy 2011). Margaret focused on the interpretations of the unconscious meanings in art productions. Following, was Edith Kramer who in the 1950s, emphasized the integrative and healing properties of the creative process itself (Wadeson 1980). It was not until the 1960s that art therapy became an accepted profession. During this time, doctors began to realize that individuals who have been suffering from mental illnesses expressed themselves through forms of art. This led many artists and therapists to explore the use of art as a healing approach. This was also when the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) was first established as well. Ever since, art has become an essential component of the therapeutic area and used in some treatments. According to the AATA art therapy can be defined as, “The therapeutic use of art making within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living and by people who seek personal development.” That is just one of many different ways to describe art …show more content…
Therapist do not directly interpret the meaning behind their patients art work. Instead, they use their knowledge of psychology and human development to help the patient produce art work that articulates deeply emotional material. One main goal amongst art therapists is to improve patient’s sense of personal well-being. Art therapy sessions focus on inner feelings, perceptions, and imagination. Art invites the establishment of a world that is egocentrically structured. Kramer (1971) said that, “Each element of the child’s work contains apart of himself.” Art therapy can also convey personality changes. An example of this is that, when a person’s setback was caused by a traumatic event, expressions in art helps them understand and deal with the experience. This specific type of therapy has been very successful in the healing process. As an expressive medium, art can be used to help patients not only with communication, but also overcome stress, and explore different aspects of their own personality. Another reason this specific type of therapy is very beneficial is because it expresses what words cannot. Spatial matrix, or the ability of art to communicate relationships using shapes, color, and line was created by art therapist Harriet Wadeson (Malchiodi 1998). For example, explaining the relationship between one’s family members may be difficult,