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Art therapy

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What is it?

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses different forms of art, including drawing, painting, and sculpture, to lift mood, awareness, and self-esteem.

Art therapy allows people to express their inner thoughts when speaking is difficult or not possible. It’s thought to provide benefit by using self-expression to improve mood and healing.

People use art therapy for anxiety, depression, autism, quality of life, schizophrenia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don’t confuse art therapy with music therapy. These are not the same.

It is effective?
Natural Medicines rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.

Possibly Effective for …

  • Depression. Different types of art therapy help improve symptoms in adults and children with depression.

There is interest in using art therapy for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

How does it work?

Is there concern for the safety of its use?
There isn’t enough reliable information to know if art therapy is safe. But there’s no reason to expect safety concerns when used correctly. Art therapy shouldn’t be used in place of more proven therapies.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if art therapy is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But there’s no reason to expect safety concerns when used correctly.

Are there any drug interactions?
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Are there any interactions with herbs and supplements?
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Are there any interactions with food?
There are no known interactions with foods.

What dose is used?
Art therapy is usually done with a trained art therapist or other healthcare professional. It involves many different types of art, including drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, crafts, and murals. It can be done individually or in a group setting. Sessions usually last 60-90 minutes and happen weekly or twice weekly for up to 12 weeks. Talk to your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.

By what other names is the product known?
Anthroposophic Art Therapy, Art Stimulation, Chinese Calligraphy Therapy, Clay Art Therapy, Creative Arts Intervention, Creative Arts Therapy, Creative Expression, Mindfulness Based Art Therapy, Phenomenological Art Therapy, Psychodynamic Group Art Therapy, Visual Art Therapy.

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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