What is Expressive Arts Therapy? Who Needs to Enroll for Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive arts therapy has gained popularity in recent times. People are looking at it as a way to connect to their inner self and regain confidence. Whether you are confused, angry, disturbed, or simply want to explore your thoughts, expressive arts therapy is a way to find the answers you are searching for. 

What is expressive arts therapy? 

Expressive arts therapy is a multimodal approach that uses various art forms like painting, dancing, theatre, writing, photography, and more to nudge people to heal themselves from the inside. It uses a combination of several arts and psychology subtly to understand the best way to help a person help themselves.

The focus here is not on dissecting the answers but on using a comfortable creative medium to help people express their feelings and thoughts. 

Expressive arts therapy is usually prescribed for people with anxiety issues, depression, self-doubt, trauma, relationship troubles, and fears. It is also beneficial for adults, teens, and kids suffering from low self-confidence and lack of self-esteem. 

Art Therapy vs. Expressive Arts Therapy 

Art therapy is focused on a singular form of creativity such as drawing, painting, etc. The process and the art pieces are analyzed to identify what ails the person and how they can be helped to overcome the problem. 

Expressive arts therapy is broader and less restrictive in approach. Various art forms are used to encourage a person to express their innermost feelings and get rid of inhibitions. It includes both one-to-one and group sessions, depending on what makes the person comfortable. The focus is less on psychoanalysis and more on allowing the person to feel free and liberated from the issues that weigh them down. 

There are no fixed rules to join expressive arts therapy. There’s no need to join an art or a dance class. This isn’t a competition but an approach to rediscovering the inner self. Expressivearts therapy programs come in various types. 

  • Dance therapy 

  • Painting 

  • Sound and Movement 

  • Theatre and Roleplaying 

  • Photography 

  • Event planning 

  • Meditation and Exercises 

  • Writing and Journaling 

  • Creating rituals for relaxation and creativity, etc

The sessions typically start with a short speech and move on to activities. People who take part can talk and express themselves. The therapist will help chart a program based on what the person needs from the therapy. 

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