Whether it is a painting in a gallery or a birthday card from your kids, you can be moved by art. Not only can you find meaning in viewing art, but you can find expression in the making of art with your own hands. Therefore, art therapy can be used as a therapeutic tool for self-expression and deeper self-awareness.
Here at The Guest House, we believe understanding the core of your self-defeating thoughts and behaviors is vital to making true progress in recovery. Therefore, through modalities like art therapy, you can learn how to tap into hidden parts of yourself.
What Is Art Therapy?
According to an article from Frontiers in Psychology, art therapy is defined as a therapeutic modality in which art mediums are used as a means of expression and communication. Moreover, art therapy involves the use of multiple art mediums including:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Visual art
- Writing
- Drama
- Music
- Dance
Thus, through artistic expression, you can tap into the unspoken or unconscious parts of yourself that perpetuate self-defeating patterns.
Benefits of Art Therapy for Mental Wellness
As noted in an article from Curēus, creative arts like art therapy can support mental wellness as a healthy tool for coping with mental health symptoms. Therefore, art therapy can be used to address difficult-to-express experiences like trauma. Listed below are some ways making art can support your mental well-being:
- Enhances self-awareness
- Increases capacity to self-reflect
- Reduces symptoms of mental health disorders
- Supports healthy thinking patterns
- Builds healthier behaviors
Art Activities
As a broad therapeutic tool, art therapy utilizes its wide range of mediums to encourage artistic expression. Listed below are some different art activities you can incorporate into your life to support your mental wellness:
- Photography
- Pottery
- Painting and drawing
- Making collages
- Fiction writing
- Writing poetry
- Handcrafting projects
- Knitting
- Crochet
- Beading
- Dancing
Moreover, art therapy can offer a wide range of artistic mediums to connect with and express the internal self to dismantle self-defeating thoughts and behaviors.
Healing With Art at the Guest House
At The Guest House, we know that trauma and mental health disorders can lead to complex thoughts and feelings that are difficult to express. We offer a variety of therapeutic modalities that give you the tools to express yourself and build healthy coping mechanisms. Through art therapy, you can share thoughts and experiences that may have otherwise been difficult to say or process. Moreover, as you increase your self-awareness, you can carry the things you have learned into your life beyond treatment for long-term healing.
It can be difficult to recognize and understand the core causes of self-defeating thoughts and behaviors. However, through artistic expression found in art therapy, you can connect with the unconscious parts of yourself to deepen your self-awareness and understanding of yourself. Moreover, the wide range of artistic mediums with art therapy gives you the space to experiment and explore what art forms speak to you and your needs on your journey to dismantle negative coping strategies. At The Guest House, we are committed to providing therapeutic modalities to help you build tools for long-term healing. Call (855) 483-7800 today.