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Art has its Own Voice: Interpreting Art Therapy

Contents

Abstract................................................................................................................................3

Art has its Own Voice: Interpreting Art Therapy Methods..................................................4

i. Introduction

ii. Methods of Art Therapy

(a) Painting & Drawing

(b) Collages

(c) Sculpting

(d) Digital Art

(e) Textiles

(f) Visualization

iii. Case Studies

(a) Overcoming Trauma with Therapy

(b) Children and Domestic Abuse

(c) Autism and Art Therapy

iv. Synopsis

References..........................................................................................................................12

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Abstract
Art is a form of expression that can be utilized by everyone, even those who are unable to

express themselves through other forms of communication. It brings out a deeper understanding

between the artist and the observer. Using artistic methods such as drawing and painting as

therapy for psychological disorders is known as Art Therapy. While Art therapy has been used as

a form of healing for hundreds of years, it was formalized only in the recent years. The term

‘Art’ does not confine the methods to simply painting and sketching, but extends to all forms,

including digital and sculpture. Every patient is not the same, the same goes for the different

types of art therapy. Each person has their own way of expressing their thoughts and emotions.

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Art has its Own Voice: Interpreting Art Therapy Methods

Introduction

Being unable to communicate one’s thoughts and emotions through either verbal or

written means is certainly a hassle, yet there are always solutions to any problem. If a person is

not able to properly express themselves or their needs, it causes a lot of problems for the others

to understand them. Art is a form of expression that can reach others without even knowing

them. Not only helpful for those who cannot communicate, but also for their friends and family

to understand them better. While many people see it as a frivolous endeavor, art therapy has

changed the lives of those who push through and are able to achieve their goals. Even several

assessments of psychological disorders are done through means of art.

While art therapy can be used as a standalone form of therapy, it is often performed in

conjunction with group therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Many think that ‘art therapy’ is

an art class, which could not be more different. Art classes are rooted in teaching proper

techniques and methods to create something specific whereas art therapy is all about allowing the

person’s feelings and emotions to be expressed on paper or other mediums. It is also not a

requirement to be ‘good’ at art to participate in art therapy, it is open to anyone who wishes to

express themselves through artistic means.

Age does not hinder anyone from joining in, from children -most often- to the elderly

take part in this therapeutic activity. The effects of art therapy can improve one’s self esteem,

reduce anxiety and stress levels, as well as help improve social skills. It also serves to improve

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motor skills of the participant. Not only does art therapy help with psychological disorders, but it

also enhances one ability to understand and comprehend what goes on inside someone’s mind.

A study in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association (2016) states that less

than an hour of creative activities can reduce the stress and anxiety in a person’s mind, creating a

positive effect on one’s mental health. People who have been through traumatizing events or

have been experiencing psychological disbalance may benefit from expressing themselves

through art therapy. Even people with learning disabilities and brain injuries can easily express

themselves through art. It also is a great form of stress relief for those participating.

Art therapy also pushes for the release of bottled-up emotions. It is a safe and healthy

way to release emotions like anger, sadness or something that cannot be put into words.

Splattering paint on a blank surface can be more freeing than trying to talk about something.

Another element that contributes to the feel-good factor while creating art is the body’s release of

Dopamine, which inherently boosts one’s mood and increases positivity for the person, all while

providing the participant with a sense of control over their life as well as understanding

themselves better.

However, just as not everyone is able to be good at everything, people gravitate towards

different forms of art therapy, drawn towards something that suits them well as well as giving

them the full capability to express themselves. There are different methods to Art therapy, and it

is the participant who can choose the method that fits them the best and makes them most

comfortable.

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Methods of Art Therapy

The methods or techniques used in art therapy vary from person to person, with everyone

preferring the method they are most comfortable with. What they create helps them come to

terms with what they feel, and that creation will help others understand them too. Some of the

most common methods include painting, doodling, drawing, sculpting, coloring, digital art,

collages, etc.

Painting & Drawing

Many of these are straightforward, such as painting, where a person uses paint on either

paper or canvas to paint freely without restrictions, wherein the therapist helps the person

recognize the meaning of the splattered colors and relate those to what the person truly feels.

Drawing is another similar technique, where individuals use sketching tools instead of paints to

let out their emotions. Here, the designs and patterns created by the individuals are interpreted in

parts, as opposed to colors in painting.

Collages

Creating collages is another method of expression. Using existing pictures from

newspapers, magazines, books, pamphlets, etc. to create their own narratives and prompts that

eventually reveal what the individual is trying to convey to the therapist. The collage may tell the

story of the traumatic event that the individual went through and when prompted by the therapist,

it may even show the path that the individual would like to take in the future.

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Sculpting

Sculpting is another method by which art therapists can understand the individual. Most

often, the therapist may ask the individual to sculpt their family members out of clay, the figures

of which need not be faces, simply representations of the person. These symbolic representations

of the people help the therapist establish the relationships between the individual and the other

person. Placing said figures in a certain way or pattern may help the therapist understand the

behaviour of each person with the other. These figures also represent the personality of said

person, which can give clear indicators to the therapist regarding the individual’s relationship

with the person.

