Expressive Art Therapy for Addiction Recovery

Art therapy with a licensed art therapist is not only reserved for those with artistic inclinations. Art therapy is proven to help people deal with anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. It can help those suffering learn to manage their feelings and behaviors, relieve symptoms of stress, and even develop interpersonal skills.

Best Expressive Art Therapy Program for Addiction

” While SUD is something to be managed rather than cured, using art therapy can help those struggling to refrain from using harmful substances. The world of mental healthcare and counseling uses various terminologies to describe treatments, mental health conditions‌, and more. One such common phrase is ‘level of care,’ which signifies the extent of services a patient needs. As participants create their beads, they’ll be reminded of the meaning of mindfulness and how they can help them refocus their mind and practice mindfulness—and even some meditation. The lighthouse activity has participants visualize being lost at sea and using the idea of a lighthouse as a point of guidance. This project is ideal for individuals who may feel lost, overwhelmed, and even isolated.

• While the Draw Your Wall activity can benefit treatment no matter what the issue, in my experience, the Draw Your Wall activity is especially useful for clients who have experienced trauma.
• In other words, don’t specify what kind of bridge or body of water they should depict.
• The expressive collage-making exercise by expressive arts therapist Shelley Klammer in the video below is designed to enhance self-acceptance.
• By using different artistic forms such as painting, drawing, or music, you can gain a better understanding of your addiction and mental health.
• In this post, I will provide a brief literature review of therapists who have been doing this integrative work and provide an example of how drama therapy can be utilized to teach the DBT skill of wise mind.
• These people aren’t here to judge but can help you interpret what you’ve expressed, share their own artistic works, and more.

Download 3 Free Positive CBT Exercises (PDF)

Art therapy is conducted by trained and licensed art therapists, trained in art and psychological theory, who can tailor the approach to each person’s needs and goals. If you or a loved one are going through addiction and think that art therapy could benefit you, don’t hesitate to contact Avenues Recovery, where we can talk https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you through the various options available to you. Many people with SUD experience denial, and many who complete treatment are unsure regarding the work they need to do to maintain recovery. If you notice your drawings contain imagery of darkness and loneliness, this may help you realize how you feel about yourself.

Art Therapy: Create To Recover

As of late, adult coloring books have been on the market to encourage relaxation during times of stress. These coloring books encourage adults to focus on the present art therapy for addiction moment, using it as a means to detach from unpleasant thoughts. Despite the connection between coloring and stress reduction, experts do not consider it art therapy.

The container metaphor can serve as a physical symbol that can tap into those feelings and experiences. Exploring the concept of “containment” through art can help clients uncover things that are being contained. It can also help them contain things that may feel overwhelming or out of control through visual and/or tactile means. Containment activities provide a way for clients to protect, preserve, and honor those parts of themselves that feel vulnerable. This straightforward art activity provides an excellent metaphor for your adult clients to work through any number of issues. You can explore past trauma, current boundaries, life stuckness, and even check in on the therapeutic relationship.

• With TenEleven handling everything from scheduling appointments, managing your revenue cycle, and reporting, you’re able to truly focus on dipping your brush in the paints and maximize patient care.
• For example, a painter who has graduated with a fine art degree may then complete graduate training in art therapy to practice as an art therapist, or a professional performer may train as a dance or drama therapist.
• Creating a collage of “words to live by” helps these individuals identify who they are and understand the core values they want to live by.

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• They can include psychology and art classes as well as courses in sociology and education.
• This experience has held you down for years, and it was difficult to get through it and seek help.
• There are so many variations for how to use boxes and containers in your work with adults.

How Creativity Aids in Addiction Recovery

When they are finished, give them a chance to present what they have created. Ask open-ended questions about what you see and also offer up any “noticings” that occur to you about their process, product, and symbols. Be mindful not to assign your own meaning without allowing the client to do so first. Telehealth is a virtual program where individuals communicate with licensed health counselors. One by one, clients trotted out their creations, some abstract or cartoonish in appearance, others painstakingly crafted in their owner’s likeness, but all with some version of darkness or chaos lining their interiors.

Drawing and painting