Art Therapy

A Guest Post from Elizabeth Beck

I am both an artist and a recent graduate of Drexel University’s art therapy program. Art therapy is different than an art class, where the focus is on self-expression not on creating an aesthetically pleasing piece. For some, making art in the presence of others is perhaps one of the few ways they have been able to effectively communicate, connect with others, and/or be with others in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Why is making art therapeutic?

The nature of art making and creativity is difficult to qualify under any circumstance, although many authors have made comprehensive attempts. Myra Levick and Harriet Wadeson are 2 prolific authors who examine the theoretical concepts behind art therapy. Furthermore, Maslow and Arieti have developed psychological theories of creativity. So…500 words is not a extensive overview of the therapeutic nature of art making. This post is intended only as a brief summary.

Art making can lower your defenses:

According to psychodynamic theory, primary process thinking originates from the Id, which is mainly unconscious and primarily made up of images. Creating artwork allows primary process thought to emerge directly without having to translate the original message into words. This implies that what we create in images is less censored than when we speak or write.

Artwork can always be changed:

This promotes flexibility in thought and experience. This can also be viewed as a metaphor for life itself.

Art making is empowering:

You make your own choices for how to make your art piece, for example, what colors you choose or what images you put on the paper.

A picture is worth a thousand words:

Artwork can hold many concepts at once, allowing relationships, emotions, and dichotomous concepts to be portrayed at the same time.

Art making is an active process:

Making artwork energizes the individual as they create, no matter what the subject matter. So, even though you may be dealing with an anxiety provoking or highly emotional topic, creating artwork is often experienced as fun and motivating, which can make it easier to begin exploring more painful aspects of oneself.

No matter what level of functioning, I believe that everyone can benefit from the art making process. It is often experienced as a non-threatening way to relate to oneself and to others, while building self-esteem.

Through the creative process one learns to set aside ones anxieties and to experience flow, a quieting of the self, allowing the art maker to discover that there are alternative ways of being.