Using Art to Promote Healing and Recovery
Some patients are more comfortable than others speaking to therapists in group and individual counseling sessions. To that end, our addiction specialists have developed multiple ways for patients to communicate their feelings in therapy. One of these methods is art therapy, where patients are encouraged to express themselves through different forms of artistic media and create works that convey their emotions.
Not only does this help patients discover and rediscover talents and former passions, it also allows them to express thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be hidden. Our therapists are able to examine artwork created by patients and make assessments about their mood, mental health and other personality traits. This process often results in patients gaining a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Judgment-Free Communication
Many of our patients experience difficulty in expressing their thoughts and feelings because they fear they won\’t be understood. Art is a universal language that frees them in their expression and is a space where they can honestly express their emotional experiences. It\’s also a great way to unlock issues that the patient themselves may not have realized they were dealing with.
