Art therapy & human development
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
The process of creating images undoubtedly helps individuals with overwhelming emotions, stress, or physical illness heal and achieve greater self-understanding. Art therapy refers to the nonverbal communication of thoughts and feelings free from personal inhibitions or external criticism. It supports the belief that the creative process is cathartic and can help individuals express what words simply cannot capture. Creating art allows humans to deeply explore feelings of anger, pain, fear, sadness, and ecstasy, and translate those complexities into images that provide personal relief and profound insight of the human brain. Art therapy has quickly become a well-respected treatment for children with learning disabilities and posttraumatic stress disorder, and adults struggling with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, addiction, sexual abuse, cancer, schizophrenia and depression.