What is Art Based Therapy?

Art based therapy is an expressive therapy that makes use of creative processes to improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. The goal is to express one’s self through the various mediums of art forms and in the process, gaining a better understanding of oneself. This can help to develop and manage behaviours and feelings, reduce stress and improve self-esteem.

Art based therapy is defined as “…involving the creation of art in order to increase awareness of self and others. This in turn may promote personal development, increase coping skills, and enhance cognitive function. It is based on personality theories, human development,psychology, family systems, and art education…”

HOW CAN ART BASED THERAPY HELP IN NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS?

Art Based therapy can be extremely helpful to people who have experienced trauma, undergoing any life changing situation or are coping with stress. Art based therapy is for anyone who wants to achieve greater self awareness or personal development. One does not need to be creative or artistically inclined to use Art based therapy. Paints, colours and chalks are just a means to express one’s self and gain newer insights.

WHY IS ART-BASED THERAPY RECOMMENDED EVEN AFTER STEM CELL THERAPY?

Music, art, and dance are the main expressions for this variety of therapy. Music therapy can be a mix of playing instruments, listening to music, and singing. Dance therapy utilizes dance and movement. This helps release Endorphins or the “Feel-good hormones”, a neurochemical in the brain which acts as happiness booster.Art therapy can be a mixture of drawing, colouring, painting, sculpting and pretty much everything else that is artistic. This also promotes an environment for better healing in the body.

It can help a person to express him or herself explore their emotions, manage addictions, and improve their self-esteem. Studies have also proven that colouring, even as an adult, has tremendous benefits. It really helps children with developmental disabilities like Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Intellectual disability (ID), Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and Conduct disorder (CD).