Art therapy has been shown to benefit people of all ages. Research indicates art therapy can improve communication and concentration and can help reduce feelings of isolation. This type of therapy has also been shown to lead to increases in self-esteem, confidence, and self-awareness. Art therapy can help people express those thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be difficult to speak about.
Expressive arts therapy is considered a multi-modal approach because it integrates techniques from many different artistic modalities. To illustrate, an expressive arts therapist may integrate therapeutic principles and tools from poetry therapy, dance and movement therapy, music therapy, and even art therapy in one therapeutic session.
Analysis/Reflection:
Art therapy can be a very useful tool to encourage people to participate in rehabilitation activities separately or with a group of people. This can be an option for some who don’t see this as another task or be put under the pressure because of their lack or artistic view. Movements used during the practice of art can be used for arms and hands therapeutic activities, especially when done with a group it can have a great effect on the patients’ social life.
