On April 15, the World Art Day. That is why today we are dealing with benefits of art therapy in children, an activity with great virtues for the good development of the little ones.
Art is a creative activity for aesthetic purposes through which people can express their feelings and emotions. It is also an ideal way to develop creativity and imagination. Both freely and through a series of techniques and procedures. Art is a great channel for expression and that is why there are a variety of therapies that include it in its modality. Perhaps the most suitable is the art therapy, a therapy based on the power of art and its expressiveness.
Art and expression
A therapy has the objective of alleviating, curing and improving symptoms and illnesses of a person, using a good number of techniques and procedures. When art and therapy converge, what is known as Art Therapy is born, a therapy whose working tool is art. Why join the two? The benefits of art therapy in children They are associated with the playful and expressive process involved in this therapeutic style. It is this scenario that enables expression, communication and personal development.
Art therapy was born at the end of World War II, as a therapy to help soldiers face the psychic problems caused by being on the front lines. Today, art therapy is practiced for therapeutic purposes. It uses the creative process to improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals. Starting from the foundation that all individuals have the ability to express themselves creatively, art therapy seeks self-knowledge and emotional expression. Thus, it bets on artistic expression as a way that enables the feeling to be brought out.
Art as a playful space
There are endless benefits of art therapy in children and in adults. From solving conflicts and problems to reducing stress or achieving a growing process of introspection. Although therapy appeals to art as an essential resource, each therapist may develop a different style according to their specialty. Beyond style, among the benefits of art therapy, the development of interpersonal skills, increased self-esteem and a growing improvement in behavior management are also highlighted.
Art therapy as a discipline within the field of mental health is increasingly recognized throughout the world. At present, it is considered as a specific profession within the mental health area that uses the creative process as a driving force and work tool.
The benefits of art therapy in childrens are the same as in a process performed in adults. For this reason, the scope of this specialization is wide. Art therapy is present in occupational therapy, in people with learning disabilities and in medical clinics. Also in spaces of rehabilitation and prevention of mental health, in education and in spaces of social and community action.
Many techniques, many benefits
Language and artistic forms will allow different approaches according to age and problem. The playful component is among the greats benefits of art therapy in children. Through various activities such as dance, music, theater, visual arts, body language, literature or applied Arts (design, jewelry, textile), children can develop social and expressive skills, and improve their self-confidence and self-esteem.
Art therapy as creative therapy allows close contact and a playful setting that enables expression and joint work to achieve well-being and better development of the child, adolescent and adult. Art therapy is increasingly being included in treatments related to children's cognitive, psychic and motor development because art is a great vehicle to bring out emotionality and communication.