Using Art Therapy Activities for Stress Management.
Video: Interview with an Art Therapist
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy activities involve a creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. For this reason, it is an excellent stress management tool.
It is based on the belief that the creative process, involved in artistic self-expression, helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.
Art therapy is a form of treatment using simple art materials.
Art therapy allows spontaneous art expression.
Art therapy is non-judgmental.
It allows free articulation of repressed thoughts and feelings.
Art therapy allows expression without the threat of repercussion.
It allows previously undisclosed feelings to be externalized.
It can be useful as a primary or secondary healing tool.
The organic nature of the materials encourages creativity.
Source: Adapted from Wikipedia.
Video Link: Art Therapy at the Mayo Clinic: Three Creative Techniques.
Click to watch this video of an art therapist at the Mayo Clinic, as she demonstrates three art therapy techniques that you can do at home to help you with your stress management efforts.
The three art therapy ideas used by the artist are 1) crayon resist, 2) mosaic and 3) soft pastels.
In each technique, the goal is to not judge yourself or your artistic ability, in any way, and to let creative, free expression flow through you.
