How to Use Art Therapy to Enrich Life
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How to Use Art Therapy to Enrich Life
Introduction
Art therapy has helped many people work through depression, addictions and other disorders. This therapy focuses on the visual side of the brain that normally expresses unconscious feelings through images instead of words. One does not have to have a disorder or be artistic to engage in or benefit from various forms of art therapy, such as painting, sculpting, pottery making, dance and music.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Steps
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Step One
Seek professional help if you suffer from depression or other mental health issues. Trained counselors can help direct your care appropriately and decide if art therapy should be used along with other treatments to gain the best outcome for you.
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Step Two
Pursue your own art as therapy if you are not seeking a counselor. Many people use art as stress reduction or self-expression. Decide what material and techniques you'd like to try, such as charcoal or pastels or painting or music. If you are affected by specific colors or songs, determine which ones make you feel calm, and which ones energize you.
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Step Three
Draw, paint, mold clay, throw pottery, dance, or sing. Don't forget, simpler activities such as doodling, making animals out of play dough, decorating with glitter, even scrap booking, are all creative ways to express oneself and ease the stress of the day.
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Step Four
Experiment with environmental therapy, a new phrase for an old concept. It means using your surroundings to create a helpful atmosphere for yourself. A version of interior or landscape design, environmental therapy involves making simple, creative changes to your indoor and outdoor space that results in living more comfortably.
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Step Five
Meditate for about five minutes each time you start working on your art therapy project. Allow your mind to float while you're involved, putting your logic on hold and giving full rein to your creativity. Quite often high-price stress reduction seminars include some form of art as therapy in their program.
Tips & Warnings
- Try keeping a sketch diary where you draw everything you come across that you find beautiful or makes you feel happy. Much like keeping a written journal records your life through the tip of a pen, a sketch diary can record your life and emotions through art. eBay.com has plenty of nice sketch journals for under $10.
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