The Arts and Mental Health

Have you ever wondered how using art can improve your personal mental health?

There are many benefits to incorporating the arts and creative expression into the therapeutic space or into your personal routine. Benefits can include reduction in anxiety, body tension, mood disturbances, and depression as well as an improvement in self-worth, sense of purpose, and overall physical, physiological, and mental wellness.

Including the arts to improve mental health can include creative methods such as: 

  • Music and dance 
  • Yoga, tai chi, meditation 
  • Sketching, drawing, charcoal 
  • Painting and watercolor
  • Writing and poetry
  • Pottery, clay modeling, and ceramics 

Incorporating the arts into your routine/lifestyle to improve mental health can be easy! Simply having a place to sit (or dance) and any materials of the chosen creative method is all it takes. In whatever way you choose to incorporate the arts and creative expression into your routine, studies show positive outcomes when utilized for an hour a week (same as a therapy session). 

References:

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The connection between art, healing, and public health: a review of current literature. American journal of public health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

Written by Molly Barrett on January 15, 2021.

Hooray! You are here! You have taken a courageous first step on the road to healing, whether you are looking for yourself or someone you love. As the counselor, I am here to walk by your side! I strive to create a safe and welcoming space for you as you process and work through past and/or present challenges. We will work as a team to address challenges, set obtainable goals, and to work towards those goals in and outside of our therapy sessions. My diverse therapeutic approach allows me to help clients experiencing a variety of challenges such as anxiety, depression, and sexual assault/abuse.

Get to know Molly a little better.

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