Emotions are a big deal, even if we tend to ignore and dismiss them. Society hasn’t been a great helper when it comes to encouraging and supporting individuals to be true to themselves ―and others, which is why we fear speaking our minds. Whether we avoid conflict or dislike vulnerability, we’re prone to experiencing an internal struggle or feeling stuck. 

Bottling up emotions is a common practice that often backfires on us because we compromise too much, often feel angry or frustrated, or are resentful towards others. Unfortunately, some people fall into the trap of harmful defense mechanisms.

There are numerous ways to search for ourselves after losing grip, but if you find that many methods are less effective, why not try a more unique way of expressing yourself. Ready to reveal your artistic side?

Why is art therapy a genuine solution? 

Art has been a successful method for artists and creators throughout history to convey their feelings. To name a few, Frida Kahlo, Edvard Munch, and Marina Abramović made history by being vulnerable. Therefore, we can say that art is a way to escape emotional turmoil. 

Experts have shown that engaging in artistic activities for less than an hour daily can significantly improve one’s mood. In more complex situations, such as anxiety, severe stress, or learning disabilities, different forms of art, from drawing to sculpting, can effectively support trauma management and reduce negative thought processes by directly impacting one’s emotional state​​​​​​​​. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of art therapy in enhancing mental health and emotional well-being across various conditions.

You don’t have to have any talent for art therapy to work. It can quickly develop into a hobby or even a professional endeavour. You never know when you’ll come upon fine art for sale online and create a home collection. 

What type of art suits you ideally? 

Art is far from restrictive or limiting, as almost every culture has its own art forms, such as India’s Warli painting or Tibet’s ancient butter sculpture crafting. That said, these are the common forms of art forms used for therapy:

• Dancing helps cultivate self-awareness and connects you with your body;
• Frama exercises, like improvisation or storytelling, improve self-esteem;
• Making music or writing songs can lessen symptoms of depression and impulsivity;
• Writing is the easiest and noninvasive method of expressing emotions. 

While you can practice these methods yourself at home with some research and motivation, it is advised to approach a specialist who can recommend the ideal therapy method to improve your quality of life according to your psychological symptoms. 

How can you make the most out of these sessions? 

Realizing you might have some issues is the first and crucial step, but how you approach art sessions will decide how successful the therapy will be. It may be difficult initially, but experts recommend being spontaneous and relaxed when performing art therapy to liberate yourself. 

There are three factors to consider in art therapy:

• Don’t hold back due to uncertainty or lack of inspiration. You’re not participating in a contest but letting your imagination run free, so when you’re painting, just allow yourself to pick the colors and do whatever you like on canvas;
• Establish a level of comfort in which you allow mistakes. A self-expressive art piece does not have to live up to a standard, especially when its purpose is to stir emotions and make you realize something about yourself;
• Keep questioning why you chose an action over another one. Does that remind you of an unpleasant event? Do you fear someone will discover your art, so you try to make it look decent? 

What if you need a professional’s guidance? 

Sometimes, even an activity as easy as freely painting or listening to music can be overwhelming, so it’s time for a professional to step in. Search for trained staff in your area who can deliver the ideal art therapy services so that it can be as enjoyable as therapeutic.

Check out your health insurance provider and see if they can cover some parts of the session. This way, you can step out if you find one specific art activity ineffective or are simply not into it.

Regardless, it’s preferable to call your specialist before the session to know what to expect. Most of the time, you’ll be asked about your health background, discuss concerns, and maybe be provided with an idea to explore through art. Hence, it’s ideal to have a strong connection with the specialist in order to allow yourself to express emotions freely. 

Art therapy sessions can take place in many spots 

In some cases, you may prefer such sessions to occur at home, especially if you’re anxious or considerably vulnerable. However, if you’re open to experimenting, know that there are several outside settings in which therapy can be significantly effective. 

If you consult your local art therapy institution (if there is one), you’ll see that art studios, colleges, and community centers are usually chosen as suitable locations for people to gather and explore their feelings in a more social environment. Hospitals, senior centers, and women’s shelters can also provide these services with additional care on hand. Therefore, don’t be afraid to contact help when you truly need it because, in a lot of cases, there are services available for those who can benefit greatly from art. 

What do you think about art therapy?

Looking around us, we might notice how much people compromise on their emotions to maintain balance in their lifestyles. Whether we’re part of a dysfunctional family or a toxic workplace, surpassing our feelings is sometimes our ideal solution to being sane. However, in the long run, this practice is detrimental to our mental health. 

An accessible and fun solution to mitigate this issue is art therapy, in which we draw our feelings, listen to tunes that speak to us, and dance. These practices can help externalize what we are feeling at a given time in a healthy way so we can better understand and manage what might be causing us sadness or pain. 

Still, despite the benefits of art therapy, dealing with more complex issues must be confronted with the help of a professional. Mental health is not something to be joked about, so if you’ve experienced trauma or are anxious or stressed all the time, it’s ideal to seek guidance by contacting a licensed therapist. 

Published by: Holy Minoza