Artistic Creation as Therapy

Many psychologists believe that allowing patients to express themselves through art will result in a stronger and more rehabilitated therapy than traditional methods. By allowing the patient to tap their creative mind, they are often freeing that person from the problems they are experiencing. Art therapy has become a commonly accepted method of psychological rehabilitation for children, teens and adults. The therapy usually involves the creation of some sort of visual art, including but not limited to photography, clay modeling, sketching and painting. Licensed therapists who use these methods have been trained to look for keys or indicators in their patient’s expression. Often, even if the patient never meant to express a problem or a specific feeling in the art, it will come through in small ways that the therapist can then interpret. This gives the professional a better picture of what the patient is struggling with and how to proceed in treatment. The therapy also gives the patient a sense of release as they can put their emotions into their work.

 

Sometimes, a therapist uses a certain method of art therapy if they feel it is needed. There are several specific methods used. These are: House-Tree-Person (the patient is asked to draw these three items, and the professional uses the drawing to ask pointed questions about the drawing to get a better interpretation of the patient’s issues), Diagnostic Drawing (commonly used for major psychological disorders, this involves the patient using colored chalks to draw certain items, and then the professional interprets the drawing based on colors and design choices), and Mandala Assessment Research Project (the patient is asked to draw a design from a card in the color of their choice. The patient is then asked to explain any meaning behind their color choice and their overall design). These are only a few of the types of art therapy that a professional may choose to use. The decision on type of therapy is made by the professional and is only one part of the patient’s therapy sessions.

 

     Professionals who use art therapy are board certified as a psychologist as well as a licensed art therapist. There are many different types of therapy available for professionals to utilize, but art therapy has proven to be quite valuable and successful.

The Beauty of Music Therapy

Music therapy is a type of treatment using musical notes and sounds that can relieve stress and tension, and it can also improve quality of life for average people and people with mental disabilities and illnesses. People of all ages can find music therapy helpful, for it can be used to help with learning disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, alcohol and drug abuse, effects of aging, physical and mental disabilities, chronic pain, brain injuries, and the pain of labor. It is amazing the list of problems that music therapy can help with. 

   

  When considering music therapy to help with any problem, a patient should consult a professional therapist. This person will evaluate the problem or problems with which the patient is dealing. The therapist will then consider different types of music therapy treatment before making a decision on the correct path for the patient. They will then set up sessions of therapy. These sessions can involve more than just listening to music. In fact, sometimes they involve writing music, repetitive listening, performances or musical imagery. The therapist will then continue evaluations and modify the therapy to suit the patient’s changing needs.

 

     Many people think that the only ones who will benefit from a music therapy regime are those who are musically inclined in the first place, but this is, in fact, not true. Anyone can benefit from music therapy sessions, no matter how much they do or do not know or care about music. The beauty of music therapy is that it can help anyone with their problems.

 

     Because music therapy has been so widely accepted by medical associations and therapy associations alike, many states and private insurances will even pay for the therapy like they would any other type of counseling. This makes it easier for anyone to have access to the therapy program. It is important to remember to consult one’s health insurance before hand though to confirm that music therapy is covered and to what extent the coverage is available.

 

     Music therapy is often used in psychiatric hospitals to help rehabilitate those with mental illness. Many therapists work with patients in nursing homes, because the therapy has proven helpful with many age related diseases. And, finally, music therapy is often implemented in school settings for its positive effects with learning disabilities. No matter what the situation, music therapy has become a tried and true method of dealing with many different issues.