Art Therapy

As opposed to language and verbal expression, art therapy employs integrative methods to engage mind, body, and spirit in the healing process. Therefore, perceptual and symbolic art therapy activities foster new forms of emotional communication. Furthermore, such visual expression gives voice to what often has been repressed, while also inspiring personal creativity.

Current forms of art therapy integrate elements of many therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral, Gestalt, narrative, and family systems. Additionally, imagery taps into a person’s earliest way of knowing and reacting to the world. As a result, art therapy programs can help teenagers achieve greater insight into their emotional and psychological challenges.

Sources: American Art Therapy Association, US National Library of Medicine (NIH).