Benefits of Art Therapy

Building off of last week’s post of “What is Art Therapy?”, this part 2 of 2 series will look at some of the potential benefits of art therapy. In my experience as an Art Therapist, I have seen time and time again the power of art to help people heal, and to gain deeper understanding of their feelings both physical and emotional. Please find below some of the benefits I wish to highlight in this article:

1. Emotional expression and regulation. This is one of the big benefits of art therapy, as the art expression allows a multi-faceted reflective process including the experience of the process of making the art, and witnessing of the Art Therapist and discussion of the artwork. An article from the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association shares how art therapy has been shown to improve moods, promote relaxation, and decrease disruptive behaviors and attitudes.
2. Empowers and gives voice to experiences. This is a benefit that has far reaching impacts particularly for those who have experienced trauma. In my experience working with clients when they have voice and choice in their recovery it has significant power in their healing.
3. Develops healthy coping. Many clients who experience art therapy will often integrate into their methods of coping, for example when they are experiencing intense emotions they will turn to the art as a means of visual expression. Many clients have shared with me over the years that the art paired with other coping tools such as journaling or diaphragmatic breathing is effective in helping them move through the emotion and come out the other side feeling calmer and more centered.
4. Facilitates alternate perspectives. I have had client’s share several experiences over the years including in tuning into the felt senses of their body and expressing them through the art, they gained insight into their experience of their emotions they never felt before. And for many it helped them tune in more to their early warning signs of emotions, to use healthy coping strategies earlier on.

Curious to watch some videos about the benefits of Art Therapy, check out these two YouTube ones: 1. Overview of the process and benefits, and 2. Explanation of neuroscience and art therapy.

If you need additional support reach out to me, I am Nicole Levy, and I am here as your helping hand, let’s get started, book your complimentary initial consult today https://www.mindfulhealingjourney.ca/#/