Art Therapy Research Paper

Words: 1136
Pages: 5

Everyone has a creative outlet, an interest they can turn to when they need a reality check. All of us experience life in a way where we need a break once in awhile and often times, art and expression can give us that break we need. Lucky for us, this concept of using creativity and personal interest as a remedy for health, is known as art therapy. Art therapy is a gateway to expressionism, an increase of social abilities, and it can overall fix or aid many of our mental health issues. Unfortunately, society is unaware and unwilling to promote the use of art therapy, yet countless cases have been noted regarding the improvement of individuals with mental disorders’ social abilities through the use of art therapy. To combat this problem, I have …show more content…
Once put into action, more people will receive the attention that is imperative for adequate improvements in mental health by programs like social art clubs which can stimulate social interactions while the individuals are being able to be free and express themselves.
Art therapy influences mental health not only in individuals with disorders but it can also be an aid for anyone’s health. According to Willey’s article, Improving Mental Health through the Creation of Art, from the University of Massachusetts studying psychology and therapy, art therapy can reduce anxiety, increase self esteem, improve social skills, manage behavioral or addictive issues, and allow for emotional growth. Everybody struggles with one thing or another, therefore art therapy can help in several aspects of everybody’s life and more people would be able to benefit if it was more prominent in society. Mental disabilities inhibit a person’s social skills and the capability to interact well with others and in