Creative therapies
Creative expression plays an important role in our lives and can support our mental health. By using artistic techniques in a therapeutic setting, creative therapy encourages individuals to draw on their inner creative resources and express their feelings without necessarily using words.
What is creative therapy?
Creative arts therapies are centred around artistic mediums, such as:
- Visual arts: Painting, drawing, sculpture, or mixed media
- Movement: Dance or other physical expressions
- Drama: Acting, role-playing, or storytelling
- Music: Playing instruments, singing, or listening to music
- Play materials: Sand, water, dressing-up props, puppets, toys, and art and craft supplies
Sometimes referred to as expressive therapies, these are approaches that help people express their feelings. Tapping into our human nature to be creative, these psychological therapies offer us a different way to make sense of and process what's happening in our inner world. If communicating verbally is a struggle for you, expressive therapies may be worth exploring.
What types of art therapies are there?
Creative therapy encompasses a variety of approaches tailored to different needs. Below are some of the most common forms:
Art therapy
Art therapy uses art materials like paint, clay and paper as tools to communicate issues, emotions and worries and can provide insight into any feelings that may be present.
This therapy can be beneficial to a wide range of people including young children, the elderly and those in the justice system. You do not need previous experience or skills in art to benefit from art therapy, all you need is an openness and willingness to express yourself.
Dance therapy
Dance therapy, as defined by the Association for Dance Movement Psychotherapy, is based on the idea that movement reflects patterns of thoughts and emotions. Sessions might include free movement or guided exercises, sometimes with props like fabric or balls, to promote emotional and physical release.
Dramatherapy
Dramatherapy is a psychological therapy that applies acting and performance techniques within a therapeutic environment. The aim of dramatherapy is to help those taking part to express themselves while helping to address difficult emotions.
Dramatherapy incorporates acting and storytelling to process emotions. Therapists may guide you in creating fictional characters or narratives that mirror your real-life experiences, helping you gain clarity and relief.
Another similar approach is psychodrama. This is a form of group psychotherapy that provides an opportunity to explore life situations from the perspectives of the present, past and future. While similar in its use of drama, there are subtle differences between psychodrama and dramatherapy.
Music therapy
Music therapy is a type of expressive therapy that harnesses the communicative power of music to foster positive change. Versatile by nature, music therapy can be used for a range of issues including dementia and anxiety. Techniques in music therapy may include singing, rhythmic-based activities, improvisation and listening.
Music therapy does not aim to teach you how to play an instrument. You may naturally pick up some techniques, but typically you will not learn, nor will you need to have any prior skill or knowledge in music.
Play therapy
Play therapy is designed to help children process difficult emotions at their own pace using toys, games, and creative activities. It fosters confidence, resilience, and healthier thought patterns in young individuals.
Sand tray therapy
Sand tray therapy is a form of expressive therapy where individuals create scenes or stories using sand, miniature figures, and objects in a sand tray. This approach allows people to explore and process emotions, experiences, and conflicts in a safe, creative environment.
Originally developed as a therapeutic tool for children, sand tray therapy is now widely used with adults as well. It can be particularly beneficial for addressing trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges. The tactile nature of the therapy, combined with the freedom to create, helps individuals access their subconscious thoughts and feelings.
Are creative therapies right for me?
If you are a naturally creative person, the idea of creative therapies may immediately appeal to you. You may already know, for example, that you find it easier to express yourself through art, music, drama or dance.
Creative therapies are for everyone. But there are some people who might benefit particularly. Creative approaches can suit people who want something that does not rely exclusively on talking or who appreciate visual communication. Many neurodivergent people appreciate this way of working as it can be adapted to an individual’s unique needs.
Even if you don't consider yourself creative, these approaches can be hugely beneficial. If you find it difficult to talk about certain topics or generally find it tough to express yourself, creative arts therapies may be right for you. Perhaps you've tried talking therapy and struggled with it. Creative therapies like these can offer another way into self-exploration and healing.
If you're keen to learn more, reach out to a therapist who can tell you more about the way they work and how expressive therapies could support you.
