Art Therapy Argumentative Essay

According to Naumburg (1966), the process of art therapy is based on one’s fundamental thoughts and feelings that are obtained from the unconscious and often express in images rather than in words. Understanding the techniques of art therapy are based on every individual’s knowledge that whether trained or untrained in art, the individual all have a unconscious ability to project inner thoughts or conflicts into images. In other words, everyone does not have to be a skilled artist to do art therapy; any form of art is acceptable. For example: scribbling on a piece of paper can be art therapy because the act of scribbling transforms the unconscious thought into an image. (Naumburg, 1966).

These include scenic or graphic media, plastic-sculptural designs or photographic media. Through them, patients can express inner and outer images under therapeutic guidance, develop their creative skills and develop their sensory perception. Recently, different forms and approaches of art therapy have developed. These have been established in clinical, educational or social fields of practice. It attempts to alleviate psychological and psychosomatic ailments without the use of drugs or physical methods. Several symptoms can be identified and treated using this

Garcia because through it individuals can express their inner world (McInnis, 2014). This means that many individuals that are afraid to express themselves; through drawing and painting they will be able to show their feelings. Through art therapy Mrs. Garcia might be able to express her emotions since she does not like to talk a lot of about herself and her feelings. I think that if an individual have some time alone with drawing materials it can be more relaxing to express their ideas or feelings through painting rather than speaking. For this reason, I believe art therapy can bring advantages to Mrs. Garcia because through painting she might release any sad or negative feeling that she might be experiencing (McInnis, 2014). However, art therapy might not be so helpful for Mrs. Garcia since she suffers from the depression she might not be interested in art therapy. My client stated that because of her illnesses she did not like to go to the senior center often. For this reason, I think her illnesses such as experiencing problems with her nervous system and the lack of desire to socialize can be something that will stop her from trying art therapy. Another disadvantage can be that through art therapy Mrs. Garcia can feel like a little kid which can affect her self-esteem (McInnis, 2014). In other words, she might feel that she is being treated as a child what can affect the way she sees

It is easy to dismiss art therapy and to look upon it as a pleasant but unnecessary intervention for older adults because it is not perceived as a cure. Art therapy utilizes visual art making mediums such as painting, drawing, and sculpture (Malchiodi, 2011). The creative process of art making employs the ability of art to express thoughts and feelings in nonverbal communication. Its purpose is to maintain or improve mental and emotional well-being (Malchiodi, 2011). It is worth considering art therapy as a treatment option, aging can cause a significant amount of loss. Deteriorating physical health or decline in cognition, caring for a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimers, dementia or some other form of lost capabilities, loss of independence, social isolation, and grief caused by the death of spouse/partner, or friends are common events that older adults live with. This can affect a person's sense of well being and purpose in life which has been associated with negative effects on their physical health (Pinquart, 2002). Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can increase in people 65 years old and older. Art therapy is particularly good at addressing mental health issues that affect a person's sense of wellbeing. A review of Outcome Studies (Slayton, D'Archer, & Kaplan, 2010) concluded that there is a pool of quantifiable data to support the claim that variety of symptoms, age groups, and disorders can be effectively treated with art therapy. Loss is

Art as a therapeutic method was my primary focus throughout the psychology program at Ryerson University. I am familiar with much research regarding art therapy for mental disorders such as depression

Music and drama: Arts Therapists, who specialise in art, drama or music, use their chosen art form as a therapeutic intervention to help people with physical, mental, social and emotional difficulties. Arts Therapists work as autonomous professionals with a case load of clients in a variety of settings

Art therapy is a Multi-Functional Psychological therapy that helps the mental mind in connecting things that are disconnected like a patient with alzheimer's where the patient's medial temporal lobe that’s the part of the brain that controls memory. The medial temporal lobe is vital in the brain because that is where the brain recollects the memories and stores them. When you get older the lobe gets weaker in which causes it to disconnect thus causing “memory loss” or dementia. In art therapy we like to cause a visual reconnection of that nerve so in which a patient then can remember more but in a visual stance as in some people like to look at photographs to visually which allows memories to reconnect. These programs are put into place to help anyone with mental issues they are put in place just to help.

When children are presented with Art Therapy, it may be geared towards creative style and imagination.

According to an article published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art therapy Association, “…art therapy strengthened personal, spiritual and social development” (pg. 72, Kapitan, Litell, Torres, 2011). Additionally, it could also help children reduce “acute stress symptom” (pg. 103, Chapman, Morabito, Ladakakos, Schreier, Knudson, 2001). This type of therapy can be used to build child’s self-esteem by encouraging them to express themselves openly through art.

I found the article  "The expanding reach of art therapy: though it's a relatively new approach to mental health treatment, art therapy is gaining traction and making a difference in people's lives." on the Gale Group website.

Like the case example of Bridget in the article, “Art Therapy: A Proposal for Inclusion in School Settings” where she was assessed by the school art therapist, Marie learned to also use art to process her inner physical and emotional pain in an environment where she felt safe. Since the beginning of Marie’s assessment and interaction with the art therapist she began showing baby steps and signs of progress. With that being said, Marie’s trauma was so severe and had been going on for years, therefore it became clear that her need for continued art therapy was necessary and

Art therapy is a psychological wellness calling in which customers, encouraged by the art advisor, use art media and innovative procedure. The subsequent artwork to investigate their sentiments, accommodate passionate clashes and foster mindfulness. Oversee conduct and addictions, create social aptitudes is to enhance or restore a customer's working and his or her feelings of individual prosperity (Tartakovsky, 2011). Art therapy practice requires information of visual art, the innovative procedure, and, in addition, of human advancement, mental, and guiding speculations and systems. Eating disorders including genuine aggravations in eating conduct. For example, compelling and undesirable diminishment of sustenance admission or serious overeating, and in addition sentiments of trouble or great worry about body shape or weight.

Art therapy is a mental health profession in which clients, facilitated by the art therapist, use art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior and addictions, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. A goal in art therapy is to improve or restore a client’s functioning and his or her sense of personal well-being.

Expressive arts therapy is the use of art modalities, creative process, and aesthetic experience in a therapeutic context. It is a therapy of the imagination (McNiff, 1992). Effective communication is an essential element in therapeutic relationships and, although verbal language is the most conventional means of conveying information, other forms can convey just as much as words. The arts are an alternative form of communication that has recently received recognition for their value in therapeutic settings. There is a long well-established connection between the arts and psychology. Expressive arts therapy builds on a natural, complimentary relationship between the two disciplines. As a formal therapy, this form is relatively new with its

Almost every theoretical orientation has adapted the use and techniques of expressive arts therapy in some way. Humanistic psychology, for example, emphasizes the importance of play, creativity, and spontaneity. The creative process is intrinsic to self-actualization. Self-actualization makes life more meaningful and enhances abilities,