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Art Therapy

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KEY POINTS

  • Art therapy helps treat mental and physical health problems by drawing, painting, or using other art materials.
  • Art therapy can help you relax and focus on exploring and thoughts and feelings that you may not be able to put into words.

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What is art therapy?

This therapy uses art to treat physical and mental health problems. Art therapy may involve using:

  • Collage materials and colored paper
  • Crayons or pastels
  • Drawing with pencils, pens, or charcoal
  • Modeling clay
  • Paints

Art therapists may also suggest ways to use art at home.

When is it used?

Art therapy may help you:

  • Explore and express feelings
  • Improve how you feel about yourself
  • Make positive changes in moods and emotions
  • Be more aware of yourself and your environment
  • Lessen stress
  • Improve concentration, attention span, and memory
  • Recover from traumatic brain injury or a stroke

Art therapy can be very effective for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease.

How does it work?

Art therapy may be done one-on-one, or in a group. You don’t need any skills or experience in art. Working with an art therapist can help you relax and focus on exploring and thoughts and feelings that you may not be able to put into words. The therapist may suggest that you use a certain medium, such as clay or paints, based on your goals for treatment.

Art therapy may be done alone, or as part of regular counseling sessions. Most art therapy sessions last from 60 to 90 minutes, but may be longer or shorter, depending on your needs.

How do I find a therapist?

Art therapists may work with healthcare providers, psychologists, occupational and physical therapists. Ask questions and get referrals from people you know and trust. You could check with:

  • Your healthcare provider
  • School teachers or school counselors
  • Friends or family members who have been in therapy
  • Your health insurance company
  • Your employee assistance program (EAP) at work
  • Local mental health or human service agencies
  • Professional associations of psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors (In many states art therapists can become licensed as counselors or mental health workers.)

For more information, contact:

Developed by RelayHealth.
Adult Advisor 2016.4 published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2016-05-03
Last reviewed: 2015-10-05
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Copyright © 2016 RelayHealth, a division of McKesson Technologies Inc. All rights reserved.
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