try 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 resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. The list of possible art therapy activities is endless.

Source: American Art Therapy Association (A.A.T.A.)

See also: Canadian Art Therapy Association

How Can Art Therapy Help?

Art therapy is a form of treatment using simple art materials.

Art therapy allows spontaneous art expression.

Art therapy is non-judgmental.

Art therapy activities allow free articulation of repressed emotions.

Art therapy allows expression without the threat of repercussion.

Art therapy activities allow undisclosed feelings to be externalized.

It can be useful as a primary or secondary healing tool.

The organic nature of the art materials encourages creativity.

 Source: Adapted from Wikipedia.

Art Therapy at the Mayo Clinic

10 Art Therapy Activities You Can Try at home

Deal with anger and sadness through this helpful exercise.

In this exercise, you'll focus entirely on drawing or painting what you're feeling.

Doing art therapy activities can be a great way to relax and be more laid back.

Let your creativity flow in response to music to let out feelings and just relax.

Art can help you deal with the bad stuff, but it also helps you appreciate the good.

Think about what makes a perfect day and draw or paint it. Then make one of the things happen.

Get to know yourself and your relationships with others through portraits.

Draw or paint your self-portrait reflecting where you see yourself in the future.

Work on overcoming some of the unpleasant aspects of your life.

The world can be scary. In this project, draw, paint or sculpt a place where you feel safe.

If you prefer to cut and paste rather than draw or paint, this project is for you.

Create a motivational collage and view it daily to help keep you moving forward.

Examine aspects of yourself and your worldview with this self-awareness project.

Creating drawings of your good traits to help you to become more positive.

Learn to be happy about what you have and express your gratitude for it.

Document your gratitude visually. Paint or collage a work that represents these things.

Take a look inside your mind to see what's going on with this project.

Create a blot art. Fold paper in half with paint or ink in the middle and describe what you see.

If you're still looking for something to empower you, this project may fit the bill.

Use natural materials to get in touch with the more primal side of your personality.

For 90 more amazing ideas, check out this list of excellent art therapy activities.

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