With the growing awareness of mental health in our modern world, it is
no wonder that such a wide variety of treatment options have become
available for individuals struggling with their mental health. These
therapeutic options might range from traditional therapy to hypnotherapy
to play therapy, but there is one form of therapy that is becoming more
and more prevalent in recent years: art therapy. This treatment provides
the patient with a safe, judgement-free environment to express and
externalize thoughts and feelings through art that may otherwise be
challenging to discuss. Why does Art Therapy work? explores this unique
treatment option and the benefits it can have for its recipients. In
order to situate our reader, this discussion begins with the history of
art therapy and an explanation of the core concepts behind the practice
followed by a comparison between art therapy and other well known
therapeutic treatments. The following chapters will discuss the benefits
of art therapy and who this treatment might best be suited for as well
as the science behind it and the recent research that has been conducted
studying its effects on patients suffering from a variety of mental
health issues. Why does Art Therapy work? is an in depth exploration
that strives to educate the general reader on the origins, practice, and
benefits of art therapy.
