Why does Art Therapy work?

With the growing awareness of mental health in our modern world, it is no wonder that such a wide variety of treatment options have become available for individuals struggling with their mental health. These therapeutic options might range from traditional therapy to hypnotherapy to play therapy, but there is one form of therapy that is becoming more and more prevalent in recent years: art therapy. This treatment provides the patient with a safe, judgement-free environment to express and externalize thoughts and feelings through art that may otherwise be challenging to discuss. Why does Art Therapy work? explores this unique treatment option and the benefits it can have for its recipients. In order to situate our reader, this discussion begins with the history of art therapy and an explanation of the core concepts behind the practice followed by a comparison between art therapy and other well known therapeutic treatments. The following chapters will discuss the benefits of art therapy and who this treatment might best be suited for as well as the science behind it and the recent research that has been conducted studying its effects on patients suffering from a variety of mental health issues. Why does Art Therapy work? is an in depth exploration that strives to educate the general reader on the origins, practice, and benefits of art therapy.