While researching for my final paper, I came across some very interesting articles on the function and benefits of using art as a therapeutic tool. I was surprised by the different ways in which art therapy can be helpful for those in distress. I found two stories which I thought were very interesting.
In the first, a family with a physically disabled child started a support group to bring together other families with physically disabled children. Their activities in the group incorporated art therapy, in the form of making simple crafts together, to help boost the confidence of the children as well as allow them a form of self-expression. Taking part in these activities also helped the children feel comfortable with each other, since they all had similar situations as far as a physical disability. These group activities also fostered a support community for the parents and an information network as well.
The second article described the story of an Iraqi war veteran struggling with post traumatic stress disorder. After returning to the US, the veteran teamed up with a filmmaker to spread knowledge and support for those who were also having difficulty readjusting to civilian life. The veteran also mentioned how she took part in a group that uses art therapy in the form of soldiers cutting up their uniforms to create artwork. Not only did the making of the film contribute to the veteran's path to recovery, but projects such as the one she mentioned help people to transform their emotional state by physically transforming a symbol of their distress into something beautiful.
The American Art Therapy Association has a lot of helpful information about art therapy and its many applications.
The two articles I mentioned can be found here and here.
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