Surely many people have heard such a term as "art therapy." The word art is translated from English as art. Therefore, the basis of this direction of psychological correction is creativity and art. Particular attention should be paid to the fractal technique in art therapy, which involves crushed drawing, has a beneficial effect on the patient's brain and feelings.
The essence of art therapy
The tasks that art therapy sets itself are essentially identical for other methods of psychological correction. That is, if globally, it is the harmonization of the emotional state of a person. But in art therapy, this condition is achieved through self-expression in creativity. The value and uniqueness of this method is that with the help of art therapy it is possible to express a wide variety of emotional states and feelings:
- fear;
- Delight;
- resentment;
- anger;
- love and others
One of the main ideas of art therapy (fractal techniques, dramaturgy and others) is that the essence of the personality’s internal “I” is expressed in the images that it creates. For example, when a person paints a picture or creates any other subject of creativity. And it is precisely in the process of self-expression of one's “I” that the process of harmonization of the psychological state of the person is carried out. The basis of art therapy is sublimation. That is, a person relieves a certain internal stress by the method of energy redirection to achieve certain goals. In the case of art therapy, this is the creation of creative objects.
As for the objects of creativity themselves, these can be paintings, and literary works (bibliotherapy), sculptures (clay therapy), and others. Art therapy is a good tool for psychological work on oneself. This method is suitable for people of absolutely any age. The possibilities of this method are very wide.
With the help of art therapy, you can overcome certain complexes and fears in children and adults, harmonize your psychological state, and increase self-esteem. By the way, this is one of the fastest growing areas in psychotherapy. In the rhythm of modern life, full of stressful situations, more and more people around the world are resorting to the technique of body-oriented art therapy as a tool to relieve stress and get positive emotions.
Freezelight
Freezelight is an unconventional art therapy technique, namely the art of painting with light, which requires only a few ordinary cameras and a light source. One of the prerequisites for the implementation of this technique is complete darkness. Usually the process of photographing takes place in the dark. For a successful process, the camera is fixed with a maximum shutter speed, the longer it is, the more time the artist will have time to work. The main methods of freezelight are:
- Dynamic - in which light sources move.
- Static - light sources illuminate harvested objects for a short period.
The experiments conducted in 1949 are considered the beginning of this trend. That year, Pablo Picasso heard a story from his friend. This man was the then-popular artist and photographer Guillon Miles. Miles told Picasso about the new photography technique that he had recently applied: he attached small lights to his boots. Inspired by Picasso, he decided to try out such a method himself.
Monotype
Monotype is a special drawing technique that is available for use by all people, regardless of their abilities. It is believed that its inventor was an artist of Italian origin - Giovanni Castiglione, who lived in the XVII century, and gained distribution only at the end of the XIX century. Monotype is performed by applying paints on a smooth surface. As the material that will be applied, you can use watercolor (to obtain a single-color picture) and oil paint (for multi-color). In order to diversify the picture, you can apply various methods of applying strokes. The resulting pattern is complemented by various means and techniques, among which it is worth noting the contouring of the contours of black and white paint. This technique of art therapy in psychiatry is perfect for working with children, as it helps them express their emotions.
Plasticine painting
Painting is one of the most complex varieties of contemporary art. The art of painting from plasticine appeared at the end of a century. Initially, only children created this technique. But real artists considered her childish fun.
There are many kinds and techniques of painting in art therapy . First of all, it is worth highlighting the plasticine drawing.
Teachers in pre-schools with pleasure used plasticine painting in classes with children. This type of creativity develops finger motility of hands and thinking well. However, soon this painting appeared admirers among an adult audience. Although professionals still continue to consider this type of art pampering. Over time, various techniques of painting art from plasticine arose, including modeling along the contour, creating relief works, the work of their plaits, peas, modeling using brush strokes. Each of these techniques will require specific material. It can be both ordinary plasticine, and wax, hardening, paraffin and others.
Photocopy
The art of drawing is interesting and fascinating not only for children, but also for adults. One of the modern unconventional techniques is a photocopy - drawing using candles. This technique is absolutely not complicated. For its implementation you will need any candle. First of all, a sketch of a future painting is drawn on a piece of paper. Then, sketch lines are drawn using a candle pre-pointed in the form of a pencil. With a brush, the sheet is wetted with water, and paint is applied on top. The brush can be replaced with a piece of foam. Then, in order for the image to appear, it is necessary to carefully apply paint over the entire surface of the paper with a brush or foam sponge. And the picture will appear as in the manifestation of photographs. After the drawing has dried, it can be supplemented with felt-tip pens. Photocopy is one of the techniques of art therapy and helps specialists make various psychological adjustments.
