ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

Psychological Benefits of Art Therapy and How It Works

Elizabeth G. Thomas
Waxahachie Global High

Authors Note

Elizabeth Thomas is a current high school senior attending Waxahachie Global High where she
continues to work towards her high school diploma and associate degree.
Inquiries concerning this paper can be addressed to the author at 112 Pensacola Ave,
Waxahachie, Texas, 75165, (469) 487-8789.

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

Table of Contents
Abstract.3
Introduction4
The Creative Process4
Relaxation and Therapy.6
Visual Science of the Brain..7
Freuds Theory...8
Conclusion..9
References10
Appendix11

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

Abstract
The creative process has been known for its use in relaxation and therapy. Studies have shown
additional benefits in the use of the creative process relative to creating works of art
(Malchiodi, p. 24). Interpretations of patients artwork can assist in diagnosis just as Freuds
dream interpretation theories do (Mcleod, 2003). Art Therapy has been proven to improve
physical health as well as mental illnesses (Malchiodi, p. 24). Art therapy provides more than
just downtime for those who have a life filled with stressful deadlines needing to be met. The
arts can inspire as well as improve concentration, teamwork, and confidence. By creating art,
people can release negative emotions through their work leaving room for positive emotions to
come into effect (Malchiodi, 2011). Art can also be used as a form of communication. This can
be explained by the further clarification of visual science and the individuals response to the
creative process.

Keywords: Creative process, relaxation, art therapy, visual science

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

Introduction
How does art impact ones mental and physical well being? The answer is a bit complex,
but the basic theory is that art in its entirety makes people happy. Through the creative
process, people are able to relieve themselves of any negative emotion they may be holding
back therefore enabling them to possess joie de vivre; exuberant enjoyment of life itself. This
can be done through the appreciation or the creation of artwork, the admiration or production
of theatrical performance, the respect or undertaking of written record, or through the praise
or execution of music.
Happiness, in turn, can affect physical health. A decrease in depression can result in
heightened physical activity and normalize eating habits. That is why art therapy is so widely
practiced and well known. According to Randy M. Vick (2003) art therapy will continue to have
a role in exploring the connections between body and mind (p. 24).
In vice versa, just as art can create happiness, happiness can produce art. When one is
healthy, there is a better chance of experiencing joy than not. Delight, joy, jubilation, elation,
and ecstasy are things meant to be shared and can always be freely expressed through the
creative process. This is another reason why just merely by witnessing or observing works of art
can stimulate joyful emotions.
The Creative Process
According to Armbruster, there are four stages to the creative process (as cited in Russ,
1993, p. 3). First is the Preparation Stage which involves understanding the medium and
mastering the techniques. This is where intellectual processes are important in determining

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

the rapidity of learning and the complexity of issues that are tackled (Russ, p. 3). The medium
involved can be anything from music to poetry to painting to mathematics and science.
The second stage is known as the Incubation Stage. During this stage, ideas form in the
mind of the individual without actually working on the problem. This is where Wallas has
introduced the concept of the unconscious (as cited in Russ, 1993, p. 3). In this stage the
individuals thoughts are free roaming. Problems are not directly dealt with.
The Illumination Stage is third. Developing and planning a solution to a problem is done
by the individual. The sudden illumination occurrence is probably the least frequent manner
by which a solution occurs (Russ, p. 3), but this stage is still widely known as the aha
moment.
The last and final stage is known as the Verification stage. The solution, in this stage,
must be executed. When finished, the work must be analyzed; as a painter does his painting. In
this stage, critical thinking and logical thinking must be *present and+ dominant in this stage
(Russ, p. 3).
Through creative expression, the second and third stages of the creative process should
play as a important and dominant role. Some consider Wallas stage model of this process as
incomplete due to the fact that his model does not include problem discovery (as cited in Russ,
1993, p. 4). However,according to Torrance (1988), still to this day Wallas basic stages remain
theoretically useful and continue to be the basis for training approaches (as cited in Russ,
1993, p. 4).

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

Relaxation and Therapy

Art has been used to express ideas, thoughts, and emotion since the beginning of
human history (The History of Art Therapy, n. d.). Today art is still considered to be a tool for
symbolism or as a declaration of ones emotion and character. The therapeutic use of art was
not developed or defined until the mid 1940s when Adrian Hill suggested participating in art
projects to his fellow patients while being treated for tuberculosis (as cited in The History of
Art Therapy, n.d.).
Hospitals have been using art therapy as a way of communication with their patients in
order to further diagnosis and understand their current physical abilities. For patients, art has
been used to increase understanding of oneself and others, develop a capacity for selfreflection, reduce symptoms, and alter behaviors and thinking problems (Stuckey & Nobel,
2010). The creative process comes into play when patients have the opportunity to express
their well-being through four primary types of therapeutic engagements; music engagement,
visual arts therapy, movement-based creative expression, and expressive writing (Stuckey &
Nobel, 2010).
Not only is art therapy still known today as a form of treatment in hospitals for the
physically ill, but also as a form of treatment for the mentally ill. Sigmund Freud and Ernst Kris
theorized that rather than being random nonsense, the productions of fantasy revealed
significant information about the unique inner world of their makers (as cited in Handbook of
Art Therapy, p. 7). The final product of an art project could be used to further understand
clients mental disturbances or other issues.

