Art & Mental Health: Expressive Therapies for Well-being

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 7 min read

Art and mental health are two domains that have been intertwined for centuries. The exploration of our minds through artistic expression isn't just a hobby or pastime—it's a profound journey into self-discovery. Art can function as a form of therapy, a way to express feelings that we may not be able to put into words. This blog post will delve into the world of art and mental health: expressive therapies and healing through creative practices, giving you practical tools and techniques to improve your well-being.

Explore Art as Therapy

Art therapy can be a magical gateway to unlocking the hidden recesses of your mind and tapping into your emotions. It's all about using art—be it painting, drawing, sculpting, or any other form—to express and understand your feelings. Let's explore the different types of art therapy, as well as its benefits and the role of self-expression in this therapeutic practice.

Types of Art Therapy

Art therapy isn't limited to just one form. It encompasses a vast array of artistic mediums, each with its own unique benefits and characteristics. Here are a few common types:

Painting: This form of therapy allows for a broad range of expression and can be particularly helpful for those who struggle to verbalize their feelings.
Drawing: Drawing can be a calming and meditative practice. It helps to focus the mind and can be particularly beneficial for people dealing with anxiety.
Sculpture: Working with clay or other tactile materials can be an incredibly grounding and mindful experience, aiding in the healing process of trauma or stress.

Benefits of Art Therapy

Art therapy can have a profound impact on your mental health. It can provide a safe space to express feelings that may be difficult to verbalize, help reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and even aid in resolving conflicts and reducing distress. Art therapy can also:

Promote self-discovery: Art can help you understand your emotions and thoughts better, leading to greater self-awareness.
Improve motor skills: The physical act of creating art boosts your motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Provide a sense of achievement: Completing an art project gives a sense of accomplishment and can boost your confidence.

Art Therapy and Self-Expression

Art therapy is an effective tool for self-expression. It allows you to express and manage your emotions in a safe and creative manner. Art and mental health, when combined, can provide a pathway to explore your inner self, express your emotions, and gain insights into your feelings. More importantly, it can help you understand that it's okay to feel a certain way and that expressing your feelings is a vital part of maintaining good mental health.

Apply Art Therapy Techniques

Now that we've explored what art therapy is, let's move on to some specific techniques that can be used in this mental health approach. These are simple practices that you can start today, right from the comfort of your own home. Remember, the goal here isn't to create a masterpiece, but to express yourself and find emotional release.

Coloring for Relaxation

Coloring isn't just for kids, it's a wonderful form of relaxation and mindfulness that can improve mental well-being. It involves focusing on the task at hand and letting go of any stress or worries. Here's how you can get started:

Buy a coloring book that appeals to you. There are many adult coloring books with intricate designs available online and in stores.
Pick a calm and quiet space where you can color without interruption.
Start coloring and let your mind focus purely on the colors and the design.

Sculpting for Self-Awareness

Sculpting is a tactile experience that can be incredibly therapeutic. The act of molding and shaping clay or another material can help you connect with your emotions on a deeper level, fostering self-awareness and healing. Here are some simple steps to get you started:

Purchase some clay or playdough to start with. As you progress, you can experiment with different materials.
Choose a quiet and comfortable space to work in.
Start molding the clay. Don't worry about the outcome, focus on the process and how it makes you feel.

Painting for Emotional Release

Painting can be a powerful medium for expressing emotions. It's a form of art therapy that's often used for emotional release. Here's a simple way to get started:

Get some basic painting supplies. You don't need anything fancy, just some paints, brushes, and paper or canvas.
Choose a space where you feel comfortable and won't be disturbed.
Start painting. Let your emotions guide your brush. The result doesn't matter—it's all about the process.

Remember, the goal of these art therapy techniques is to help you connect with your emotions, reduce stress, and promote mental well-being. They're all about the journey, not the destination. So, give them a try and see how art and mental health can work together to create a more balanced, healthier you.