Music therapy
Music therapy - treatment through the use of musical works and musical instruments. Music therapy can be both part of a complex psychotherapeutic treatment, and an independent treatment method. The main results of the application are:
- recovery;
- education;
- the education of children and adults suffering from mental or physical illnesses.
Music therapy not only affects the psychological health of a person, but also makes an active impact in processes such as breathing, blood circulation and others. It can be used in combination with the technique of closed eyes in art therapy. It is considered active if the patient is required to take active actions, such as singing or playing a musical instrument. Therapy is considered passive if the patient acts as a listener. Therapy will be considered integrative if, in addition to music, other types of creativity are used:
- Painting;
- poetry;
- prose;
- drama and others.
Bibliotherapy
Bibliotherapy includes various techniques such as psychotherapy, psychocorrection, psychology, book science. Bibliotherapy makes an impact on the patient by reading literature specially selected for him by a specialist. The goal of therapy is to normalize the patient’s mental health. During therapy, a person writes everything in a reader's diary. Then the specialist analyzes the recorded data. The analysis will help diagnose and give an objective assessment of the effectiveness of the correction. This type of therapy is recommended for use with children and adult patients who suffer from problems of a personal and emotional nature. Bibliotherapy can be used in individual and group sessions. To conduct group classes, group members are selected according to their level of reading and literary interests. During the diagnosis, clients, together with the psychologist, analyze the effects of the books they have read, which helps patients become aware of personal problems.
Dramotherapy
Drama therapy is a focused method of influencing the patient, with the help of which the psychotherapist achieves the manifestation of any emotions to normalize and restore his emotional state. The basis of this technique is taken up by dramatic scenes. Participating in the story played out, not noticing for himself, the patient takes root in the role offered to him and thereby pushes himself to solve the psychological problem that arose. Dramotherapy has found its application in the treatment of such abnormalities as:
- various unresolved psychological problems;
- minor psychological deviations;
- family conflicts;
- psychological disorders.
Dramotherapy also includes a resource-based art therapy technique and involves the implementation of several sessions, with which the psychotherapist helps to establish contact with the patient and the world around him and solve his personal problems. Using this technique for most patients, the result of stabilization of the psychological state occurs as soon as possible.
Game therapy
Game therapy is a treatment method in which the main source of exposure is role play. The game helps to assist the client in overcoming his psychological and social difficulties. The main goal is to remove obstacles in personal growth and emotional development. This method includes all psychotherapeutic influences through games and toys. The object of treatment can be a person of any age and social status, but most often this method is applied to children and adolescents. During the game, the player learns to cope with his feelings and situations, which are modeled in the game. One of the most important advantages of game therapy is that during the game you can identify the source of the problem, and then gently and carefully evaluate and adjust the condition of the child or adult. Also, with its help, you can teach a group of people to interact collectively in solving the problem of the game.
Isotherapy
Isotherapy is a technique used in the psychotherapeutic direction and using painting. This method includes antistress coloring, creative painting techniques in art therapy and other methods. When applying isotherapy and in practice, the patient creates his own paintings or actively interacts with ready-made images. This technique has an active effect not only on children, but also on adults. The essence of the drawing technique in art therapy is that the "artist" activates the brain and spills out all hidden thoughts on paper. Auxiliary tools of this technique are paper, paints and pencils. After a certain time, the therapist determines the dynamics of improving or worsening the psychological state of the patient according to the saved work. To achieve a full-fledged positive result from the drawing technique in art therapy for a patient, classes are systematic and under the supervision of a doctor. The use of isotherapy in practice is a proven technique that gives positive results in the treatment of psychological abnormalities.
Collage
Compiling a composition, connected in meaning from a large number of pictures, various images or drawings, is called a collage (art therapy technique). Family work brings together, and this is a great option for those who want to do teamwork.
Such a concept as a collage appeared at the end of the 20th century and in a short time made a positive impression on art lovers. To compose this composition, a certain “platform” is used in the form of a sheet of paper, a Whatman paper or some flat surface on which various images are fixed with glue. As an additional type of decor, various applications and small objects can be attached to the collage. The main feature of the collage is the ability to combine various images that are not similar in their subject. The collected story on the "platform" stands out for its originality and uniqueness. Recently, the collage has become a real work of art that anyone can create.
