The journey to recovery varies from person to person. Straightforward methods in therapy might not work for you no matter how effective it is for someone else. Regardless of the medium, the primary purpose of therapy remains the same: to determine the root cause of your problem and help you understand what you’re going through.
You learn to develop positive coping methods, change self-destructive behavior, and in some cases, heal in a safe, non-judgmental environment aided by a licensed professional.
The therapies more commonly heard about are: psychoanalytic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and group therapies. If none of these appeal to you, a different kind of therapy exists: creative expression.
What is Creative Therapy?
Creative Therapy, also known as Expressive Arts Therapy, is the use of creative art forms combined with psychology to promote emotional growth and healing. This kind of therapy operates under the premise that with a therapist, you become more expressive and communicative in the work you produce through creative means.
Under creative therapy are several distinct disciplines focusing on one or more art forms. These are art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, poetry therapy, and psychodrama. In creative art therapies, there’s emphasis on the process of creation rather than the product.
Looking for institutions that specialize in this type of therapy can be tricky. You have to go through various reviews, both online and by word of mouth, to determine if the treatment center is right for you. An assessment of Eva Carlston Academy, for example, helps parents discover the center’s therapeutic approach for adolescent girls, giving them a good idea if it’s a suitable fit for their daughter.
Healing and Self Discovery Through Creative Expression
Discovering your creativity empowers you, regardless of the medium. Creativity opens a path toward your mental and emotional space. You’ll have a chance to break through the confines of your past experiences by thinking outside the box. You can portray your thoughts and feelings without using words through artistic methods.
You explore your inner and outer world through multiple senses and through the experience of various art forms. Your therapist may guide you through the process, and together you’ll highlight and analyze your problems and issues as they’re revealed. You’ll learn different nonverbal ways of creativity to communicate your inner feelings.
A study on the connections between art, healing and public health found that creative engagement can decrease anxiety, stress, and mood disturbances. By using a medium that does not require you to express yourself outright or through words like most people fear, you’re free to tell your story the way you want.
You don’t need to have prior experience in any of the creative mediums to engage in this type of therapy. Despite its unfamiliarity, self discovery is possible as you test out what works for you. Healing comes naturally once you’ve identified and addressed your problems and how you can resolve them.
