30.4.14

Art Forms That Can Be Used As Expressive Therapies

By Essie Osborn


Art not only is for pleasure but sometimes it can also be used as a form of therapy in order to open up the mind and even heal some part of it. Expressive therapies by using art are commonly used by a lot of therapies in order to make a person feel better or make him more relaxed with himself. For those who are interested in this type of therapy, here are some ideas that many therapists would use.

Now one of the most common art forms that a lot of therapists would ask participants to do would be none other than the puppet. Now this method is often used on children or even teenagers if they would have a hard time opening up. The puppet gives them an alter ego in which they can communicate their thoughts with if they do not usually open up to people.

Of course in this type of session, the therapist would be providing the participant with a bunch of art materials that the participant can use. It is actually up to the participant on how he would want to customize his little puppet. Of course he can make it as beautiful as he wants or he can make it as simple as he would want.

Now there are also those participants who are in general confused about their life and their own identity. For these people, the therapists would usually recommend the paper bag art type of therapy be used on them. This type of activity would help a person know more about himself and will also help him be able to go through his own life the way he would want to without thinking of others.

In order to do this, one must first get a paper and draw a self portrait at the front of the paper bag. At the back of the paper bag, he should then draw a tombstone or a grave with his fears written on it. Lastly, he should put some items that represent his personality inside the bag like maybe a shirt or a phone depending on what he would want to put inside.

Now drama or theater art is another very good way for one to be able to express himself. By assuming the role of another character, one will be able to escape into a different world that is unlike this one. This is an avenue wherein one would know how to step into the shoes of others and also experience what others may be experiencing.

Of course there is the self portrait wherein the therapist would ask the participant to simply draw himself. This is actually used as an assessment of the characteristics of the person. The therapist will be able to see here what is inside the mind of the person.

Now for those who are interested in this field of therapy, here are some ideas that may fill in some questions. Now do take note that there are many more art forms that can be used. This would solely depend on the therapist.




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