Art Therapy in Dubai
Heal Through Creative Expression with Art Therapy in Dubai
Art therapy is the treatment of mental health issues through artistic means. It can refer to drawing, collaging, doodling, or any other means of creative expression. Art therapy as a formal field in psychology first began in the 1940s when experts noted that those living with mental illness expressed themselves through artwork. Since then, art therapy in Dubai has become a significant assessment and treatment tool.
Zita Chriszto is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Dubai who offers personalized art therapy sessions. As a trained professional, she strikes a balance between professional care and creativity. Children, most especially, can benefit from this safe space. Whether it is to address certain disorders or to improve well-being, clients can express themselves more freely with art therapy.
Conditions Treated with Art Therapy
Art therapy is used to treat various mental disorders such as eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. It is commonly used in cases of trauma. A noteworthy point about art therapy is that the situation does not have to involve a mental illness. It can also be used as a means to cope with distressing situations such as relationship difficulties or life changes.
Art therapy may be used by itself or in conjunction with other treatment methods. For example, the therapist may recommend medication, group therapy, or interpersonal psychotherapy to the client as well.
Procedure Details
While art therapy is all about creativity, it still follows a structure. At the start of the treatment, the therapist explains to the client the goal of art therapy. Essentially, its main purpose is to use art to understand and process their feelings.
Then, the therapist guides the client to express themselves through art. The client uses the available materials while the therapist asks questions about their process. Finally, the therapist and the client evaluate the output and explore how the client feels. For example, the therapist takes a look at the elements of the artwork and discusses what they represent.
Sessions vary in length, depending on the needs of the client. It can range from 50 to 90 minutes and can be done individually or in groups.
Key Elements of Art Therapy
- Therapeutic Creativity: Recognizes the act of creating art as a powerful means for self-expression and emotional exploration.
- Holistic Approach: Incorporates various therapeutic disciplines, allowing for a rich, multidimensional healing process.
- Non-verbal Expression: Offers a pathway for individuals to communicate complex emotions and thoughts without the need for words, making it accessible to a wide range of people.
- Self-Discovery and Insight: Through the creative process and subsequent reflection on the artwork, individuals gain deeper insights into their personal experiences and emotional states.
- Emotional and Psychological Safety: Provides a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking in expression without fear of judgment or failure.
- Therapeutic Relationship: The development of a trusting and empathetic relationship between the therapist and the individual is crucial for facilitating meaningful artistic expression and personal growth.
Goals of Art Therapy
Like other types of psychological treatments, art therapy is designed to support the personal goals of the client. Examples of these can be resolving conflict, reducing stress, or becoming more emotionally resilient. The therapist works together with the client to identify what these goals are for them. The art is there to facilitate this process by providing a different means of self-expression.
Therapeutic Techniques Used in Art Therapy
The client uses creative expression to explore their feelings, and eventually, gain more insight into their circumstances. To do this, art therapy employs different techniques. Some of these are coloring, scribbling, finger painting, and even working with clay.
The therapist helps the client select the proper medium for therapy. They consider factors like the goals of the client, emotional, state, and health concerns. The kind of medium chosen is important because it is the manner in which the client reveals their thoughts and emotions. Each of the techniques has distinct characteristics that help facilitate the healing process and influence how clients express themselves. Essentially, the medium is its own language.
Therapist’s Role in Art Therapy
Art therapists are clinicians who work with adults and children to utilize art in treating psychological issues and promote wellness. They guide their clients in choosing the appropriate technique in their sessions. These techniques, like drawing, sculpture, and painting, are ways of non-verbal communication. Also, the therapist may help the client process their feelings by talking with them throughout and after the creative process.
Client’s Role in Art Therapy
The client is expected to explore their feelings while they are making art. This can be a difficult task because it requires self-expression. However, clients should make a sincere effort to be honest during the whole process. Art therapy is the same as any other form of psychological treatment. The client works together with the art therapist and learns to trust their methods to achieve results.
Benefits and Challenges of Art Therapy
Art in itself has the benefit of improving well-being. According to the Journal of American Art Therapy Association, even less than an hour of creative work can reduce stress and improve mental health. This characteristic is taken a step further by art therapy. People have are going through emotional difficulties or are diagnosed with psychological conditions can use the creative process to help gain insight into their circumstances.
Art therapy is particularly beneficial to cities like Dubai where language and cultural differences are the norm. The city is known to have a diverse population, with a large portion of it coming from other countries. Art therapy does not rely solely on verbal communication, so it can be an accessible means of receiving mental health care.
However, art therapy does have limitations. It may not be the best option for people who have performance anxiety. The task of producing the creative output may put unnecessary stress on the client. Furthermore, art therapy is not intensive enough for those who need immediate assistance.
Effectiveness and Research on Art Therapy
Numerous studies point towards the effectiveness of art therapy. In 2014, Maujean A. et al. published a paper on Art Therapy titled “A systematic review of randomized controlled studies of art therapy.” They reviewed high-quality studies that focused on art therapy with adults. Out of the eight evaluated studies, the authors found that seven of these reported benefits to the clients.
In addition, researchers Ching-teng Y. et al. published their findings in Social Work and Healthcare. They indicated art therapy decreased depression among people living in nursing homes.
When to Seek Art Therapy in Dubai
Someone who is going through mental health challenges or emotional distress can seek psychological help to improve their quality of life. Specifically, art therapy is used by those who find it difficult to express themselves verbally.
In Dubai, there is a trend to tackle these types of issues holistically. This fits in with the characteristics of art therapy. You can also find a professional therapist who can tailor their sessions to meet the different needs of individuals.
Conclusion
Art therapy is an approach in psychology that uses both therapeutic and creative methods to address challenges a person may need help with. For example, it is used to treat mental health conditions or to improve a person’s quality of life. In all cases, art therapy is a way to communicate thoughts and feelings with the result of navigating a more positive path forward.
This type of framework is particularly useful for those who may have trouble expressing themselves, such as children. However, adults can equally benefit from it. Art therapy can also be used in various situations like group sessions or as a complementary treatment to other types of therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Art Therapy
Do I need to be artistic to avail of art therapy?
No, you do not have to be artistic to attend art therapy sessions. The basis of treatment is not the artwork itself. Rather, the steps to producing the output are what matters. People from different backgrounds and skills can use their work for self-expression and as a means to communicate.
Can an art class be a substitute for art therapy?
No, an art class focuses on creative techniques. In contrast, art therapy is a tool of psychotherapy to explore their thoughts and feelings. Also, an art therapist is a mental health professional with expertise an art instructor is unlikely to have.
Can art therapy be done virtually?
Virtual art therapy is possible. Clients can either provide their own materials or the therapist sends them before the sessions. Just as in face-to-face sessions, clients will work on their art and then process the results with the therapist.
Is art therapy useful for children?
Yes, since many children find it easier to express themselves by drawing, doodling, or painting. They may either find it difficult to open up or do not have the vocabulary to express themselves fully. An art therapist can use art to understand the child better and help them deal with their issues.
Am I expected to talk during art therapy?
Talking depends on the client. They can work in silence if they want. However, the therapist generally encourages talking by asking questions to help internalize their thoughts and feelings.
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Phone: +971 58 566 9327
E-Mail: info@dubaipsychology.ae
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Doctor Reuter Medical Center
Villa 585b, Jumeirah St
Umm Suqeim 1
Dubai, UAE
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