Digital Art

Digital art techniques are rapidly gaining attention in recent years, with new ideas and

methods being brought up to be used in art therapy. The same methods that are done by hand are

now done using touchscreens and different applications. While some argue that the sensory

advantages of drawing are lost in digital art, many of the younger generations prefer using these

technological tools to express themselves better. Digitizing their art so that it can be kept forever

is another positive point in favor of digital arts.

Textiles

Some individuals use textiles as a means of expression. Using soft and comfortable

fabrics often helps a person build trust with the therapist, as well as being able to associate

certain thoughts and feelings with different types of fabrics that may be soft and smooth, or

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rough and uneven. Creating patterns and images on fabrics also provides people with much

needed emotional release.

Visualizing

Visualizing the problem or imagining it to take a certain form that can be drawn or

represented by symbols also allows the therapist to understand the individual and help them

overcome the feared situation or object. When the trigger has been identified and possibly

created on a physical medium, the therapist may use that representation to explain how it can be

dealt with or avoided in the future.

Case Studies

The techniques that are mentioned above seem simple to understand, yet to make sense of

the art created by the individual, the therapist must be properly trained and should comprehend

the different personalities of the individuals. Over the years many certified art therapists have

helped several individuals understand themselves as well as express emotions in a safe and

healthy manner. Some case studies are reviewed below.

Overcoming Trauma with Art Therapy

Getting over trauma is a very tough challenge. Many try to avoid anything even remotely

close to the incident. A 24-year-old female, named Alice (pseudonym) was injured after colliding

with an object on the road, was experiencing extreme anger at herself for not noticing the object

and at the object itself. Researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva,

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Israel, diagnosed her with an acute stage of trauma. They recommended her to participate in Art

therapy as a means of overcoming the incident.

During the sessions, Alice drew a black object in the middle of the road with black oil

pastels on a white sheet, with a small figure next to the object. While doing so, she repeatedly

called herself stupid for not noticing the object on the road. The art therapist suggested she use

different colors to the figure to show the other characteristics of her personality. By doing so, the

therapist was able to show Alice that her anger (black in the figure) was only a small part of her

personality, there were other much brighter colors in the figure.

This activity helped Alice reduce her physical agitation and aggression towards herself

and others, as well as gaining better control over her emotions. Art therapy helped her overcome

her trauma and prevent any long-term effects.

Children and Domestic Abuse

Children who have witnessed or have been victims to domestic abuse are most responsive

to art therapy. A child named Mark who was diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit,

Hyperactivity Disorder) was experiencing great trauma at the same time: loss of a parent as well

as the birth of a new sibling. He was assessed very deeply from different points of view, with the

researcher creating a schedule that alternated between play and art.

Mark’s different forms of play, rough and violent to quiet spoke volumes of his behavior

in school and at home towards others. He was able to bond with the researcher during these

scheduled sessions, which made him comfortable enough to draw as well as enact his thoughts

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and emotions. He was able to draw the behavior he witnessed, and what had led to such behavior.

Mark was exposed to physical violence at a very young age, which was resolved through art

therapy and regular counselling sessions. However, for a child so young, it is very hard a

completely remove such trauma, requiring him to continue therapy for several years.

Autism and Art Therapy

Communicating with someone on the Autism spectrum is not an easy task, especially

when said person is a child. Tom, a 12-year-old child with severe sensory dysfunction and self-

regulatory issues on the autism spectrum was provided with art therapy. He had lost his bond

with his primary caregiver due to his anxiety and was having a hard time connecting with others.

It also impeded his social skills to interact and bond with others.

The researchers used art therapy as a means of intervention for over a year to help Tom to

open again and connect with others. He was able to lower his anxiety levels and bond with the

therapist and trust them. His social and communication skills improved throughout the course of

the therapy sessions. Art Therapy helped Tom reconnect with people and lower his own anxiety

levels.

Synopsis

Art Therapy may seem skeptical to people at first, but the results speak for themselves. It

is not a solution for everything, some disorders or problems may not have any reactions to art

therapy, so it is vital to ensure that the type of therapy that the individual. It can be very

beneficial to anyone who completes the course and is able to achieve their goal.

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References

Snyder, B.A. (1997), Expressive Art Therapy Techniques: Healing the Soul Through Creativity.
The Journal of Humanistic Education and Development, 36 (74-82). 
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Durrani, H. (2014). Facilitating attachment in children with autism through art therapy: A case
study. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 24(2), 99–108. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036974

Singh, Abha (2001) Art therapy and children : a case study on domestic violence.
https://spectrum.library.concordia.ca/id/eprint/1350/

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-art-therapy-2795755#benefits-of-art-therapy

https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/art-therapy

https://www.allpsychologycareers.com/therapy/art-therapy-techniques/

https://www.rtor.org/2018/07/10/benefits-of-art-therapy/

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