Sand therapy
In psychological practice, many methods are used to work with people who have psychological problems, as well as children. One of them is the basic technique of art therapy using sand. The method is popular because of its effectiveness and ease of use. With the help of sand, the patient tries to harmonize his inner and outer "I", as well as overcome stress. When conducting therapy, use a tray with sand, water and small figures. The patient, using his own imagination, must combine everything together. The creation of sand compositions, as well as their reconstruction, is a special ritual. Based on it, one can trace the dynamics of mental changes. This is a kind of art therapy technique. A person is immersed in creativity and learns to listen to his thoughts, which contributes to the solution of psychological problems that were before therapy.
Color therapy
Color therapy is a modern method of psychocorrection using a color palette. Since ancient times, it was believed that color has the power to restore peace of mind, and can cure various diseases. It is believed that a person perceives colors not only through vision, but also unconsciously absorbs it through the skin, muscles and even bones. Modern experts use color therapy to treat stress, headaches, chronic fatigue and lack of sleep and other psychological problems. Also, color treatment has a good effect on the restoration of the state and appearance of human skin, perfectly stimulates the immune system. Color therapy is also used for reduced appetite, allergies, skin diseases, gastrointestinal tract and other diseases. After a hard day, anyone instinctively wants to be in a suitable color environment, swim in the blue sea, lie on a green lawn and the like.
Fairy tale therapy
Fairytale therapy is one of the innovations in art therapy. In psychology, this method of psychocorrection and psychoprophylaxis has been used by specialists relatively recently. Tales from ancient times, our ancestors used to transmit information. Fairy tales have a very profound effect on the subconscious and conscious of both children and adults. In children, this method develops imagination and teaches them to look for ways out of various life situations. With adults, therapy also works great. Modern experts quite often began to use fairy tale therapy at their seminars, trainings or individual sessions, because it can be attributed to the resource art-therapy technique. During this therapy, not only existing works can be used, but also new ones can be invented. Today, fairy tales are a serious means of forming the consciousness of adults and an excellent method of raising children.
Phototherapy
In the modern world, phototherapy is a method of psychocorrection from one of the varieties of art therapy. This pace of therapy is rapidly gaining popularity. Specialists use various photographs to treat depressive conditions, patients' knowledge of their inner world, feelings and fears. The methodology of this therapy is quite simple. The patient considers various photographs to immerse himself in the events of his past. During a long story, the specialist makes various notes, and then based on them draws conclusions about problems and their causes. Phototherapy can be individual, group or even family. To carry it out, a person will need a mobile phone, digital camera or just an old camera. This type of art therapy can be used to treat people of various ages while solving a large list of problems.
Clay therapy
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The use of techniques and exercises of art therapy is a method of influencing the human psyche using means, images, objects, classes, and so on. Art therapy is able to return to a normal life of a person with mental disorders. Art therapy affects the subconscious. Due to the methodology of its implementation, a person at a subconscious level forms a change in character traits, actions. So, a person can get rid of phobias, fall in love with something that previously seemed alien to him, and so on. The psychology of art therapy is a unique opportunity to understand what was incomprehensible, to see what was not visible, to change what was impossible, as well as to increase self-esteem, improve mood, change character, behavior and much more. But at the same time, only a psychiatrist who knows the field can implement the art therapy technique. Judging by the advice of psychiatrists, the methods and techniques of art therapy should be used only in cases where the problem is difficult to solve by another method, when during treatment a person feels uncomfortable.
For example, a lack of desire to live, a depressed state, surging apathy and so on have many reasons. This may be a psychological trauma received in early childhood, a temporary crisis, the development of fear and the like. To cope with this, taking medications alone is not enough. Anxiety, fear, apathy, depression, are very treatable during the game, through art and so on. Certain art therapy techniques and exercises can be chosen at your discretion. The main thing is that this interests the patient. Only in this way art therapy will bring a positive result. The most popular and frequently used technique is exposure through art, drawing, color, music. For children, fairy tale therapy, game therapy and others are more suitable. The main result is a change in a person when he ceased to keep his thoughts in himself. He could pour all the negative onto the paper, opening it. Regular art therapy will make a difference.