Various activities that take place during art therapy

Art therapy is a practice intended to improve mental health and treat psychological disorders. It is rooted in the belief that creative expression fosters healing and mental wellbeing.

Over the centuries, people have relied on the arts to communicate, express themselves, and heal. It wasn’t until the 1940s that art therapy became a formalized program.

As doctors noticed that it was common for people with mental illnesses to express themselves through drawings and art, they started looking into how art could be used as a healing tool. It has since become an integral component of therapeutic methods and has been used for assessments and treatment.

Art therapy is particularly insightful because the process of creation is often just as instructive as the outcome. Nevertheless, anxious people may feel an intense need to complete the creative process to create something that will appeal to more than just themselves.

It is essential to discover self-awareness and healthy coping mechanisms when dealing with anxiety, and art therapy is an effective way to cope with some of the symptoms and experiences of anxiety.

Here are five art therapy activities designed to support people who are experiencing anxiety.

  • The panic book

Those with panic disorder can become frightened by the idea that they may suffer from a panic attack. Often, the triggers of panic attacks are unknown, while sometimes they are known.

The panic book exercise encourages participants to create a book containing images that will help them remain calm during stressful times and refocus their minds towards something more positive.

  • Visualizing what anxiety looks like

The first step to controlling and treating anxiety is understanding and visualizing it. By presenting anxiety as an abstract concept, person, or monster, participants can develop methods to recognize anxiety as it arises and handle it appropriately. Participants can accomplish just that in this activity.

  • Visual starter

Anxieties associated with creating art can make art therapy counterproductive. This visual starter exercise helps to circumvent this, allowing individuals to begin without feeling self-conscious. Starters can be adapted to specific topics or be used for creating a healthy stress-relieving environment.

Using art therapy as an effective mental disorder treatment method

Art is one of the most relaxing and inspiring activities people engage in, whether they create it themselves or observe it. Artistic expression, however, provides several benefits beyond relaxation and enjoyment.

Several studies have shown that art therapy can be an effective way to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and also some forms of phobias. With it, you can express your emotions without words, process your feelings, and find relief.

The term “art therapy” is a general term that refers to the application of visual arts in a therapeutic environment. The concept of art therapy generally revolves around the art process rather than its final form.

It is how you feel as you make your art and what you learn about yourself that matters most.

The benefits of art therapy include a safe, non-judgmental environment in which to explore your interpretation of it.

Depending on your level of experience, this may take place in an open studio setting with some guidance or in a trained, structured class where art skills are taught. By actively participating in creative activities, you will gain more focus, relaxation, and the ability to express yourself.

As a treatment for mental illness, art therapy uses the creative process of making art as a safe way to express inner experiences, create awareness, and facilitate personal change.

Along with creating art, the art therapist offers relaxation techniques, visualization, and guided imagery during therapy sessions.

By doing this, you can cope better with stress and difficult circumstances, and return to feeling normal sooner. An art therapist offers a safe, supportive space for an individual to deal with difficult emotions.

Benefits of art therapy activities for mental health

Art therapy can be used to complement traditional forms of mental health treatment. Its goals include managing behavior, processing feelings, and decreasing anxiety and stress.

  • Self-discovery: Exposing and acknowledging your hidden emotions can help you discover new insights into yourself.
  • Self-esteem: By completing the process, you will feel a sense of accomplishment which is great for developing your self-esteem and confidence.
  • Stress relief: Mentally and physically, anxiety, depression, or traumatic experiences can make you tired and exhausted. You can reduce your stress and tension through creative expression.