When … Experiencing the expressive arts can engage learners physically, socially and emotionally, nurturing their well-being, self-esteem and resilience. Expressive arts therapy combines psychology and the creative process to promote emotional growth and healing. The expressive arts are being used increasingly well to strengthen the level of challenge and reinforce children's learning across other areas of the currciulum. Expressive arts therapy is beneficial for children, teenagers, and adults with social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, PTSD, and trauma among other cognitive, and behavioral disorders. The creative arts are often thought of as unimportant, and are frequently the first programs to be cut when funds are low. I’m so happy Zara that you found this inspirational! 7 Expressive arts can help individuals visually express emotions and fears that they were never able to convey through conventional means, thus giving them some sense of control over these feelings. He was able to focus more on tasks and think clearer. This includes using the expressive arts, through drama in particular, to explore sensitive issues such as drug awareness, sectarianism, and emotional health and wellbeing. If you are looking for research or just curious, we have a few resources that explain why we feel better (or at least different in some way) when we express creatively, we have a selection of articles, research and stories from people who have had profound experiences through self expression, expressive arts … But it’s pretty nice to see it later and see how I felt about the situation. I thought I would try my hand at Expressive Painting, myself even though I’m not painter. © Copyright 2012 GoodTherapy.org. Early years arts experiences can impact positively on confidence, self-esteem, personal, social, emotional development and behavioural health, breaking down language barriers, cultural prejudices or societal differences, and leading to decreased social problems, reduced inequality and increased creativity. Appropriate for all ages, it can enhance a person’s emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical well-being. Art allows us to really delve into our inner feelings and to express them in a way that does not feel so threatening or even confrontational. It just works better for me that way. This can be painting, sculpting, writing, whatever. 1. But whenever I draw,I don’t think too much,I just let my hand do it. This helps me remember that I have what it takes to stand up for myself…”, ~ Teenager experiencing bullying and anxiety, “Getting outside of my comfort zone by doing something spontaneous in session has helped expand my thinking and increased my confidence. Be found at the exact moment they are searching. Only applicable or appropriate for children and youth. These therapies are more correctly referred to as … It leads to the examination of the affected part of the soul, mind or even body. With the arts sometimes the things that you can put down on paper can be so much more indicative of what and how you are feeling than anything that you could ever say aloud in conversation. It is all about releasing emotions in a safe, supportive, and creative environment. I dont speak much about this with my friends because I don’t want them to see all the times I’ve been low. This post was written by OCCS’s Clinical Counsellor: Copyright © 2020 | Okanagan Clinical CounsellingAll Rights Reserved, The Benefits of Expressive Arts Therapy: Across the Lifespan, Virtual Counselling Groups Spring 2020 Schedule, Managing your Mental Health and Overall Wellbeing During the COVID 19 Pandemic. Here are six reasons the Arts are important: The Arts develop children’s motor skills. As Daria Halprin expressed (2003), the creative process opens and reflects back to us images of who we have been, who we are, and who we might become. Expressive arts awaken a child’s imagination and creativity to help him discover who he is and how to engage his senses. An approach to empower oneself and heal through something that cannot be discussed in words. I feel blessed to receive letters from people all over the world who share that they have been inspired by my website to start and maintain a regular creative practice. Developmental Benefits of Expressive Art. expressive arts therapy, as well as material from other relevant authors and practitioners, to demonstrate the important role of relationship for humans, highlight ways in which nature connection can aid in trauma recovery, and how expressive arts therapy can help facilitate and deepen that connection. Indeed, the passion and creativity of the arts allow us to live with our suffering and find release through creative play. This article will explore five common benefits associated with the use of expressive arts therapy: As you can see, there are many deepening and enriching experiences that expressive arts therapy supports to create a richer, more vibrant therapeutic experience. The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Please fill out all required fields to submit your message. This framework provides children and young people with opportunities to be creative and imaginative, to experience inspiration and enjoyment and to develop skills in each of these areas. Expressive Arts @ 32 nd & Thorn specializes in working with people who are afraid of doing art or need to unblock or reconnect to artful expression in their lives. The key is that there are so mnay ways to get your feelings out without ever having to say anything at all. Any activity that means you have to think about what you are doing, such as looking at colour when painting or working out a complicated puzzle have benefits that are cognitive. Expressive therapies are defined by the National Coalition of Creative Arts Therapies as the use of art, dance/dancelike movement, music, poetry, drama, creative writing, play, and so forth in the context of therapy, counseling, or rehabilitation for individuals with psychological disorders, such as substance use disorders. This is essential for many activities including writing letters and words. A manner of working with the creative process as a paradigm for addressing suffering, where the focus is. What Expressive Arts Therapy is NOT: Only applicable or appropriate for children and youth. Brain training on the fridge is awesome creative can be painting, myself though... 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