ART THERAPY IN MODERN PSYCHOLOGY

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

The article discusses the features of art therapy in modern psychology, examines its essence and describes different areas of art therapy. In modern psychology, art therapy as therapy tool is one of the psychological methods promoting formation of a holistic and creative personality, opening new possibilities for self-realization and helping people find new ways of interaction with the world to improve interpersonal relationships. Art therapy is based on mobilization of human creative potential, internal mechanisms of self-regulation and healing. The art therapy features are: use of metaphors, triad influence and resourcefulness. The art therapy areas are: visual art therapy, fairytale therapy, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, phototherapy and others. Visual art therapy means psychotherapy with drawing or painting that allows clients to feel and understand themselves, to express freely their thoughts and feelings, to develop empathy, to be themselves, and also to get rid of negative experiences. Drawing develops sensory-motor coordination, and improves links between the cerebral hemispheres, since the drawing process coordinates the image thinking, related mainly with actuation of the right hemisphere, with the abstract logic, for which the left hemisphere is responsible. Fairytale therapy is psychotherapy that uses the fairy-tale form for an individual’s psychological integration, development of creative abilities, expansion of consciousness, improvement of interactions with the outside world. In fairytale therapy, the healing metaphorical potential of fairy tales is used to help both children and adults learn about their inner world, discover their capabilities, cope with different life situations, and build harmonious relationships with the outside world and the social environment. Music therapy is psychotherapy that uses music for healing and rehabilitative purposes. The basis of music therapy is the psychotherapeutic effect of music on humans. Music therapy promotes harmonization and stabilization of clients’ emotional sphere, helps develop communicative, creative and empathic abilities, helps establish and develop interpersonal relationships. Dance-motion therapy means psychotherapeutic use of dance and movements because such process promotes integration of an individual’s emotional and physical states, namely in the awareness of his/her body, in expression of his/her emotions and feelings, in development of communication skills and interpersonal interactions. It is important for dance-movement therapy that movements influence perception; emotions and feelings can be expressed through them; breathing and touches are used. Dance movements have symbolic meanings; they contribute to an individual’s internal transformations and formation of a whole personality. Phototherapy is a therapy that is based on the use of photography to solve psychological problems, as well as for personal growth and development. Thanks to phototherapy, an individual has the opportunity to see at his/her life from an unexpected point of view, to find new solutions for different areas of his/her life. Phototherapy allows a person to find their own creative vision of the world. Therefore, art therapy is an effective method of psychological help and one of the most productive ways of creative self-expression.