Art therapy is an intervention method for psychological counseling, mainly spanning the fields of art and psychology. It helps individuals discover themselves, release stress, relax the mind and body, and self-regulate through art creation. There are many forms of art therapy, common ones include music, dance, drama, painting, sculpture, ceramics, poetry, etc., with painting currently being the mainstream therapy.
Art therapy has several therapy methods and effects:
– Music therapy: It is a treatment method that uses music art to regulate physiology and psychology, promoting patients’ recovery. It treats diseases through both physiological and psychological approaches, based on the premise that everyone can be touched by music, regardless of the severity of the condition. It helps people express emotional experiences that cannot be conveyed solely through language and can activate an inner observer, allowing individuals to observe their feelings, experiences, and beliefs at a distance. Various records from ancient to modern times have discussed how music can influence aspects such as personality, emotions, will, and behavior, and its use in treating diseases.
– Dance therapy: It is a psychological therapy method primarily based on dance, with its psychological basis drawing from Jung’s analytical psychology, Gestalt psychology, and self psychology concepts. Dance therapists believe that there is a natural flow of energy within all living beings, and psychological conflicts can disrupt this natural flow, leading to chaotic surges, manifested externally as maladaptive movements, postures, and breathing actions. Through dance as a form of movement, not only can individuals correct maladaptive movements, postures, and breathing, but they can also safely release deep-seated emotions such as anxiety, anger, sorrow, and depression and feel empowered in controlling their existence. Therefore, dance therapy can be an important means to promote mental and physical health.
– Art therapy: It uses drawing to express inner emotions, helps patients release negative emotions and anxiety, and improves self-awareness and cognition.
Art possesses a power that can reach the most fundamental aspects of the human soul. It can open a non-verbal communication line between observers and artists, therapists and visitors. For those with poor verbal expression and those who are good at expressing themselves, art therapy is a powerful medium to communicate more complex or subtle feelings, surpassing the descriptive power of language.
We speculate that there are more companions who need such a circle, eager to break through, cheer each other on, and learn from each other. Let this be the starting point for your new career!
