Ovarian Colorado

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Art Therapy

Art has been used as a means of communication for thousands of years. For the purposes of investigating inner thoughts and feelings through the creation of art, it is not the end product but the process of making art that is of value. 

The American Art Therapy Association describes art in the therapeutic setting “as the therapeutic use of art making within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma or challenges in living and by people who seek personal development. Through creating art and reflecting on the art process and product, people can experience increased awareness of self and others, can better cope with distressing symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive abilities and enjoy the life-enhancing process of making art.” (1)  It is important to note that one need not be a skilled artist to experience the benefits of the art process.

Our mind thinks in images and it is not always possible to express in words, the images of our thoughts and feelings. Our dreams consist of images from the subconscious and although we can journal our dreams, it may be challenging to articulate into words the images we view. Although we may not think we have the artistic ‘talent,’ we have the ability to create art with color, shape, texture, light and dark.

Many cancer centers and hospitals have an art cart with a variety of art supplies. Some even have exercises and projects that will guide the creative process. Art belongs to everyone, especially those on the journey through cancer.

References

The Center for Health & Healing at: http://www.healthandhealingny.org/complement/art_history.html

Achieving the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection: A Stress Management Workbook by
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.

Managing Stress: Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being by Brian Luke
Seaward, Ph.D.

The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron

Love, Medicine & Miracles: Lessons Learned about Self-Healing from a Surgeon’s