Art Therapy

Art therapy involves the use of creative techniques – such as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, and sculpting – as a unique means to facilitate self-expression. Art is universally therapeutic; art therapy harnesses this power to help children, adolescents, and adults explore their emotions, improve their self-esteem, manage addictions, relieve stress, improve upon symptoms of anxiety and depression, and cope with a physical illness or disability, ultimately to channel themselves holistically and meaningfully.

Art therapy is usually conducted under the supervision of art therapists, who carefully examine the psychological and emotional undertones of the artwork created, and analyse the associations between the creative choices and the interior landscape of the client. Additionally, through art therapy, one hopes to "decode" the nonverbal messages, symbols, and metaphors often layered within the artwork, with the ultimate aim being to better understand their feelings and behavior, in an effort to reach out and resolve existing issues and difficulties.

Art therapy is founded on the belief that self-expression through visual means has immense therapeutic value, and can often be easier to negotiate as compared to verbal or written communication. This form of therapy is employed in many forms, not just defined by a particular art genre or style. According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapists are trained to understand the roles that color, texture, and various art and media can reveal one’s thoughts and feelings; the modes of doing so are diverse and subjective.

Visual Journaling

Change does not happen instantly; art therapists therefore recommend the concept of visual journaling as a way of processing and gradually tracking shifts in emotions and experiences over time.The journal acts as a ‘safe space’ for individuals to unashamedly and unreservedly express themselves as they are – anytime and anywhere – before going to sleep, on a bus ride to work, etc., not limited to a counselling session or a workshop.

Feelings are constantly in flux, responding to and influenced by the changing external environment on a daily basis, and having a consistent outlet to voice (and vent!) out thoughts is critical to the overall development of one’s self. A single image or art work is, in reality, is just a snapshot of the moment –it is the journey (through a journal) that truly represents one’s feelings and demonstrates growth.