| Art therapy has long been seen as a form of | | | | that the sessions changed her pattern of negative |
| therapeutic process for emotional disorders and | | | | thinking, she called art therapy a form of anger |
| anxiety. Van Gogh kept some of his demons at bay | | | | management class. |
| through art. More recently, therapists have reported | | | | She is right. |
| a high success rate with the use of creative and | | | | In the book, "Art Therapy and Anger," contributor |
| artistic expression to deal with anger, depression and | | | | Art Psychotherapist Leila Moules describes the |
| pain. | | | | success she had working with ODD children using art. |
| Take for example Carla P., who was saved from her | | | | She uses art to help these children "look within," so |
| 15 year severe depression by art therapy. She | | | | they can gain some control over their behavior |
| claimed that taking the creative artwork sessions | | | | problems. Essentially, her therapeutic process is a tool |
| saved her life. Although medication provided some | | | | kit to help them repair their anger. |
| relief, it also brought on a 35 pound weight gain that | | | | A study published in the "Journal of Pain and |
| made her feel old and dumpy. Then she started | | | | Symptom Management" also shows that creative |
| searching for alternate treatment avenues. On the | | | | expression reduces symptoms related to fear and |
| advice of a friend, Carla signed up for an art therapy | | | | anxiety in cancer patients. |
| class, even though she did not believe initially that the | | | | Researchers discovered that the creative process |
| session could help her. | | | | involved in making art is a transformational tool. Art |
| She enjoyed the session so much she returned the | | | | can both heal and enhance life. Studies confirm that |
| second week. Within 6 weeks, Carla noticed | | | | art therapy minimizes symptoms of anxiety and fear |
| significant improvement in her sleep. She did not toss | | | | because creative play provides a form of distraction |
| and turn as much at night; she also noticed a more | | | | that takes children away from their anxiety. |
| positive sense of well being. Little things did not | | | | Art projects get them to focus on something |
| bother her as much because her mind was absorbed | | | | positive, unrelated to their emotional circumstances, |
| by planning her next art project. | | | | yet somehow benefiting their emotional health in the |
| She reported feeling optimistic. In fact, she felt so | | | | long run. Art allows children to exercise some |
| good she started walking every morning before work | | | | measure of control over what they do, which can |
| and within three months, lost 10 lbs. Her doctor was | | | | help them restore control over their own impulsive |
| so pleased with her progress he reduced the dosage | | | | behavior. |
| of her medication. | | | | Whether it is clay or paint they are working on, the |
| Carla is now convinced that her painting sessions | | | | art project confirms children's sense of control and |
| helped her cope with an immeasurable sense of | | | | engagement. |
| anger that had haunted her for 20 years. Claiming | | | | |