Art Therapy

 Art Therapy 

How Art Helps Us Understand Ourselves

Art is not only there for its aesthetic appeal but also for its intense ability to connect us with our inner selves. Involving with art whether through appreciation or creation, offers a pathway to emotional healing, self-discovery and reflection.


Art acts as a mirror, reflecting our deepest emotions and thoughts, even the ones we struggle to express verbally. Observing or creating art can reveal patterns in our lives, thoughts, and feelings, providing a valuable insight into who we are. This self-reflection process is accessible to every individual; even non-artists can gain meaningful insights by engaging in artistic expression.


The Science behind Art and Emotion

Scientific studies support the idea that art improves emotional processing. Research in art therapy shows that participation in artistic activities activates both hemispheres of the brain, promoting a more balanced method of managing emotions. Creative expression has been demonstrated to enhance cognitive flexibility, allowing individuals to navigate complex emotions more easily. Art not only helps us in understanding our feelings but also enhances our power to handle them in more healthier ways. 


Shapes Show Emotions 

Various shapes stimulate specific feelings in the audience. Designers can successfully express desired feelings and ideas by using appropriate shapes. For instance, a triangular form is shown to the audience as an impression of advancement, success, or movement. 


Designers utilize this shape symbolism to create the perfect message for a brand dedicated to reaching goals for its clients. 


Impact of Colours 


Colour is one of the first things that catches our attention and influences our emotions. Different colours have different meanings and associations, depending on the culture, context, and personal preference of the viewer. For example, red can signify passion, danger, anger, or love, while blue can evoke calmness, trust, sadness, or coldness. To use colour effectively, you need to consider the purpose, tone, and audience of your visual communication. You also need to balance the hue, saturation, and value of your colours, as well as the contrast, harmony, and proportion of your colour scheme.


The Value of Therapy

Art therapy is a highly adaptable practice that can be employed in multiple ways to enhance mental well-being. Based on the individual's requirements and their therapy experiences, a mental health professional might use various methods to assist their client. 


The purpose of art therapy is to enhance self-awareness through creative expression, allowing individuals to learn new coping strategies that lower stress levels or reduce feelings of depression or anxiety, According to Very Well Mind.



Work Cited:

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-art-therapy-2795755#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20art%20therapy,and%20work%20on%20social%20skills.

https://eastendarts.org/how-art-fosters-personal-growth/

https://www.utoronto.ca/news/researchers-explore-how-we-depict-and-perceive-emotions-through-colour-and-line-visual-art#:~:text=They%20found%20that%20drawings%20depicting,and%20curved%20lines%20for%20joy.

https://byardart.co.uk/impact-of-colour-psychology-in-visual-arts/#:~:text=Colours%20elicit%20a%20spectrum%20of,Red:%20Excitement%2C%20energy%2C%20danger

https://www.husson.edu/online/blog/2024/02/benefits-of-art-therapy#:~:text=The%20Importance%20of%20Art%20Therapy%20for%20Mental%20Health&text=According%20to%20Very%20Well%20Mind,feelings%20of%20depression%20or%20anxiety.

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