Some choose to categorize art therapists with other types of therapists, while others require licensing standards for art therapists. As with other forms of therapy, a new client can expect to spend some time getting to know their therapist at the first session. This session also allows the therapist to get to know their client and assess their therapeutic needs. While the Draw Your Wall activity can benefit treatment no matter what the issue, in my experience, the Draw Your Wall activity is especially useful for clients who have experienced trauma. Although more research is needed to further determine how effective art therapy is with adult populations, there are certain groups for which art therapy appears to be a promising option. The patient must be ready and willing to try it.

This is key, because language often fails to fully communicate the intense emotions involved in the recovery process. Art therapy can offer a release of emotions and provide a tangible object you can discuss with a therapist and others. Art can also be an effective tool to combine with other aspects of treatment such as detox, counseling, and support groups. Art therapy is known to be an effective technique art therapy for addiction ideas in improving mental and emotional well-being, especially for those in addiction recovery treatment. Experiential therapy involves a physical, hands-on activity or experience that provides interactive opportunities for clients to open up to their therapist. For those who have trouble expressing deep emotions or talking about painful times in their lives, this type of therapy can be a game-changer.

Some more creative therapeutic activity ideas

Make a painting of a perfect day. Paint your ideal perfect day and see how much of it you can turn into reality today. Start with one doodle and create other doodles from that one doodle.

For over 50 years, the Gateway Foundation has been serving patients at all stages of recovery by offering evidence-based and individualized treatment programs. Plum Creek Recovery Ranch’s clinically based treatment program incorporates art therapy with other evidence-based therapies. If you are in recovery or know someone who is, check out our list of art therapy ideas for substance abuse. You just might find a new favorite hobby as well as ease the recovery process. Expressive therapies are an excellent tool for individuals on the road to recovery. Art therapy, music therapy, dance therapy, and other creative approaches all help a person express his or her emotions in other ways than just through talking.

Engaging Adults in Art Therapy

Use art therapy to make something you can carry with you that will encourage you when you need it. Whether it’s a piece of jewelry, a keychain or clothing, you can add images, words or colors that remind you of how you want to feel. Make art based on a quote or poem you like.

• That’s why I put together this collection of art therapy activities for adults.
• A variety of art project ideas focus on the creative process that is beneficial to the recovery process.
• The purpose of the exercise is to become aware of your feelings, to understand where to move to improve the quality of your life.
• These two together can make for a great tool to improve mood, increase focus and aide creative rehabilitation.
• An art therapy literature review published in Frontiers in Psychology (2018) looked at studies conducted between 2000 and 2017 to examine the efficacy of art therapy with adults.