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As a therapist, you recognize that various forms of therapy exist. While the most common forms, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), are helpful for many, they may not suit everyone. As a result, it makes sense to explore various options to ensure your patients can access the help they need in the way they need it. For some, expressive arts therapy fulfills that requirement. Keep reading if you’re interested in learning more about this multi-modal approach to psychotherapy:
What Is Expressive Arts Therapy?
Many experienced therapy service providers like Circles of Grace have started offering expressive arts therapy. Rather than talking about their trauma, patients express their emotions, heal, discover themselves, and experience emotional growth through arts like painting, dance, drama, and music.
This form of therapy focuses on the creative act, which is the process of dancing, painting, producing music, or similar activities, as well as the final product, as a way for patients to communicate their inner experiences.
The Idea Behind Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive arts therapy isn’t just about flexing our creative muscles. For many patients, it’s a nonverbal way to express complex experiences and emotions that may still be difficult to articulate. It’s also a particularly helpful form of therapy for trauma sufferers who are resistant to talk therapy, but still wish to communicate with their therapist.
There is an element of mind-body connection in expressive arts therapy that appeals to many. It highlights a physical, emotional, imaginative, and cognitive connection through sensory-based activities and active participation.
Benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy
Just as there are benefits associated with more traditional forms of therapy like CBT, there are also several advantages of expressive arts therapy:
Appeals to a Broad Range of People
People from all walks of life can appreciate the value of expressive arts therapy, whether they’re dealing with trauma, stress, an illness, or simply need an activity to unwind. This form of treatment has been utilized in care homes, hospice care, community centers, and homeless shelters, among other settings.
Improved Cognitive Functioning
Older adults with mild neurocognitive disorders can experience extreme cognitive decline. However, a 2019 study found that expressive arts therapy, including music reminiscence activities, was associated with improved mental functioning.
Reduced Stress, Increased Calm
When expressive arts therapy was introduced to children in a hospital setting, they experienced reduced stress after each session and showed improvements in their moods.
Reduced Anxiety, Improved Mood
More broadly, art-based activities have several positive effects on mental health. For example, older adults who participated in coloring activities reported lower anxiety levels and improved moods.
Who Can Benefit?
Many people recognize the value of expressive arts therapy, including children, teenagers, adults, and older adults. In particular, it’s worth exploring if you have:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress
ADHD
PTSD
A brain injury
Experienced grief or a bereavement
A chronic medical condition
Developmental disorders
Emotional or interpersonal issues
There’s more to therapy than talking alone. Expressive arts is an excellent way to start your healing journey when you’re not ready for more traditional therapy modalities.
