What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a tool therapists use to help patients interpret, express, and resolve their emotions and thoughts. Patients work with an art therapist to explore their emotions, understand conflicts or feelings that are causing them distress, and use art to help them find resolutions to those issues.
Art therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, and tension, as well as enhance the emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical well-being. It is often used to improve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. Research using neuroimaging scans suggest that the part of the left side of the brain, associated with speech and language, can shut down when a person tries to remember a traumatic event. Traumatic memories activate the part of the right side of the brain which controls autonomic and emotional arousal. Art therapy bypasses the left side and stimulates the traumatic memory on the right side, as the individual processes their artwork, the speech area of the brain reactivates thereby reintegrating the right and left sides of the brain to promote healthy brain functioning.
Our mission is to provide effective and compassionate care for individuals who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues. We believe that art therapy is a powerful tool that can help our patients achieve their therapeutic goals.
Art Therapy Can Help With
Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress. In many cases, it might be used in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques such as group therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Some conditions that art therapy may be used to treat include:
- Aging-related issues
- Anxiety
- Cancer
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Emotional difficulties
- Family or relationship problems
- Medical conditions
- Psychological symptoms associated with other medical issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychosocial issues
- Stress
- Substance use disorder
Benefits of Art Therapy
An art therapist may use a variety of art methods, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with clients ranging from young children to older adults.
Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively.
Some situations in which art therapy might be utilized include
- Adults experiencing severe stress
- Children experiencing behavioral or social problems at school or at home
- Children or adults who have experienced a traumatic event
- Children with learning disabilities
- Individuals living with a brain injury
- People experiencing mental health problems
Art Therapy Services at La Familia Medical Center
At La Familia Medical Center, we are proud to offer art therapy services to our patients. Our licensed art therapists have extensive training in the field of art therapy and are committed to providing high-quality care. We offer individual and group art therapy sessions, and our therapists work with patients of all ages.
During an art therapy session, patients are encouraged to explore their emotions and experiences through art-making. Our therapists provide a safe and supportive environment, allowing patients to express themselves freely and without judgment. Patients can work with a variety of materials, including paint, clay, and paper, and are encouraged to experiment with different techniques and styles.
If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of art therapy, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed art therapists. Our team at La Familia Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality art therapy services that help patients achieve their therapeutic goals. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards improved emotional and mental health.
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