Surely many people have heard the term "art therapy". The word art is translated from English as art. Consequently, this direction of psychological correction is based on creativity and art. It is worth paying special attention to the technique of fractals in art therapy, which involves crushed drawing, has a positive effect on the patient's brain and feelings.
The Essence of Art Therapy
The tasks that art therapy sets itself are, in fact, identical for other methods of psychological correction. That is, if globally, it is the harmonization of the emotional state of a person. But in art therapy, this state is achieved through self-expression in creativity. The value and uniqueness of this method lies in the fact that with the help of art therapy you can express a wide variety of emotional states and feelings:
- fear;
- admiration;
- offense;
- anger;
- love and more
One of the main ideas of art therapy (fractal techniques, drama and others)is that the essence of the inner "I" of the individual is expressed in the images that it creates. For example, when a person paints a picture or creates any other subject of creativity. And it is in the process of self-expression of one's "I" that the process of harmonization of the psychological state of the individual is carried out. Sublimation is at the heart of art therapy. That is, a person relieves a certain internal tension by redirecting energy to achieve certain goals. In the case of art therapy, this is the creation of art objects.
As for the objects of creativity themselves, these can be paintings, and literary works (bibliotherapy), sculptures (clay therapy), etc. Art therapy is a good tool for psychological work on oneself. This method is suitable for people of absolutely any age. The possibilities of this method are very wide.
With the help of art therapy, you can overcome certain complexes and fears in children and adults, harmonize your psychological state, raise self-esteem. By the way, this is one of the fastest growing areas in psychotherapy. In the rhythm of modern life, full of stressful situations, more and more people around the world are resorting to the technique of body-oriented art therapy as a tool to relieve stress and get positive emotions.
Freezelight
Freezelight is a non-traditional art therapy technique, namely the art of painting with light, which requires only a few conventional cameras and a light source. One of the prerequisites forthe implementation of this technique is complete darkness. Usually the process of photographing takes place in the dark. For a successful process, the camera is fixed with a maximum shutter speed, the longer it is, the more time the artist will have to work. Freezelight's main methods are:
- Dynamic - in which light sources move.
- Static - light sources illuminate prepared items for a short period.
Experiments carried out in 1949 are considered the beginning of this trend. That year, Pablo Picasso heard a story from his friend. This man was a popular at that time artist and photographer Guyon Mili. Mili told Picasso about a new photography technique he had recently applied: he attached small lanterns to the extras' boots. Inspired by Picasso, he decided to try this method himself.
Monotype
Monotype is a special drawing technique that is available for use by all people, regardless of their abilities. It is believed that an artist of Italian origin - Giovanni Castiglione, who lived in the 17th century, became its inventor, and only received distribution at the end of the 19th century. Monotype is made by applying paints on a smooth surface. As a material to be applied, you can use watercolor (for a single-color pattern) and oil paint (for a multi-color one). In order to diversify the drawing, you can apply various methods.applying smears. The resulting drawing is complemented by various means and techniques, among which it is worth noting the outlining of the contours with black and white paint. This psychiatric art therapy technique is great for working with children as it helps them express their emotions.
Plasticine painting
Painting is one of the most complex varieties of contemporary art. The art of painting from plasticine appeared at the end of the last century. Initially, only children created this technique. And real artists considered it child's play.
There are many types and techniques of drawing in art therapy. First of all, it is worth highlighting the drawing with plasticine.
Teachers in preschool institutions were happy to use plasticine painting in classes with kids. This type of creativity develops finger motor skills and thinking well. However, this painting soon gained admirers among the adult audience. Although professionals still continue to consider this type of art as pampering. Over time, various techniques of pictorial art from plasticine arose, including contour modeling, the creation of relief works, the work of their plaits, polka dots, modeling with the help of strokes. Each of these techniques will require a specific material. It can be either ordinary plasticine or wax, hardening, paraffin and others.
Photocopy
The art of drawing is interesting and exciting not only for children but also for adults. One of the modern non-traditional techniques is photocopy - drawing withusing candles. This technique is not at all difficult. To implement it, you need any candle. First of all, a sketch of the future picture is drawn on a piece of paper. Then the sketch lines are drawn using a candle pre-pointed in the form of a pencil. Using a brush, the sheet is wetted with water, and paints are applied on top. The brush can be replaced with a piece of foam rubber. Then, in order for the image to appear, it is necessary to carefully apply paint over the entire surface of the paper with a brush or foam rubber sponge. And the picture will appear as when developing photographs. After the drawing dries, it can be supplemented with felt-tip pens. Photocopy is one of the techniques of art therapy and helps specialists to carry out various psychological adjustments.
