Art therapy is a form of holistic therapy that uses art, music, dance, or other creative methods to help individuals through recovery. Art and music therapy are often used in substance abuse treatment, dual-diagnosis, and trauma treatment programs.
According to an article by Lydia Aletraris available through the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, art therapy could be found in around thirty-seven percent of all treatment programs, while music therapy was available in only around fifteen percent in 2014. While the number of programs offering these services may be limited, the number of programs has only continued to grow. At Memphis Recovery Centers, we provide art therapy programs to solidify the recovery process.
How Does Art Therapy Work?
Art therapy uses integrative methods to engage the body, spirit, and mind. This includes:
- Visual opportunities
- Symbolic expressions
- Perceptual expressions
- Sensory exploration
- Kinesthetic exercises
Through art, many people who cannot verbalize their experiences can express themselves and work through emotions that may hold them back.
Is Art Therapy Effective?
As a holistic therapy, some people wonder if art therapy is really effective. Realistically, how helpful it is depends on the person who is using it and the quality of the program. However, using art to express subconscious emotions and to work through trauma is nothing new.
According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapists are master-level clinicians. They work with people of all ages across a spectrum of practices, such as in substance abuse or clinical settings. Art therapists can be used with people with mental health problems, medical problems, and other conditions. Sometimes, it’s used among those who are seeking better creative, spiritual, and emotional growth.
The American Art Therapy Association believes that art therapy can be an excellent mental health treatment method for anyone struggling with mental health difficulties, depression, illnesses, traumas, or social difficulties. Making art is a way to express those feelings while healing.
Where Do Art Therapists Usually Work?
People dealing with substance use disorders may be pleased to know that art therapy may be available at their preferred substance abuse treatment facility.
Some other places where these clinicians work include:
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Schools
- Veteran’s clinics
- Crisis centers
- Forensic institutes
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Psychiatric facilities
- Drug addiction treatment facilities
There are many kinds of art therapy used today, so depending on the preferences of the therapist, they may work in one of the various facilities. That means that people who would like to seek therapy may be able to do so in multiple venues, whether that’s at a dual-diagnosis treatment facility, a hospital, or elsewhere.
Do You Have to Be an Artist to Use Art Therapy?
The short answer to this question is definitely not. You don’t need to have any art training or talent in art to do art therapy. The point of art therapy isn’t necessarily to develop the skill but instead to allow yourself to participate freely. Using color, form, texture, and design may produce a nice piece of artwork, but the point of therapy isn’t necessarily to produce art. Instead, it’s the process of making art that patients should be focused on because the method and process are what give them time to heal and work through their emotions.
Explore Memphis Recovery Centers’ Art and Music Therapy Programs
At Memphis Recovery Centers, we offer a variety of treatments for people looking for addiction therapies. The right addiction therapies can make a world of difference in your care, and we want to be there to help as you move toward a place of health and sobriety. Call us today at [direct] to learn more about art therapy and how it could help you or someone you love who is working through addiction recovery.