Engage in Dance Movement Therapy

Let's change gears a bit and talk about a form of therapy that combines movement with emotional expression—dance therapy. Like other art therapies, dance movement therapy is all about using creativity and expression to promote mental well-being. Let's take a closer look.

What is Dance Movement Therapy?

Dance movement therapy is a type of expressive therapy that uses movement to aid in the emotional, cognitive and physical integration of the individual. It's about connecting mind, body, and soul through movement. And don't worry, you don't need to be a professional dancer to benefit from it! It's all about personal expression and connection, not performance.

Benefits of Dance Movement Therapy

Dance movement therapy can bring a lot of benefits. Here are just a few:

Improved emotional health: Dancing can help you express your emotions, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Increased self-esteem: As you connect with your body and express yourself through movement, you can experience a boost in confidence and self-esteem.
Enhanced physical health: Dancing is a great form of exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and balance.

How to Start Dance Movement Therapy

Starting dance movement therapy can be as simple as turning on some music and allowing your body to move. Here are some steps to get you started:

Find a private space where you're comfortable moving freely.
Choose some music that you connect with.
Start moving. Allow your body to respond to the music, don't worry about how you look or whether you're "doing it right".

Dance movement therapy is just one more tool in the art and mental health toolbox—showing us the power of expressive therapies and healing through creative practices. So, why not give it a try? You might find that it's just the outlet you've been looking for.

Use Drama Therapy

Moving from the dance floor to the stage, let's consider another form of expressive therapy—drama therapy. Similar to dance, drama therapy combines the expressive power of art with the psychological benefits of therapy. So, let's pull back the curtains and see what it’s all about!

Role-Play Therapy

Role-play therapy, a part of drama therapy, allows you to step into another character’s shoes. It's not just play-acting; it's about exploring different emotions, perspectives, and behaviors in a safe environment. You might find that it's easier to express certain feelings or confront certain situations when you're "in character". Plus, it can be a lot of fun!

Story Telling Therapy

Story telling is another important aspect of drama therapy. By creating and sharing a narrative, you can explore and express your thoughts and feelings. Think about it: how many times have you felt understood after reading a book or watching a movie that seemed to encapsulate your own experiences? That's the power of storytelling.

Puppetry Therapy

Perhaps surprisingly, puppetry can also play a role in drama therapy. Just like role-play, puppetry allows you to express your thoughts and feelings through a character. This can be particularly useful if you find it difficult to open up about certain topics—it's the puppet speaking, not you!

As we've seen, the world of art and mental health is vast and varied, offering a host of expressive therapies and healing through creative practices. Whether you're dancing, acting, or pulling the strings of a puppet, these therapies can offer a unique and powerful path to well-being. So, why not give them a shot?

Integrate Music Therapy

From the rhythm of our footsteps to the melody of our speech, music is an integral part of our lives. But did you know that music can also play a key role in mental health? Let's strike a chord with music therapy.

What is Music Therapy?

Music therapy is the use of music to promote healing and well-being. You don't need to be a musical prodigy to benefit from music therapy. Whether you're listening to soothing tunes, playing an instrument, or singing your heart out, music can provide a therapeutic and expressive outlet.

Benefits of Music Therapy

Music therapy offers several benefits. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive functioning. Imagine feeling down and then your favorite song starts playing — you might find your foot tapping, your mood lifting, and your worries seem a bit farther away. That's the transformative power of music.

How to Start Music Therapy

So, how can you incorporate music therapy into your life? It's simple! Start by listening to music that you enjoy. You can also explore playing an instrument, singing, or even songwriting. If you're interested in more structured music therapy, you might consider finding a certified music therapist.

In the realm of art and mental health, expressive therapies like music therapy offer a harmonious blend of creativity and healing. So, whether you're a virtuoso or can't carry a tune, don't hesitate to experiment with the rhythms and melodies of music therapy. It could be just the tune-up your mental health needs.

If you're interested in exploring the connection between art and mental health further, check out the workshop 'Expressing Your Unique Artistic Vision' by Michael Ryan. This workshop will help you unlock your creative potential and guide you through using art as a form of self-expression and well-being.