Expressive Therapy: Creative Expression & Therapy For Mental Health
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Expressive arts therapy is a form of treatment that involves the use of creativity, the arts, movement, and psychology to encourage healing and emotional development. Expressive arts therapy can benefit both children and adults, individually or in groups. The concept behind creative expressive therapy is that each human being possesses an innate desire to create something. Generally, expressive therapy involves the use of the arts, such as dance, music, poetry, etc. to help people process their emotions.
A closer look at expressive therapy
Art counselors strive to help people find clarity, purpose, and peace. While one person may benefit from journaling or singing in expressive therapy, another person may find that music creation (potentially music therapy) or artistic work speaks to them. In expressive therapy, it is not uncommon for an individual to employ multiple creative outlets and achieve the desired results from various forms of creativity. The American Art Therapy Association highlights how these creative approaches can also help individuals focus on self-expression and emotional processing.
Expressive arts therapy: A combination of creative expression and psychotherapy
Expressive arts therapy is an area of alternative and complementary medicine that combines creative expression with traditional talk therapy to improve an individual’s emotional state. Complementary medicine is any therapeutic treatment that is used to supplement the main treatment. Using a journal, musical instruments, and other modalities of creative outlets during therapy sessions can aid in the therapeutic process. Studies show that expressive arts therapy can also help individuals focus on managing anxiety, providing a structured way to express emotions.
Benefits of art therapy and music therapy for mental health issues
Anyone can benefit from expressive therapy. Current literature on the subject emphasizes the benefits of art therapy for older adults in nursing homes and music therapy for people experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, although research shows that these therapies are beneficial in almost every setting. Expressive therapy has also been used to help a cancer patient cope with emotional distress, offering a creative outlet that supports both emotional and physical well-being.
What is an expressive therapist?
When someone participates in therapy, the facilitator tends to monitor their growth and progression. They also help determine which creative outlet seems most suitable for each person.
Patients admitted into mental health facilities often participate in art therapy as a part of their treatment plan. Arts counselors often work with a patient or patients in internal medicine units of hospitals and other public health facilities in conjunction with their main psychotherapy treatment, and organizations such as the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association exist to support these professionals. Many expressive therapists also incorporate talk therapy into their sessions, allowing patients to focus on both verbal and creative expression for deeper emotional healing.
Expressive arts therapy: Dance therapy, music therapy, and more
Five types of art therapy are:
- Drama therapy
- Music therapy
- Dance therapy
- Journaling
- Painting and drawing
These modalities offer different ways for individuals to express emotions, process experiences, and build self-awareness. Many therapists encourage clients to explore multiple forms of expressive therapy to find what resonates with them.
How a therapist practicing expressive therapy guides the creative process
Expressive therapy tends to focus on creation. The counselor usually guides and observes the creative process and then works with the person after the content has been created. Depending on the given creative process, this can happen in a variety of ways. They may ask the individual questions about what the content represents and why they chose certain shapes, sounds, or colors. They may also request for the person to talk and tell a story about the content and how it is connected with their life.
How expressive therapies lead to mental health insights
The work and content that a person generates can be indicative of their personality, their life circumstances, and their inner emotions. Sometimes, it takes longer for the counselor to uncover this with a person, but this process can have a significant impact, and counselors can monitor their progress and personal growth throughout the creative arts process.
Finding yourself through expressive arts therapy
For some, expressive therapy can be a peaceful and enlightening experience. When someone engages in the creative arts, they may learn which patterns, designs, colors, or words speak to them. Art therapy may help them learn about themselves and release feelings or emotions that they may not have been aware of. Many people find it helpful to talk about their creations, using them as a bridge to deeper self-reflection.
Mental health benefits of music therapy, art therapy, & other expressive arts therapy
Peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of art therapy (published by the American Journal of Art Therapy) dating back to as early as the 1970s support the theory that art therapy can be beneficial in treating mental health conditions, Alzheimer's disease, substance use disorder, trauma, and more.
Drama therapy for self-esteem
Individuals who are experiencing low self-esteem may find art therapy to be particularly beneficial. Not only does it encourage creativity and expression, but it can also help a person find something that they enjoy doing outside of therapy.
For example, a person who partakes in painting therapy may soon realize that they possess a knack for choosing color combinations. Likewise, someone who turns to writing may learn that they excel at creating content and expressing themselves through the written word. When you learn that you are artistically talented and are aware of your strengths, it may be easier to move past feelings of low self-esteem. Talk therapy is often combined with expressive techniques to help individuals process their experiences more effectively.
Creative writing for stress
According to the APA, “Stress is a normal reaction to everyday pressures, but can become unhealthy when it upsets your day-to-day functioning. Stress involves changes affecting nearly every system of the body, influencing how people feel and behave. By causing mind-body changes, stress contributes directly to psychological and physiological disorder and disease and affects mental and physical health, reducing quality of life.”
