You wake up every day with your eyes wide open but the world is all closed on you. Waiting is a constant torture that everyone wants to escape from but is uncertain as to what they’ll do afterward. Undealt emotions and thoughts would cause inner turmoil creating invisible bars and barriers.
These undealt turmoils may take the form of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and psychosis. To help Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs), it's important to have mental health programs in prisons. One of the potential mental help programs that can be utilized is art therapy.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a non-drug, complementary medical approach that's been used effectively for mental health. It is one of the creative therapies that engages the creative process to facilitate self-expression, guiding individuals to gain personal insights and acquire new coping strategies.
Art therapy employs various techniques, such as:
* Collage
* Coloring
* Doodling and scribbling
* Drawing
* Finger painting
* Painting
* Photography
* Sculpting
* Working with clay
People, upon creating art, reflect on their creations to explore their emotions and thoughts. By contemplating their artwork, they can identify recurring themes and conflicts that may influence their feelings, thoughts, and actions.
What are its benefits?
According to Shaye Mueller, a licensed professional counselor and registered art therapist, along with Emily Davenport, a board-certified therapist, art therapy is beneficial for everyone, regardless of their artistic skills. They emphasize that a common misconception is that art therapy is exclusively for creative individuals or children when in reality, it is suitable for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
The Art Therapy Credentials Board recognizes that art therapy is versatile and can serve a range of individuals:
Trauma Survivors: This includes those who've experienced combat or natural disasters.
Health Challengers: Individuals dealing with significant health issues like traumatic brain injuries and cancer can benefit.
Mental Health Conditions: Art therapy can support people with conditions such as depression, autism, and dementia.
Art therapy is especially helpful for reducing stress and anxiety in those dealing with chronic pain. Additionally, it can be valuable for individuals facing conditions like anxiety, eating disorders (used alongside standard treatments), substance use disorders, and high-stress levels. Engaging in art creation aids in emotional regulation, leading to a reduction in anxiety.
Practitioners also emphasize its potential to enhance specific skills, such as improving conflict resolution abilities, developing social skills, effectively managing stress, strengthening self-regulation capabilities, and gaining better self-awareness.
How Laya Uses Art Therapy to PDL Artists
Laya creates a simple yet effective approach to art sessions for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). Here's the creative process:
Step 1: The journey begins with the introduction of a musician and one of his/her selected pieces of music. For the next half-hour, PDLs immerse themselves in the melodies.
Step 2: As the music continuously plays, they draw as to how the music resonates in their hearts. The music becomes their muse, guiding their strokes.
Step 3: As the final notes fade away, it's time for reflection, discussion, and storytelling. Together, they delve into their creations, sharing insights and analyzing the stories their art tells.
The whole session would last for three hours every Tuesday afternoon.
Sources:
Mental and behavioral disorders in the prison context - PMC (nih.gov)
Art Therapy: Definition, Types, Techniques, and Efficacy (verywellmind.com)
Frontiers | Art Therapy: A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders (frontiersin.org)
What Is Art Therapy? Types, Benefits And More – Forbes Health
Art therapy: Definition, uses, and how it works (medicalnewstoday.com)
