Crafts & Creative Media in Therapy

Artlessness is a contributing factor to many social ills. People are most happy when they are doing something productive in their lives. Creating art is a form of work that is done with the hands. Also, a person's background is reflected in her art. Some personality facets are revealed through art production. It helps people to understand themselves.

Venting Emotions

• Using art as a form of therapy is a good way to channel emotion into a tangible form. Each patient has emotional needs that may be expressed through a work of art. People can vent their emotions into works of art. If a person feels aggressive, art is a good way to control aggression. The hands are moving, which soothes the mind. Whether the person is happy, sad, melancholy or inspired, those emotions are captured in a work of art. It is a nonverbal way to communicate an emotion or idea.

Suppressed Feelings

• Some people have suppressed feelings and pent-up frustrations. These hidden emotions come to the forefront when a work of art is produced. Subconscious feelings come to form through the creative process. These subconscious thoughts and emotions are perceived more clearly by the artist after the work is complete. The artist can come to a better understanding of what is really going on in her mind by seeing it in front of her.

Problems Revealed

• Some individuals may make works of art that are disturbing to others. When a person makes such a work of art, the instructor needs to understand that the person is in need of help. The instructor should ask questions and talk to the individual one on one using a soft, calm voice. The individual has experienced trauma in some form, and this trauma is reflected by the individual's art. The instructor should try to help her understand that there are other sides to the issues she faces.

Art Is Relaxing

• Creating a work of art is soothing. People feel better after they have channeled a thought or emotion into art. The act of creating something of interest is a good feeling. It is a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. It requires a different mode of thinking than the person might be used to. Using this other mode of thinking helps people get things off their minds that would otherwise cause them problems.

Types of Media

• A work of art can be anything. Any type of material that is readily available should be used to make art. Skip around. Create art using different media. See what works best for each individual. Every person leans toward a uniquely defined artistic system. The patient should be able to make the kind of art with which they feel most comfortable. There are many types of art. In a therapy environment, this creative freedom is a good way to keep people interested in making art.