Author Constanza Arévalo Manjarrés.
Artist, Psychologist with a Community Social Emphasis
Specialist in Pedagogy for Autonomous Learning Development, Educational Researcher, University Lecturer.
Art Therapy: Unleashing Human Creative Potential
Art Therapy is a therapeutic form of expression that strengthens intrapersonal, interpersonal, and social group processes, among others, in different areas such as education, organizations, and health.
Initially, the meaning of art therapy will be clarified, followed by an explanation of what art therapy is used for. Group psychotherapy forms, benefits, and finally a conclusion on the topic will be discussed.
To begin, it’s important to define what ART is. Art is a form of expression and communication that engages the senses, involving emotions, sensations, and feelings. It allows communication with oneself and others, connecting people, communities, and countries through different perceptions based on culture, values, life perspectives, and artistic forms. This communication is bilateral through the senses.
THERAPY, on the other hand, is a form of support and accompaniment for individuals, groups, or patients, allowing them to externalize their emotions, sensations, and feelings. Through therapy, art in any of its forms can be used as a means of communication. Therapy assists individuals in reconnecting with their being, facing and overcoming challenging moments that have affected their emotional well-being, using resilience as a social tool.
Consequently, when art and therapy unite, Art Therapy is formed, becoming a therapeutic tool with significant contributions from social psychology, education, clinical psychology, transpersonal psychology, and more.
Thus, Art Therapy aims to contribute to a better quality of life and human development, helping improve psychological, educational, emotional, and social issues. It allows individuals to externalize internal and external conflicts through emotions, creative intelligence, perception, imagination, etc., becoming aware of what affects them and releasing it. This process empowers individuals and social groups to engage in catharsis through art in any of its forms, enhancing various aspects such as physical, psychological, mental, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and creative aspects.
As a result, it’s crucial to view human beings holistically, acknowledging their psychological, physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and creative aspects. This allows self-awareness and self-recognition through introspection and subsequently externalizing conflicts, frustrations, and internal needs. Art therapy can be used alongside other supportive psychotherapies to enhance individuals’ quality of life, using art in any of its forms.
Benefits of using art therapy in psychoeducational processes and beyond:
a) Strengthens intrapersonal communication.
b) Enhances interpersonal and social group communication.
c) Boosts self-esteem.
d) Improves learning processes.
e) Provides catharsis.
f) Promotes emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.
g) Manages emotions effectively.
h) Uncovers skills and talents.
i) Reinforces values like self-respect and respect for others.
j) Cultivates virtues like gratitude, kindness, generosity, etc.
k) Enhances communication processes.
l) Acts as a healing process.
m) Encourages creativity development in personal, family, and other life aspects.
In conclusion, Art Therapy is a powerful psychotherapeutic, social, and educational tool. It aims to improve emotional and social conflicts and is used in various fields such as education, organizations, social contexts, and health. It is applicable on both an individual and group level.
Art Therapy gains significance and strength in the current juncture where individuals need to reconnect, recognize their essence, and find meaning in their lives at any stage of development. It empowers individuals to enhance their strengths, address their weaknesses, improve interactions, boost self-esteem, manage emotions, and recognize intelligence and learning styles. These aspects are promoted through innovative spaces that heighten individuals’ awareness through the senses, using art to explore and experiment with various forms, figures, textures, aromas, etc. This way, Art Therapy contributes to a harmonious society, leaving a legacy for future generations.
