What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses creativity to improve well-being.
Art therapy is all about a person’s expression and the belief that it can help their physical, mental and emotional well-being. It allows someone throughout the creative process of creating art to express and explore emotions, develop self-awareness, manage stress, boost self-esteem, and cope with trauma. In addition, the Alzheimer’s Society says that research has proven that art therapy can be beneficial for people living with dementia. Art therapies engage attention, provide pleasure and may improve symptoms such as anxiety and apathy in the elderly.
What are the benefits of art therapy for the elderly?
Art therapy is an established form of psychotherapy, delivered by trained art therapists (also known as art psychotherapists).
Stress Relief
Art therapy is a powerful tool for stress relief, allowing individuals to express and process emotions creatively. By focusing on the act of creating rather than the final product, art therapy engages the mind in a calming, meditative way, reducing anxiety and lowering stress hormones. The process provides a non-verbal outlet for pent-up emotions and fosters mindfulness.
Helps with motor skills
Art therapy can enhance motor skills by engaging individuals in activities that require motor coordination. These creative tasks promote the development and strengthening of hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and muscle control through painting and drawing. Art therapy encourages neural connections and physical skills that support daily functioning by repetitively practising specific movements.
Improved mood
Engaging in creative expression allows individuals to process complex emotions, release stress, and experience a sense of flow, which can help distract from negative thoughts and foster a more positive outlook. The therapeutic use of colour, texture, and form can also be uplifting and stimulating, encouraging self-expression and allowing people to reconnect with feelings of playfulness and inner peace.
Mental health
Art therapy is a beneficial practice for mental health, offering a safe, non-verbal way for individuals to explore and express emotions through artistic means that may be difficult to articulate or express. Engaging in creative activities can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma by providing emotional release, a sense of accomplishment and promoting self-awareness.