Therapy usually refers to the treatment that helps individuals get through their emotional, physical, and mental health. Some examples include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion-focused therapy, and many more. In this article, we will focus more on the advantages of the treatment, particularly creative therapy.
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What Is A Creative Therapy, And When Do You Need To Get One?
Creative therapy uses a wide range of techniques that focus on expression and creativity, such as dance therapy, writing therapy, drama therapy, art therapy, and model-making. It is a type of therapy that supports expression in creative ways. At times when individuals are struggling with a condition, they may not be able to talk or want others to know about their situation. With their emotional and mental health struggle, they often find it hard to discuss their issue. Fortunately, creative therapy can enable them to release their true feelings and thoughts healthily.
Types Of Creative Therapy
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Art Therapy
Art therapy is a technique that uses drawing, sketching, sculpting, doodling, and painting. Art therapy is for everybody who wants to release their thoughts and create something out of their current emotions. In art therapy, one does not need to be a brilliant artist or an expert in using some art materials. It is all about creating something out of the ordinary with the use of the available tools. Art therapy is best for people who are:
- Struggling with learning disabilities.
- Experiencing social problems at school.
- Dealing with a traumatic event.
- Struggling with severe stress.
- Experiencing negative thoughts and emotions
- Battling with mental health problems and disorders.
- Living with a brain injury.
- Having thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Model Making
Model making is a type of treatment that supports imaginative and building skills. These may include making a miniature, diorama, building, figures, and so on. It helps individuals as most of the process requires concentration and focus. It improves their abilities, including accuracy, focus, awareness, imagination, and patience. Model-making is beneficial to people who are:
- Dealing with a memory dysfunction or mental block.
- Experiencing a lack of interest in most things.
- Having emotional distress.
- Struggling with mental clarity and focus.
- Having difficulty processing feelings of loneliness.
- Experiencing minor to major stress.
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Dance Therapy
Dance therapy is one of the most engaging types of treatment, and people love it. This type of treatment requires bodily coordination that also helps with physical strength. Not only does it boost the overall physical immune system, but it also helps individuals to express their emotions and thoughts through their movements. It is genuinely therapeutic and fun to do. Some of the noteworthy benefits of dance therapy include the following:
- Best stress reliever.
- Increase physical fitness and immune function.
- Lowers blood pressure levels
- Develops motor skills.
- Reconnects the mind and body.
- Supports imagination and creativity.
- Helps improve self-awareness and confidence.
- Increases the ability to express emotions.
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Writing Therapy
The easiest form of creative therapy is writing therapy. It is also known as journaling. People with mental and emotional health problems take advantage of creative thinking in writing to cultivate the ability to express thoughts and feelings in a more reflexive way. It helps individuals have control over their lives and gives them a sense of empowerment toward their desire for the future. Writing therapy provides the benefits of the following:
- Gives better self-assessment
- Provides appreciation and gratitude towards things
- Supports mental clarity and focus
- Decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Improves vocabulary and comprehension
- Supports cognitive growth and development
- Reduces emotional, physical, and mental distress
- Boosts critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Encourages a lifestyle change
Drama Therapy
Drama therapy is a therapeutic form of treatment that requires interaction. It helps mentally and emotionally ill people to develop self-awareness and self-expression. It allows people to express emotions through controlled moods, which help with precise reactions to conflict, traumatic events, and life challenges. Drama therapy benefits those who want to picture the world in a different mindset without relying on direct communication. Other perks of this particular treatment include:
- Helps prevent anxiety and depression symptoms.
- Promote better mood regulation.
- Increases empathy and understanding towards difficult situations.
- Encourages change in perception towards addiction.
- Creates a safe space for emotional growth and control.
- Provides a different outlet for venting emotional distress.
- Supports the rehearsal of healthy behavior.
- Develops a meaningful change toward a new perspective
Takeaway And Insights
Mental and emotional problems affect people more than they realize. And sometimes, they deal with the situation differently from others. Creative therapies may work, but they may also not impact others. These activities can only provide people with immediate support. However, this does not guarantee a cure. Thus, it is always better to seek professional help in severe situations.