The Benefits of Art Therapy

Posted by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen Apr 26, 2008

If you're struggling with grief, chronic pain, or major life changes, consider art therapy. There's something really cool about creating a picture, photo, or clay sculpture out of raw materials...especially if you can dip into your soul and let your personality peek out.

"Words may not be enough to express the physical and psychological distress of people suffering from chronic pain. People often feel safer containing these 'unspeakable' feelings within artwork," says Heather Cameron, an art therapist in Vancouver, BC.

Making art strengthens your sense of self and contributes to feelings of normalcy. Plus it’s relaxing. Creativity increases serotonin levels and reduces stress; it also improves blood pressure and heart rate. If you're dealing with a recent disease, art therapy can help create a new "post-illness identity." You can explore how angry, frustrated, and sad you are -- and explore the ways your life has changed.

Making art is effective either individually or in groups; Cameron finds groups especially beneficial because they offer social support and peer understanding.