Art Therapy Research Paper

How Art Therapy Can Heal

“Drawing, painting and sculpting help individuals relax; they become more focused and centered. The act of creating can be cathartic; energy is used in a constructive manner and tension is released. The artist isn’t thinking solely about worries and concerns; he or she is concentrating on the task at hand. It is a way to unwind and free oneself from life's stressors” (Butchaler, 2004). Art has always been a tool of self-expression, used to convey emotions. Art therapy is taking that self-expression and helping individuals with different disorders and illnesses benefit from it. Art therapists are able to take those non-verbal emotions and help patients translate non-verbal emotions into verbal emotions so that

A technique or method that is often used during treatment of addiction is the “third hand” method, which is a process credited to Edith Kramer, a pioneer in the field of art therapy. The process starts with the art therapist starting an image, collage, sculpture, etc. and the patient finishing it, helping to establish a relationship and open line of communication between them. It also provides a deeper insight into the client’s mind. The artwork stands as reflections of struggles substance users face. Using different technique helps addiction patients to regain who they are without addiction “[b]y helping the individual reconnect with her true, authentic self, she taps into the stronger part of herself — who she was before the addiction” (Oestricher, 2015). Art Therapy is a way to take a deeper look inside the mind and improve it. Not only does art therapy provide a deeper look inside the mind, but it also has a valuable power on emotional well-being, especially in trauma survivors. This practice of art therapy is termed Trauma Informed Art Therapy, coined by Cathy Malchiodi, Ph.D., LPCC, LPAT, ATR-BC. The practice is made up of “4 specific areas arousal reduction and affect regulation, externalization, sensory processing, and attachment” (Malchiodi, 2008). One of the most prevalent areas that it is practiced in is the treatment of sexually abused children. Children often have a difficult time coping with the aftermath of sexual abuse through talk therapy and are most likely not able to comprehend what has taken place. With the use of trauma informed art therapy they are able to discover coping skills that they are able to