What art therapy is
Art therapy is a way of expressing specific emotional or physical issues through art. It is not about creating a fantastic piece of art. You don’t even need to be able to draw or paint.
Art therapy aims to help you express yourself in a safe environment, using art materials in a way that will have a positive effect on your personal growth and development. It may be very helpful for people who feel uncomfortable with touch or talk therapies.
Art therapists believe that being creative helps to heal. They believe that we have emotions and abilities beyond our everyday awareness. They say you can access these through different forms of art therapy.
For many years, art therapy has been recognised as a way of helping people cope with mental illness. Although there is relatively little scientific evidence proving that it helps people with cancer, many health professionals think it may
Encourage you to express your emotions, which could help improve your relationship with other people
Encourage you to be creative and self confident
Help to control anxiety, depression and low self esteem
Help take your mind off pain or discomfort
Art therapists work with people with a variety of problems, including
Chronic or life limiting illnesses, including cancer
Mental health problems, including depression and addiction
Relationship problems
Eating disorders
Learning and behaviour problems in children
Art therapists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, hospices and nursing homes. They may work closely with health care professionals such as doctors, nurses, speech therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Registered art therapists must have a degree in art and further training in therapy techniques.