Exploring the depths of art therapy: Beyond just enhancing our digital platform
Art therapy, a unique form of psychotherapy, has been a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of mental health challenges. Established in the middle of the 20th century, this discipline has since grown into a recognised and respected healthcare profession.
The roots of art therapy can be traced back to the works of Sigmund Freud and Carl G. Jung, who are accredited with developing its initial roots. In Europe, the Dada art movement and figures connected to analytical psychology, such as Emma Jung, played a significant role in shaping the foundations of art therapy.
British artist Adrian Hill is recognised as the first person to use and coin the term 'art therapy'. His vision laid the groundwork for the development of this innovative approach, which would later flourish under the guidance of influential classical thinkers like Margaret Naumburg, Edith Kramer, Elinor Ulman (USA), and Hanna Kwiatkowska (Poland).
In the latter half of the 20th century, the establishment of the British Art Therapy Association and the American Art Therapy Association in 1964 and 1969, respectively, were pivotal moments in the development of present-day art therapy. These organisations, along with various official art therapy associations worldwide, have worked tirelessly to promote and standardise the practice.
Art therapy is understood as a means by which an individual can know themselves, requiring accompaniment and help for personal, social, educational difficulties through artistic production. It is a profession that requires a graduate degree for entry, and art therapists are trained to understand which materials and directives are best for specific diagnoses and issues.
Art therapy is a healthcare profession that helps contain and solve emotional or psychological conflicts using artistic means and processes. The artistic creation process and resulting objects act as intermediaries in the therapeutic relationship, allowing conflicting feelings or emotions to find alternative ways of expression.
According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), art therapy is a means for non-verbal expression and communication, helping individuals find a more compatible relationship between their inner and outer world. This non-verbal approach makes art therapy accessible to individuals who may struggle with traditional verbal therapies.
Between January 2006 and December 2020, 479 records on art therapy were identified in the PubMed database. A vast majority of these materials, 84%, focused on painting and drawing, while 16% explored other artistic mediums like clay modelling, sculpting, photography, etc.
Art therapy supports people with various mental and physical health issues, including anxiety, depression, autism, injuries, stress, use of psychoactive substances, cancer, traumatic brain injury, cognitive impairment (including dementia and Alzheimer's disease). It has proven clinical effectiveness in reducing depression, anxiety, trauma symptoms, and distress in multiple studies.
As of 2022, a list of recommended art therapy books is available for further reading, providing insight into the theory, practice, and research behind this transformative approach. The journey of art therapy continues, and its impact on individuals and communities around the world is undeniable.
