as a tool. The basis of the idea of using art as a form of therapy is actually to create something new and that it has a therapeutic property during the period when it is done regularly. Thanks to art therapy, individuals with special needs for example; disabled people, cancer patients, people with alzheimer or autism spectrum disorder can express their hidden emotions, fears and feelings more comfortably in a colorful way, apart from verbal communication. Many scientific studies have shown that art therapy reduces stress, fear and anxiety (anxiety) of patients and empowers them emotionally.
It is possible to alleviate and control physical and emotional distress caused by sickness ( such as cancer or covid-19) or special needs and their treatments (such as chemotherapy for cancer patients or quarantine) with visual arts, music, writing and dance. According to most research, psychological changes and quality of life of the patients were observed. These studies suggests; it was observed that the patients’ resistance increased and they moved away from their fears and obsessions of loss of life and felt stronger and focused on a subject different from different disease. Creative art therapy can significantly reduce anxiety, depression and physical pain; It has been observed to increase the quality of life of patients.
Camillia Connel, one of the leading names in the field of psychotherapy and expressive art therapy, thinks; art therapy helps to relieve and alleviate strong negative feelings that cause severe discomfort, encourages socialization, and patients feel happier. These patients who feel happier manage the treatment process and their emotions more easily. There is also a common misconception that only those with talent can do fine work in art; A study showed that regardless of skill level, dealing with art reduces stress.
As a result, although artistic activities may initially seem like a simple game; The difficulties faced people with special needs are met much more easily thanks to creative production that can develop by writing, drawing, painting, and cutting the communication and self-expression needs of them. It is worth to try painting some during quarantine at home or treatment period in hospital.
References:
- CONNEL, C. (1998). Something Understood; Art Therapy In Cancer Care, Wrexham Publications, London.
- ELBRECHT, C. (2012). Trauma Healing at the Clay Field, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London.
- HILL, A. (1945). Art Versus Illness, George Allen and Unwin, London.
- MALCHIODI, C. A. (2012). Art Therapy and Health Care, Guilford Press, New York.