4/29/2014

How To Do Expressive Therapies Using Art Forms

By Essie Osborn


Art not only is for pleasure but sometimes it can also be used as a form of therapy in order to open up the mind and even heal some part of it. Expressive therapies by using art are commonly used by a lot of therapies in order to make a person feel better or make him more relaxed with himself. For those who are interested in this type of therapy, here are some ideas that many therapists would use.

Now one of the most common art forms that a lot of therapists would ask participants to do would be none other than the puppet. Now this method is often used on children or even teenagers if they would have a hard time opening up. The puppet gives them an alter ego in which they can communicate their thoughts with if they do not usually open up to people.

Of course if one would make a puppet, then he would need some materials that would help him make his ideal puppet. In a therapy session, the therapist would be the one that would provide all of the items that the participants would be needing. Now depending on the artistic skills of the participant, the puppet can be a very simple one or an extravagant one.

Now there would sometimes be children or even teens that do not know anything about themselves. When this would happen, the therapist may resort to the paper bag therapy form in order to make them see themselves in a clearer light. Now this will actually help them find out more about their identity and will help them be able to find their own purpose in life.

Now to do this, the therapist must first give a paper bag to the participant and let him draw a self portrait there. Then on the back of bag, the participant will then make a eulogy wherein he will list down all his greatest fears. When he is done with that, he will be putting in some items that would symbolize what he is as a person and what kind of person he wants to be.

Now drama or theater art is another very good way for one to be able to express himself. By assuming the role of another character, one will be able to escape into a different world that is unlike this one. This is an avenue wherein one would know how to step into the shoes of others and also experience what others may be experiencing.

Now if the therapist would want to evaluate how the mind of the participant works, then he may ask the participant to draw himself. By taking a look at the strokes and the style, the therapist would be able to know all about that person. He can tell what the person is like and how he acts.

Now for those who are interested in this field of therapy, here are some ideas that may fill in some questions. Now do take note that there are many more art forms that can be used. This would solely depend on the therapist.




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