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

Example 1: A boy draws a picture of his family and he depicted his father as a
very menacing and large figure and himself as a very sad, small figure. This could
determine where the boys safety or trust issues come into question. The father
is being depicted as big and threatening, in reality may be overly authoritative
and abusive. The boy being depicted as small may in fact be timid around his
father due to traumatic and harmful experiences and perhaps feels negatively
towards himself; feels victimized and defeated.
Art therapy is not just for those who are artistically inclined. Anyone who can pick up a
pencil is free to experiment with art therapy and to find a good medium one likes. Individuals
can relieve stress by allowing all their negative emotion to come out through the act of
painting, drawing, designing, or writing. Like the boy in the previous example, people can bring
out their emotions onto a canvas. This can be known as a type of communication that is
symbolic (Why Art Therapy is Beneficial n. d.).
Visual Science of the Brain
Semir Zeki (n. d.) explains how one of the functions of art is an extension of the major
function of the visual brain (p. 4). The main function of the visual brain is to process
information seen through the eye. It has been said for decades that art is a form of
communication. The visual brain communicates relevant information. When looking at any
object, say a pen, the image is produced on the retina and then translated into words followed
by additional information known about the object; the pen is a writing utensil used to express
feelings, information, or instruction on paper.

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

A wonderful attribute of the brain is its ability to distinguish pertinent data from
irrelevant data. In an ever changing world, this task can be very difficult. This explains the urge
to continuously seek new found knowledge. Therefore, artists must be selective and invest his
work with attributes that are essential in order for the viewer to grasp anything of value (Zeki,
p. 4). Artists, in a sense, attempt at capturing perfection. Art depicts objects as they actually
appear. Artists, in turn, find constancies that can be identified in an ever changing world. This
function or task faced by artists is also one of the most fundamental functions of the brain
(Zeki, p. 5).
Freuds Theory
What also comes with communication is also miscommunication, or in words of an artist
misinterpretation. Misinterpretation by the viewer is not necessarily a terrible thing to have.
Each individual has their own opinion of any given subject. An opinion is never certainly right or
wrong. This is why interpretation of dreams is still used today as a psychological therapy.
Sigmund Freud believed that a major function of dreams was the fulfillment of wishes
(McLeod, 2013). Freud was able to discern what was considered manifest content (what was
definite or remembered) from what was considered to be latent content (what was symbolic
or meaningful). For more information on Freud's theory of dream interpretation see Appendix
A.
Freuds theory can also be applied to artwork just as to dreams. Information or data
gathered by the visual brain can involve manifest content as well as latent content. Going back
to Example 1, the manifest content involved in the boys drawing was that of facts; the drawing
consisted of a boy and his father. The latent content of the drawing is how the boy views his

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

father; in this case the boy is fearful of his father. The boy figure, depicted as alone and small,
may signify his feeling of being insignificant and frightened.
This can help therapists and psychiatrists with further diagnosis and treatment for their
clients. Art Therapy continues to grow and developed with new found theories being published
in the past few decades.

Conclusion
In conclusion, art therapy has been beneficial and valuable for many years and
continues to develop new questions of the psyche and visual brain. Art therapy is considered to
be an effective part of psychotherapy in which clients and patients are able to express how they
feel without having to verbally communicate with their therapist. Through the creative process,
people are able to solve problems as well as address them by producing creative works. By
examining the works done by clients, just as Sigmund Freud interpreted dreams, therapists and
psychiatrists can diagnose or determine what ails them, whether it is stress, anxiety,
depression, or even clinical cases such as schizophrenia (McLeod, 2013).

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

10

References
ArtTherapyJournal.org. (n. d.). The History of Art Therapy. Retrieved 11, 2014, from
http://www.arttherapyjournal.org/art-therapy-history.html
ArtTherapyJournal.org. (n. d.). Why Art Therapy is Beneficial. Retrieved 11, 2014, from
http://www.arttherapyjournal.org/why-art-therapy-is-beneficial.html
Clear, J. (n. d.). Make More Art: The Health Benefits of Creativity. JamesClear.com. Retrieved
11, 2014, from http://jamesclear.com/make-more-art
Malchiodi, C. (2011, 09). Arts and Health. PsychologyToday.com. Retrieved 11, 2014, from
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-arts/201109/art-and-happiness
Malchiodi, C. (Ed.), (2003). Handbook of Art Therapy. Ommolketab.ir. Retrieved 11, 2014,
from http://ommolketab.ir/aaf-lib/0geystno1hmxuib5ovop7tlvzj3yhk.pdf#page=23
McLeod, S. (2013) Sigmund Freud. SimplyPsychology.org. Retrieved 11, 2014, from
http://www.simplypsychology.org/Sigmund-Freud.html
Russ, S. (1993). Affect and Creativity. Books.Google.com. Retrieved 11, 2014, from
http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=daVVZaQCRZYC&oi=fnd&pg=PR1&dq=w
allas+and+the+creative+process&ots=A-CRPn6ETx&sig=
_5C2o1IN9V6s3qvbBpz3hO0HkCg#v=onepage&q=wallas%20and%20the
%20creative%20process&f=true
Zeki, S. (n. d.). Art and the Brain. VisLab.ucl.ac.UK. Retrieved 11, 2014, from
http://www.vislab.ucl.ac.uk/pdf/Daedalus.pdf

ART THERAPY AND HOW IT WORKS

11

Appendix A
Sigmund Freud's theory of dream interpretation takes place
in the unconscious mind (please refer to Figure A1). In this model,
Freud uses an iceberg as an example for the mind. The top of the
iceberg, that which one can see, is what people are immediately
aware of: the conscious mind. This is where on can pull common
knowledge and can create ideas. The unconscious mind, that which
people can not actively pull information from while awake, is
Figure A1

depicted in this model as the part of the iceberg that is underwater.

This part of the mind can only be accessed when asleep.