December 17, 2007 - 7:16pm — JJ Express
Art therapy
The arts have more purpose than simply serving as something to enjoy...studies have shown that art can serve as a powerful source for therapy. According to the American Art Therapy Association ,
"Art therapy is 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. Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. "
This can be any kind of art, from music to painting to writing. The most common types of trauma that art therapy strives to address include, adopted and foster care children, autistic children, people who have survived brain injury, and or people with eating disorders.
Although a relatively new concept, art therapy is available in many cities in America. For example, students are invited to draw on a large stretch of paper to vent out frustration or anger. Youth with brain damage can be encouraged to play music to help their fine motor skills and to involve their emotions.
For more information on art therapy, visit http://www.arttherapy.org/.
Re: Art therapy
Hi
I have a minor in art therapy with psychology as my major. I did an internship with autistic kids doing art therapy. It was an amazing experience! I learned so much. I love the arts, it such a theraputic emotion you can say. It lets you vent out so much of your feelings that perhaps you can put into words or have the nerve or the ability whatever it maybe to say how you feel.
Pashmina