Music therapy
Music therapy - treatment through the use of music and musical instruments. Music therapy can be both part of a complex psychotherapeutic treatment, and an independent method of treatment. The main results of the application are:
- recovery;
- education;
- raising children and adults with mental or physical illness.
Music therapy not only affects the psychological he alth of a person, but also makes an active influence on such processes as breathing, blood circulation and others. It can be used in combination with the technique of closed eyes in art therapy. It is considered active if active actions are required from the patient, such as singing or playing the piano.musical instrument. Therapy is considered passive if the patient acts as a listener. Therapy will be considered integrative if other forms of creativity besides music are used:
- drawing;
- poetry;
- prose;
- drama and others.
Library therapy
Bibliotherapy includes various techniques such as psychotherapy, psychocorrection, psychology, book science. Bibliotherapy produces an impact on the patient by reading literature specially selected for him by a specialist. The goal of therapy is to normalize the mental he alth of the patient. During therapy, a person writes down everything in a reader's diary. The specialist then analyzes the recorded data. The analysis will help diagnose and give an objective assessment of the effectiveness of the correction. This type of therapy is recommended for use with children and adult patients who suffer from personal and emotional problems. Bibliotherapy can be used in individual and group sessions. For group lessons, group members are selected according to their level of erudition and literary interests. During the diagnosis, clients, together with a psychologist, analyze the impact of the books they read, which helps patients to become aware of personal problems.
Dramatherapy
Dramatherapy is a targeted method of influencing the patient, with the help of which the psychotherapist achieves the manifestation of any emotions in order to normalize and restore his emotional state. This method is based on the inventeddramatic stories. By participating in the story played out, without noticing for himself, the patient gets used to the role offered to him and thereby pushes himself to solve the psychological problem that has arisen for him. Drama therapy has found its application in the treatment of such deviations as:
- various unresolved psychological problems;
- minor psychological abnormalities;
- family conflicts;
- psychological disorders.
Dramatherapy also includes the resource technique of art therapy and involves the implementation of several sessions, with the help of which the psychotherapist helps the patient to establish contact with the outside world and solve his personal problems. When using this technique for most patients, the result of stabilization of the psychological state occurs as soon as possible.
Game therapy
Game therapy is a method of treatment in which the main source of influence is a role-playing game. The game helps to assist the client in overcoming his psychological and social difficulties. The main goal is to remove barriers in personal growth and emotional development. This method includes all psychotherapeutic influences with the help of games and toys. The object of treatment can be a person of any age and social status, but most often this method is applied to children and adolescents. During the game, the player learns to cope with their feelings and situations that are modeled in the game. One of the most important advantages of play therapy is that during the game you can identify the source of the problem, and thengently and carefully assess and correct the condition of the child or adult. Also, with its help, you can teach a group of people to collectively interact in solving the problem of the game.
Isotherapy
Isotherapy is a technique used in the psychotherapeutic direction and using painting. This method includes anti-stress coloring, creative coloring techniques in art therapy and other methods. When using isotherapy in practice, the patient creates his own paintings or actively interacts with ready-made images. This technique has an active impact not only on children, but also on adults. The essence of the drawing technique in art therapy is that the “artist” activates the work of the brain and splashes out all hidden thoughts on paper. Auxiliary tools for this technique are paper, paints and pencils. After a certain time, according to the saved works, the psychotherapist determines the dynamics of improvement or deterioration of the patient's psychological state. To achieve a full-fledged positive result from the drawing technique in art therapy for the patient, classes are carried out systematically and under the supervision of a doctor. The use of isotherapy in practice is a proven technique that gives positive results in the treatment of psychological abnormalities.
Collage
Compilation of a composition that is connected in meaning from a large number of pictures, various images or drawings is called a collage (art therapy technique). Family work brings people together and is a great option for those who want to work as a team.
Thisthe concept of collage appeared at the end of the 20th century and in a short time made a positive impression on art lovers. To compile this composition, a certain “platform” is used in the form of a sheet of paper, drawing paper or some kind of flat surface, on which various images are fixed with glue. As an additional type of decor, various applications and small objects can be attached to the collage. The main feature of the collage is the ability to combine different images that are not similar in their subject matter. The collected history on the "platform" stands out for its originality and originality. Recently, the collage has become a real work of art that anyone can create.
Sand Therapy
In psychological practice, many methods are used to work with people with psychological problems, as well as children. One of them is the basic technique of art therapy using sand. The method is popular because of its efficiency and ease of use. The patient, with the help of sand, tries to harmonize his inner and outer "I", as well as to overcome stress. During therapy, a tray with sand, water and small figures is used. The patient, using his own imagination, must connect everything together. The creation of sand compositions, as well as their reconstruction, is a special ritual. On the basis of it, one can trace the dynamics of mental changes. This is a kind of art therapy technique. A person is immersed in creativity and learns to listen to his thoughts,which contributes to the solution of psychological problems that were before therapy.
