Short answer: YES. Art therapy is the practice of using artistic methods to treat psychological disorders and improve mental health. The idea behind art therapy is that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being.

For thousands of years, people have relied on the arts for communication, self-expression, and healing. Art therapy was not a formal program until the 1940s.Many doctors noted that individuals living with mental illness often expressed themselves through drawings and other artwork, leading many to consider art as a healing strategy. Since then, art has become an important part of the therapeutic field and is used in some assessment and treatment techniques.

Techniques

It is the aim of art therapy to use creative expression as a means of helping people gain insight into themselves and learn new ways to cope. Art can be used to explore emotions, develop self-awareness, cope with stress, boost self-esteem, and improve social skills.

Techniques used in art therapy can include:

• Collage
• Coloring
• Doodling and scribbling
• Drawing
• Finger painting
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpting
• Working with clay

When clients create art, they may analyze what they have done and how it makes them feel. Exploring their art can reveal themes and conflicts that may be affecting their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

What Art Therapy Can Help With

There are many mental disorders and psychological distresses that can be treated with art therapy. In many cases, it is used in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques such as group therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Some conditions that art therapy may be used to treat include:

• Aging-related issues
• Anxiety
• Cancer
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Emotional difficulties
• Family or relationship problems
• Medical conditions
• Psychological symptoms associated with other medical issues
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Psychosocial issues
• Stress
• Substance use disorder