The Arts and Psychotherapy

Throughout all of time psychotherapists have been looking for an “edge” to reach people under their care. The traditional group or individual therapy sessions where the patient sits and talks based on the direction of the therapist or the freewheeling random though process of the patient did not always obtain the solution or results that were desired. This is not to say that results were not obtained, only that in some instances these results were less than desired.

Through the years there became clarity of the impact of the arts on the human psyche and as such it was explored as a possible trigger or therapy for patients who otherwise had their thoughts, emotions or problems locked deep within themselves and were either hesitant or unable to let out. A hundred years ago at least therapists began to delve into taking the linkage of the arts and implication on body, mind and spirit and applying these concepts to theories of psychoanalysis which would include the use of the arts.

Why the arts? All arts touch something deep inside the human soul and for some reason or another; touch the core of our emotions as humans. All arts have some type of impact on us, and the participation in these arts as part of defined therapy seemed to be the next step into reaching into the depths of that humanness to help comfort, resolve and redeem the soul of the person who was struggling with a particular issue or concern.

So what do we mean when we talk about the arts? Just about any “art” can be applied to psychotherapy and depending on the triggers for the person or the aliment being dealt with, different art therapies might be more appropriate than others. There are a few that are used regularly which will be discussed in greater detail later but let’s take a look at the primary ones that are accepted therapeutic assists for patients. Art therapy is the use of paints, chalk and markers for the purposes of understanding the psychology of the creative process and relating it to patient issues.

Dance therapy is used often to enhance the body and mind connection. It builds upon the belief that movement and emotions are interrelated. Drama therapy is used often for acting out and finding a safe space to express oneself. Music therapy is probably the most well know therapy and is used in a variety of psychotherapy areas. Photo Therapy is used to take a look at the world through the patient’s eyes to better understand what they look at what they see in their mind. And writing therapy is also used. Many people use writing therapy, even people not in therapy. Dairies, poems, songs and the also fall into the category of writing therapy.

All of the art therapy’s reach out to different populations of patients. The therapist’s job is to better understand what the core issues are and then introducing the patient to possible alternative therapies that might assist them in their quest to find resolution to their issues. Let’s talk about each one of these in a little more detail.

Photo Therapy is not widely discussed but it is a form of therapy that is used especially for those that do not have any verbal communication skills and/or are mentally limited. In most cases the therapy takes the patient’s own photos of people, places things and brings to bear the emotions and thoughts that are then evoked when the patient looks at these photos. What was going on? How does that make you feel? What are you remembering right now? These could be some of the questions that are asked while the patient is walking through some of the photos that the patient has taken or has brought in.

Photo therapy can be used with many people and can touch very different areas with the patient. It can be used in something as simple as diversity training to conflict management and resolution to as complicated as divorce. In using photo therapy it is hoped that the patient will gain insight, deepen their understanding of the situation, people or place and then allow them to be expressed.

Sometimes it is as simple as the emotional reaction to the photo which will help the therapist understand some of the issues that the patient has. Photo therapy is also used for the active, not patient people who just need to do some individual therapy without the need for a therapist. For those individuals it is considered fun and enjoyable. It is an oppo0rtunity to de-stress and relax and let themselves go.

Music therapy is a delightful therapy that is very popular and used by many therapists in a great variety of issues, conflicts and therapeutic situations. It is an art therapy which, like all of the others, to fully use it the therapist has to have a working knowledge of the “art” being used in the therapy. In this case the therapist needs to know music and have a musical area of expertise such as an instrument or vocals.

Music therapy is used very widely both from a therapeutic diagnosis perspective to an age, demographic perspective. It can be used for any one such those suffering from a psychiatric issue, a medical issue, stroke victims and physically challenged. It is adaptable to many types of patients. The young to the old all tend to enjoy music therapy, hence its success with pre-school all the way to patients in nursing homes.

Music therapy is primary in stress management. It is well used to try to find that musical trigger which can cause calming and peacefulness in patients that are otherwise agitated. It builds self esteem in those that are in need. This is very effective in the teen age group as it helps them build something they can be proud of. Additionally music therapy is always used in the physically challenged. The music tends to allow the patient to move as fluidly as possible while they are continuing to struggle with their physical ailments.

In art therapy the patient is encouraged to draw, paint or display their innermost thoughts through a drawing or other type of expression using paints, chalks and markers. It is a freeing experience where the patient is able to express themselves through the use of an external tool.
Many people respond to art therapy at all different ages. Children especially tent to like art therapy and when given the opportunity to just draw whatever is on their mind it can often be extremely enlightening to the therapist.

Art therapy uses the psychology of the creative process which means that creativity will eventually allow for a true expression of oneself on the paper or canvas and will get to the inner thoughts of the patient where talking was unable to reach.

Art therapy is a healing art when the patient uses it to draw not only what is in their mind but also express how they feel about it and why they feel the way they do. It allows for the beginning of discussion about what is drawn and why the patient drew it. It also allows for interpretation by both the therapist and the patient and can resolve a number of unresolved issues. Art therapy is very beneficial to the patient’s life if used properly.

Dance therapy looks to build the body/mind connection. It allows for self expression in a setting that is considered safe and non-threatening. It is considered an established understanding that for human’s movement can often be influenced by the emotions that the patient is feeling. Using that as the premise of the therapy, dance therapy tries to tie the patient’s state of emotion to the movement that the patient makes.

It is used very often with patients such as the blind or deaf in an effort to let them express themselves in way s that they are unable. It is also used with patients with Parkinson’s to help them try to control and use their bodies throughout their tremors. Dance therapy is effective as will with patients with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). It allows the patient to dance out the impact of what they are either feeling or experiencing with the trauma in their life.

Drama and Writing therapies also use the particular art form to assist the patient in the expression of themselves either b y acting out how they felt about certain events or issues that they are experiencing.

All of the therapy’s that use the arts as their core tap into the inner person and the art that tends to trigger a response which will allow the therapist to see and understand and then help the patient to resolve to a better and more fulfilling life.