When it comes to mental illness or addiction recovery, art therapy is defined as a therapeutic process in which a person can freely engage in creative processes while exploring their emotions, reconciling emotional conflicts, fostering self-awareness, and more. The American Art Therapy Association (AATA) emphasizes that art therapy can range from a variety of creative processes – from sculpting and painting to drawing and everything in-between. If you’ve ever tried art therapy, you know that freedom expression can be so powerful, especially as it gives meaning and voice to words we cannot always put together verbally. A wonderful thing about art therapy is that you don’t have to consider yourself an artist by any means – in fact, you don’t even have to consider yourself creative to find expression through art.
Despite this fact, art therapy has certainly been used over the years by many wonderful artists, and it wouldn’t be surprising to consider that while their focus on art was their passion and career, it was likely their therapy, too. Let’s take a look at some of the world’s most famous artists:
- Edvard Munch – best known for his work “The Scream”, Edvard had a difficult childhood and was said to struggle with deep depression most of his life. It is said that he had no problems expressing his inner turmoil, and that his artwork helped him explain life and its meaning to himself.
- Vincent Van Gogh – it has been speculated that Vincent experienced bipolar disorder, and much of his artwork has reflected emotional pain.
- Frida Kahlo – physical pain and health complications became part of her life story after a devastating bus accident that she survived. Her artwork has been said to depict her psychological pain, reality, immobility, and more.
Art therapy can certainly help people express themselves and work through troubling emotions. It has even been used in trauma therapy. For example, a 2014 study published in the journal Trauma, Violence, and Abuse sought to explore the benefits of art therapy on adult trauma survivors. Many pieces of literature on the subject were reviewed, and the researchers found that art therapy did help in the reduction of post-traumatic symptoms such as depression.
The time has come for you to heal from trauma. Art therapy is one of many approaches to uncovering the authentic self and finding healing during treatment. The Guest House Ocala offers concierge-style customized treatment plans designed to make sure you find exactly what is needed to heal from traumas, addictions, and related mental health issues. You can find healing. There is hope. Call us today for information: 855-483-7800