Art in Addiction Recovery
Art has long been utilized in addiction treatment and recognized as an excellent way to help patients explore emotions and underlying issues non verbally. Not only is it an amazing therapeutic tool, the art created by patients struggling with mental health disorders has also been lauded by the art world as illuminating, disturbing (in a good way!), and brilliant.
Even with no formal art training, patients who utilize art as a way to explore the depth and breadth of their symptoms often create touching works of art that are not only useful to them but also important additions to the conversation that art brings to the world.
Outsider Art vs. Mainstream Art
There is an ongoing conversation in the art world between formally trained artists who create within the bounds of well-studied and understood forms of art using classic mediums (e.g., photography, oil paints, etc.) and so-called “outsider” artists who create art outside what has normally been accepted as artistic expression. The subject matter may be subversively explored, it may be a massive or very small piece, it may be interactive in some way, it may mix mediums in a new and interesting way to create an art experience, or it may use mediums formerly considered “abnormal” (e.g., human hair, trash, etc.).
When it comes to utilizing #art as a method of better understanding oneself in recovery, and exploring one’s symptoms and experience, both mainstream art and outsider art are entirely valid. No formal art training is necessary, but if art school is helpful to the patient then it can be useful as well. Training, methodology, and different mediums – they are all tools in the hands of the patients seeking to better understand themselves and their places in the world as they evolve through treatment.
Art Therapy: What to Expect
Your personal experience in art therapy will depend entirely upon the way you approach the process. There is no one way that is correct or more useful than another. Depending upon your circumstance, needs, and level of interest in using art for therapeutic purposes, any of the following may benefit your growth in recovery. You can:
• Enroll in an art therapy group. An art therapy group will include other patients who are also interested in using art to “discuss” their experience with mental health symptoms. Usually, a single medium will be offered, and the art therapist will be on hand to assist with any technical issues or therapeutic questions. The medium may be changed from session to session, and there may be a “share” session where patients can put their work on display for friends and family if they choose.
• Work one on one with an art therapist. You may do the same thing on a one-on-one basis with an art therapist. The personalized nature of the #therapy means that you can choose the medium that most speaks to you, change at will, and incorporate mediums, or work on large or outdoor pieces with the assistance of your therapist.
• Use art therapy with a behavioral therapist. You may also talk to your current talk therapist about the option of utilizing art therapy in conjunction with your current focus in therapy. It may or may not be an appropriate addition, but it can be positive if you utilize art as a way to explore your thoughts and experience on your own and then discuss the outcome with your therapist.