Art therapy emerged at the junction of science and art, incorporating achievements of sociology, psychology, pedagogy, cultural studies, medicine and other disciplines. The term itself came into existence in the very early 1940s.
Literally, the term “art therapy” translates as healing through creativity (or healing through art). Through creativity, a person gets the opportunity to express themselves, which means they can understand their aspirations and desires.
Art therapy is one of the most gentle and at the same time very deep methods in psychotherapy and psychology.. Its basis is the spontaneous practice of creativity by a person who does not think about the results. Thus, the inner “I” of man is sure to find its reflection in the works that he created (it may be the work of sculpture, fine art, dance and so on). This therapy allows experiences to find their expression, and the psyche becomes aware of them in the most comfortable way for it.
The methods of art therapy can be rightly attributed to the most natural and ancient forms of correction of the emotional state. Many people use this method on their own, thereby releasing tension, focusing, and calming down.
This healing with the help of any artistic creation .. Today a variety of therapies are used: collages and mosaics, all kinds of drawing (painting, drawing, monotyping, graphics, etc.), sculpting, body art and plaster work, music therapy, photography, ethnotherapy, dance therapy, storytelling therapy, drama therapy, and so on.
How exactly does art therapy heal?
When you engage in creativity and create your work of art, for a period of time you remove yourself from the past and your experiences, you begin to rethink it. If you do not have clearly defined talents, that is not a reason to be disappointed and worried – art therapy is not about creating full-fledged art. It is the process, not the result, that is important here. You simply create what is your worldview – dancing happiness, writing sadness, drawing sorrow.
Occupations of art-therapy help to feel harmony with the surrounding world and yourself, you begin to look at what is happening from another point of view, you realize your way of life, begin to understand what you should develop and in what direction to move.
The main idea of art therapy is to remove yourself from difficult experiences by creating your own art. You give part of your soul and express yourself through different kinds of art.
It is better that art therapy takes place under the supervision of an art therapist. But some cases allow for art therapy on your own
For example, you can work with your addictions with art therapy. Take three pieces of normal paper. On the first should draw your state before the moment when there was some kind of addiction, on the second to depict your feelings at the moments of overcoming you addiction, and on the third – what you will feel if you manage to get rid of it.
Try to put on paper what you are feeling and feeling, and then look carefully at your drawings. The drawings will help you to see what is really going on with you. You’ll see that you can change it.
Art therapy will allow you to give vent to your aggression and other feelings with a negative connotation without any harm to the people around you. You will become more aware of your feelings and thoughts, it will be easier to understand the consequences of your actions and the reasons for your actions, and you will learn to make decisions consciously.
You need to believe in yourself, your abilities and strengths. Pour out in your poem or dance all the feelings that fill you, free yourself from the inside. You will really feel better.
With love Maria Shakti 
