The Process and Benefits of Art Therapy

The process of art therapy starts like this when the patient is given paper and pencils, crayons etc. It may be a closed session with the psychotherapist or a group session depending on the patient’s mind set.

After the drawing session is complete, there is a discussion about the sketch or the painting. This is only if the parent is willing to talk. The rules of verbal therapy apply here as well. But never push a patient to talk.

The session must be informal. The patient must never feels that he/she must draw or must paint. They must know this is a flexible exercise.

 Art as a mode of communication can be even more powerful than verbal means, as it can bring out experiences and feeling in a less threatening and more acceptable format. It is be highly therapeutic and may even make patients more verbally articulate.

Case studies have shown a shift of attitude towards more future-oriented goals from patients after their therapy. Group therapy is very helpful for victims of trauma. A lone patient may find it easier to open up and participate in discussions about their drawings when there are patients doing the same. It brings in a sense of security. Also they draw strengths from each other and provide suggestions as well as support.