Color Therapy
Color therapy is a modern method of psycho-correction using a color palette. Since ancient times, it was believed that the color has the power to restore peace of mind, and is able to cure various diseases. It is believed that a person perceives colors not only with the help of vision, but also unconsciously absorbs it through the skin, muscles and even bones. Modern specialists use color therapy to treat stress, headaches, chronic fatigue and lack of sleep, and other psychological problems. Also, color treatment has a good effect on restoring the condition and appearance of human skin, perfectly stimulates the immune system. Color therapy is also used for decreased appetite, allergies, skin diseases, gastrointestinal tract and other diseases. Any person after a hard day instinctively dreams of being in a suitable color environment, swimming in the blue sea, lying on a green lawn and the like.
Fairytale therapy
Fairy tale therapy is one of the innovations in art therapy. In psychology, this method of psychocorrection and psychoprophylaxis has been used by specialists relatively recently. Fairy tales have been used by our ancestors to convey information since ancient times. Fairy tale stories have a very deep effect on the subconscious and consciousness of both children and adults. In children, this method develops imagination and teaches them to look for ways out of various life situations. With adults, therapy works just as well. Modern specialists are quiteoften began to use fairy tale therapy at their seminars, trainings or individual sessions, because it can be attributed to the resource technique of art therapy. During this therapy, not only existing works can be used, but new ones can also be invented. Today, fairy tale therapy is a serious means of shaping the consciousness of adults and an excellent method of raising children.
Phototherapy
In the modern world, phototherapy is a method of psychocorrection from one of the varieties of art therapy. This pace of therapy is rapidly gaining popularity. Specialists use various photographs for the treatment of depressive conditions, patients' knowledge of their inner world, feelings and fears. The method of this therapy is quite simple. The patient looks at various photographs to immerse himself in the events of his past. During a long story, the specialist makes various notes, and then draws conclusions about the problems and their causes based on them. Phototherapy can be individual, group or even family. To carry it out, a person will need a mobile phone, a digital camera, or just an old camera. This type of art therapy can be used to treat people of various ages while solving a large list of problems.
Clay therapy
Clay therapy is a method used in psychology and is a kind of art therapy. This technique is used in the treatment of fears, aggression, self-doubt in adults and children. also with successused in the treatment of hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder in children. Clay therapy helps a person to express those feelings that are hidden in his subconscious and do not find a way out. Also, with the correct interpretation of the resulting figures, you can understand what feelings and emotions are missing in a person’s life, which he does not even suspect yet. If in the first lessons a person does not get figures, he does not like them, then this also has a certain therapeutic effect. In subsequent sessions, a person will still begin to get better. Seeing the increase in his skill, he receives emotional satisfaction. Hyperactive children, children with attention deficit disorder develop perseverance and improve concentration.
Tips from psychiatrists for art therapy
The use of art therapy techniques and exercises is a method of influencing the human psyche with the help of means, images, objects, activities, and so on. Art therapy can bring a person with mental disorders back to normal life. Art therapy affects the subconscious. Due to the methodology of its implementation, a change in character traits and actions is formed in a person at a subconscious level. So, a person can get rid of phobias, fall in love with what previously seemed alien to him, and so on. The psychology of art therapy is a unique opportunity to understand what was incomprehensible, to see what was not visible, to change what was impossible, as well as to increase self-esteem, cheer up, change character, behavior and much more. But at the same time, the technique of arttherapy can only be implemented by a psychiatrist who knows the field. Judging by the advice of psychiatrists, the methods and techniques of art therapy should be used only in cases where the problem is difficult to solve with another method, when a person feels uncomfortable during treatment.
For example, lack of desire to live, depression, surging apathy and so on have many reasons. This may be a psychological trauma received in early childhood, a temporary crisis, the development of fear, and the like. To cope with this, taking medication alone is not enough. Anxiety, fear, apathy, depression, are perfectly treatable during the game, through art and so on. Certain art therapy techniques and exercises can be chosen at your discretion. The main thing is that it is of interest to the patient. Only in this way art therapy will bring a positive result. The most popular and frequently used technique is the impact through art, drawing, color, music. For children, fairy tale therapy, game therapy and others are more suitable. The main result is a change in a person when he stopped keeping his thoughts in himself. He was able to pour out all the negative on paper, opening up. Regular art therapy will change your life for the better.
