When it comes to addiction treatment, many people often think of medications, various forms of therapy, group meetings, etc. What doesn’t come to mind immediately is different forms of experiential therapies, such as art therapy. Art therapy has been used for people of all ages, genders, backgrounds, and more to help treat mental health and addiction disorders. Many facilities across the US use this treatment modality to give their patients creative expression and provide a medium to explain things that words cannot. For this reason, art therapy is extremely helpful in treating addiction and may help you reach the breakthrough in the healing you have been looking for.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy uses art to help patients improve their mental health and find healing through creative expression. It allows individuals to explore their innermost thoughts, providing a safe space to find personal insight and learn new coping skills. Art therapy can utilize various mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpting, photography, coloring, or even collage. Patients may be directed to make something specific or be given free expression to create what is on their minds. Therapists will often ask questions as clients make their art, helping them analyze their thoughts, the art itself, and how they feel before, during, and after the process.
Healing From Addiction
Individuals who have struggled with addiction often have underlying causes and memories that are suppressed or too challenging to talk about. Art therapy provides a space for patients to explore their innermost thoughts, helping to get them outside of their bodies to be discussed with the art therapist. Thus, patients can do this through non-destructive techniques and in a way that does not require verbal communication, which can make the process easier. It helps patients work through their unconscious memories and emotions, helping them heal that much more in treatment. It can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, release tension, and make a person feel more comfortable in group settings.
Art therapy is a common experiential therapy often used in addiction treatment. This is because the modality has numerous benefits for those currently healing from addiction. By having a medium that does not require words, patients are able to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings without becoming too overwhelmed by verbal communication. You don’t have to be an artist to participate, just a willingness to see how it can help you. You can try art therapy and other treatment modalities at Alta Loma Transformational Services in Georgetown, TX. Call (866) 457-3843 today.