If stress is not addressed, stress can result in chronic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, and more. For some, art therapy can be an effective way to confront stress and prevent it from developing into something more serious.
Art therapy may help combat stress in a series of ways. It can provide a person with a healthy means of escape, allowing them to temporarily remove themselves from the situation they’re experiencing and subsequently put their energy into expression and creation. The process of creating something is also sometimes effective for clearing the mind, giving the individual space to later return to the situation better equipped mentally for finding an appropriate solution.
Music therapy for trauma
When an individual has experienced trauma, it can have a serious and potentially dangerous impact on them. Depending on the circumstances, the healing process can take some time and require treatment. Extensive art therapy may provide someone with an outlet for expressing themselves and possibly uncovering internalized feelings and energy.
Dance therapy for eating disorders
Many people believe that eating disorders are about food, but food is often only used as a tool for coping with larger struggles. Individuals who experience eating disorders often feel a lack of control over their lives and, therefore turn to food as one area that they can control. For some, art therapy helps them uncover the origins of their difficulties and move past them.
As a treatment for eating disorders, not only does expressive arts therapy allow a person to participate in the creation of something new, but it also can help them develop a healthy sense of control. Any form of treatment, including art therapy, typically takes time to yield results. However, expressive arts therapy can provide a starting point for healing and help people realize that they can have control over the trajectory of their lives without using eating habits as a source of control.
Painting for depression
People who experience symptoms of depression may find benefits in expressive arts therapy. It may help ease their symptoms and provide a potentially positive outlet for discovering purpose.
As with other mental health concerns, depression may not automatically go away as soon as a person begins expressive arts therapy. Depression can take time to develop, and it usually takes time to heal. However, introducing a healthy, creative outlet into someone’s life can yield significant results, even if they take time to materialize.
Working with an expressive therapist online
If you are interested in exploring this method of counseling, there are many options for treatment. Visiting a counselor in the office is one option, but between busy schedules and the potential challenge of finding a counselor that offers the kind of counseling you would like to pursue, more patients opt to speak with a counselor online through platforms like BetterHelp. With online counseling, you can indicate your preferences for the type of expertise you would like your counselor to have, then you can meet with them from anywhere with an internet connection, including the comfort of your own home.
Effectiveness of online psychotherapy for mental health concerns
Research has shown online therapy to be just as effective as in-person counseling for a number of mental health concerns. In a review of 17 studies on the efficacy of online counseling, researchers consistently found online counseling to be just as effective as or more effective than face-to-face options. Patients also found online counseling to be more cost-effective and reported equal levels of satisfaction between the two.
Takeaway
Expressive therapy can consist of processing emotions and healing through creative methods such as visual art, dance, music, drama, writing, or other outlets. Creating something can bring about a sense of satisfaction, and the content itself can help therapists better understand what you’re going through. Expressive therapy has been known to help patients with conditions including depression, stress, low self-esteem, trauma, eating disorders, among others. For those looking to explore any type of counseling, online counseling can be a simple way to get started.
What are the benefits of expressive therapy?
Expressive therapies are psychotherapeutic approaches that use artistic mediums (like art, music, storytelling, dance, or writing) to help clients process emotions and memories that may be difficult to discuss. The use of expressive arts in therapy can:
- Encourage self-expression and self-awareness
- Help you process thoughts, feelings, concerns, and other things that may be difficult to discuss
- Learn healthy coping skills to manage stress
- Navigate emotional blocks in therapy
Expressive arts therapy can be beneficial for many people. For example, children may not have the language to discuss mental health challenges and trauma, and making expressive art can be a more effective strategy to process their emotions. Research from the Cleveland Clinic suggests that expressive therapy, including music therapy, can help ease anxiety and improve emotional well-being. Studies have shown that creative arts therapies can provide relief for individuals struggling with anxiety and depression, particularly when used alongside traditional treatment methods.
What is expressive arts therapy for adults?
Expressive therapy is often recommended for children, but it can be effective for adults, too. Art therapists can help adults work through painful emotions and reach greater self-awareness through a variety of artistic mediums, including:
- Music therapy
- Dance therapy
- Painting, drawing, or other types of visual arts therapy
- Role-playing or acting
- Writing therapy
Many adults find that expressive arts therapy helps them achieve personal growth and improve their mental health. Expressive therapy can be useful for a wide variety of individuals. The American Art Therapy Association emphasizes the role of creative arts in therapy, highlighting its benefits for individuals coping with anxiety and depression. Some therapists also integrate different modalities, such as drama therapy and movement exercises, to address a variety of emotional needs.
How do you use expressive therapy?
Expressive arts therapists guide their clients through creative mediums to explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. With practices like music therapy, dance therapy, poetry, prose, sketching, and photography, many clients reach a deeper understanding of themselves. In a 2022 meta-analysis of 47 studies, the American Music Therapy Association has found that creative arts therapies can help ease anxiety in individuals dealing with chronic stress. Many therapists also encourage self-exploration through structured creative arts therapies and activities.
