“Art can permeate the very deepest part of us, where no words exist.”
by Eileen Miller
Scientific Background of Art Therapy
The definition of Art Therapy can differ, but one that captures the most critical essence of it would be: Art therapy is a non-verbal, experience-oriented therapy that uses the visual arts (e.g. painting, drawing, sculpting, clay modelling) and is provided as therapy or as a supplementary treatment for anxiety therapy.
The outcomes of a study conducted in 2019 indicate that Art Therapy was benefitting a large amounts of the participants. Thus, an improvement in emotion regulation was found. Treatment effects even remained after 3 months follow-up. Improved acceptance of emotions and improved goal-oriented action are aspects of emotion regulation that are associated with the decrease in anxiety level, which suggests that Art Therapy can be a helpful addition to therapy.
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The findings of another study support the use of mandalas as an anxiety and reduction tool in art therapy. Creative arts can have an impact on perceived stress levels and stress management. Art Therapy is also sometimes addressed as "MBAT" (Mindfulness-based Art therapy), and research has found evidence of MBAT as an effective treatment method to improve psychological stability and quality of life.
The background of mandalas
It might seem too easy to actually decrease stress while painting mandalas. However, multiple studies have found that painting mandalas can have healing powers and decrease anxiety.
The findings of a study from 2005, suggests that structured coloring of complex geometric patterns can even induce a meditative state that benefits individuals suffering from anxiety.
The background of journals
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Journaling actually has a variety of benefits. Structuring your thoughts or even just writing down what comes to your mind helps you let go of stress you did not think you had in you.
A study has found any benefits with the reduction of stress, memory improvement, creativity boost just being a few of them. Journaling offers an outlet to express emotions in a safe environment.