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Art Healing
Art healing is a term that is applied to any artform used in healing and is a relatively new concept in western society. Only in the last 20 years have doctors, therapists, and other medical types begun to acknowledge and study the theraputic effects of creating artwork upon physical, emotional, and mental well being. According to Cathy Malchiodi, in her book "The Art Therapy Sourcebook", art therapy is "...based on the idea that the creative process of artmaking is healing and life enhancing, and that it is a potent form of communication. It utilizes the creative process... to promote growth, self-expression, emotional reparation, conflict resolution and transformation." Art healing is a hands-on, self-help approach to overcoming obstacles in one's life. Its not enough to read articles or books on art healing, you must participate in the creative process for it to be beneficial. And while artists in general tend to focus on the asthetics of the image, art healing's focus is on your feelings, thoughts, and ideas.
According to Malchiodi, art healing is beneficial in several ways: Visually dealing with tramatic emotions can feel safer then dealing with them in words. It lets us express things we cannot express in words. Its helpful in releasing emotions. It is a powerful therapeutic process that has meaning and comes directly from our own feelings and imagination. It allows us to get to know ourselves. It is available to everyone. It enhances our lives and reduces stress. To learn more, check out the articles below. They are listed by category. Enjoy, and then break out the colors and glue.
Articles The Creative Cure Art and how it benefits the brain The Art of Self-Improvement Art Healing and the Medical Community Achieving Your Goals: Create Your Own Goal Collage Reclaim Your Happiness Art healing around dating What Does Creativity Bring to Your Life? Painting your Way Forward! The Art of Self Improvement Creativity isn't just about art, its about healing art Creating the Ultimate Self Help Healing Session
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