The American Music Therapy Association emphasizes music’s role in physical health and emotional well-being. For cancer patients, it helps reduce anxiety and improve focus during treatment. Many therapists earn a master's degree to specialize in modalities like movement and creative expression for mental illness. Music therapy also supports women, offering a space for talk and self-expression through rhythm and melody.
What are the goals of expressive psychotherapy?
The primary goals of expressive psychotherapy, often called “art therapy,” are to manage symptoms, improve mental health, and learn healthy coping skills. The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA) states that using multiple art forms can help clients engage all their senses to communicate more effectively and grow. Many therapists use creative arts therapies as part of treatment plans to focus on emotional healing and provide relief from distress. Research has shown that cancer patients can benefit from music therapy and other creative arts therapies to improve emotional well-being and reduce stress.
The American Art Therapy Association recognizes art as a powerful art form that promotes emotional healing and personal growth. Therapists use creative modalities to help those with mental health issues express emotions and heal from trauma. Art therapy supports anxiety relief and self-discovery through painting, sculpture, and storytelling. These forms of therapy help individuals focus on emotions while improving social skills and well-being.
What is expressive movement therapy?
Unlike expressive arts therapy, which can incorporate a wide range of artistic mediums, expressive movement therapy refers to dance and movement psychotherapy. Arts therapists who specialize in dance promote social, cognitive, physical, and emotional expression through movement. According to the American Dance Therapy Association, expressive movement therapy is based on:
Movement itself is a language
The mind and body are connected
Movement can be a tool for both therapeutic assessment and healing
According to the American Art Therapy Association, expressive movement therapy is a key part of creative arts therapies, helping individuals use the body as a tool for self-expression exploration. Studies suggest that cancer patients may also experience emotional benefits from expressive movement therapy.
Are expressive therapies action therapies?
Expressive therapies are considered action therapies because they encourage clients to ‘do something’ and actively participate in exploring and communicating thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Drama therapy, a form of creative arts, is an example of an interactive therapy that allows clients to engage in fictional stories to process emotions in a safe and controlled environment. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, a well-known publisher in the field, has published research supporting the use of creative arts therapies in action-based interventions.
What is expressive supportive therapy?
Supportive-expressive psychotherapy is a time-limited type of psychodynamic therapy that emphasizes relationships, both between the client and therapist and between the client and others outside therapy sessions. Some therapists incorporate other creative arts therapies to make the process more engaging, using music, painting, or storytelling as tools for expression. Studies suggest that individuals with cancer may benefit from expressive therapy as a complementary treatment.
What is expressive play therapy?
Expressive play therapy, often just called “play therapy,” is based on theories of child development and is the oldest type of psychotherapy developed specifically for children. Play therapy can be structured or unstructured, allowing children (usually ages 3-12) to process their feelings and reduce psychological distress. Many therapists trained in creative arts incorporate drama therapy techniques, such as role-playing, to help children express emotions through play. Some programs also use different modalities, such as movement and storytelling, to help children build confidence.
What is expressive language therapy?
Expressive language therapy is not a type of psychotherapy; instead, it’s a type of speech therapy that can help children with an expressive language disorder learn to express their thoughts and feelings with others. Creative arts therapies (art, drama, music therapy, etc.) may sometimes be used alongside language therapy to help children focus on communication skills through music, art, or drama. Research from the American Music Therapy Association suggests that incorporating music therapy into language interventions can help improve speech patterns in children with communication disorders.
What is the difference between supportive and expressive therapy?
Expressive arts therapy and supportive-expressive therapy sound similar, but they refer to different psychotherapy approaches:
Expressive arts therapy
Expressive arts therapy is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that utilizes creative processes (such as drawing, dancing, or creative writing) to promote healing, express emotions, and practice healthy coping skills. The American Art Therapy Association recognizes this type of therapy as highly effective for those dealing with depression, trauma, and anxiety. Research has shown that expressive therapy can help cancer patients improve their emotional well-being while undergoing treatment.
Art therapists may work in community clinics, individual practices, hospitals, schools, veteran’s health centers, or rehabilitation. This type of therapy can be effective for many people, but it may be particularly beneficial for children, people who’ve experienced trauma, and individuals with neurodivergence.
Supportive-expressive therapy
Supportive-expressive therapy is an evidence-based, short-term approach to psychodynamic psychotherapy. It’s based on psychoanalytic theories that childhood experiences influence problematic behaviors, and it can help clients discuss sensitive problems.
Expressive therapists often work with clients in special practices, public health facilities, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and behavioral health centers. It’s usually used to address substance use disorders, though it can also be helpful for anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, PTSD, eating disorders, and personality disorders.
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