Photo courtesy of Buckeye Art Therapy
We’ve all seen adult coloring books lining the shelves of our favorite bookstores, claiming numerous mental health benefits. But art therapy used as treatment goes beyond this new fad.
“Art therapy presents a tangible body of evidence that shows the progression you’re making,” says Molly Kometiani, president of the Buckeye Art Therapy Association, the Ohio chapter of the American Art Therapy Association. “You don’t have that body of evidence in other types of therapy. You can see how far you’ve grown.”
Art therapy, in fact, has become a respected technique for dealing with the emotional effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, loss, addiction, mental illness and more. The discipline was defined in the 1940s. By the middle of the 20th century, hospitals and similar spaces began introducing art therapy programs.
“There are a lot of things that are hard for us to find the words for,” says Audrey Hook, who owns Art Speaks Art Therapy in northwest Columbus. “(The clients) just don’t have the words to explain what they’re feeling. Sometimes, it’s easier to work through it in a symbolic way.”
Art therapy isn’t just painting or coloring. Clients can draw; take photos; use pastels, crayons, watercolor paints or clay; even make jewelry. That physical aspect helps client feel like he or she is in control.
Hannah Bealer is an editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
