How To Do Expressive Therapies Using Art Forms

By Essie Osborn


Art not only is for pleasure but sometimes it can also be used as a form of therapy in order to open up the mind and even heal some part of it. Expressive therapies by using art are commonly used by a lot of therapies in order to make a person feel better or make him more relaxed with himself. For those who are interested in this type of therapy, here are some ideas that many therapists would use.

Now one of the most common art forms that a lot of therapists would ask participants to do would be none other than the puppet. Now this method is often used on children or even teenagers if they would have a hard time opening up. The puppet gives them an alter ego in which they can communicate their thoughts with if they do not usually open up to people.

Of course if one would make a puppet, then he would need some materials that would help him make his ideal puppet. In a therapy session, the therapist would be the one that would provide all of the items that the participants would be needing. Now depending on the artistic skills of the participant, the puppet can be a very simple one or an extravagant one.

Another one which is not as commonly used as the first one would be the paper bag art therapy. Now this one is usually used when the participant has identity issues or if he does not know what exactly to do with his life. This activity will help him be able to assess himself and how he would want to approach life as his very own person without considering outside factors.

Now to do this, the therapist must first give a paper bag to the participant and let him draw a self portrait there. Then on the back of bag, the participant will then make a eulogy wherein he will list down all his greatest fears. When he is done with that, he will be putting in some items that would symbolize what he is as a person and what kind of person he wants to be.

Aside from that, one may also do some drama theater arts that will act as a therapy to participants. This will help participants temporarily escape from their current life situation by assuming the role of another character. This will let them have a stronger sense of empathy and will broaden their minds as well as their creative expression.

Now a very good way for the therapist to know what is in the mind of the participant is to ask the participant to draw himself. From there, the therapist and the participant will discuss what the participant sees after drawing the picture. This can also be used as a way for the participant to let out some thoughts.

Now for those who are interested in this field of therapy, here are some ideas that may fill in some questions. Now do take note that there are many more art forms that can be used. This would solely depend on the therapist.




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