MentalHelp has partnered with several thought leaders in the mental health and wellness space, so we can help you make informed decisions on your wellness journey. MentalHelp may receive marketing compensation from these companies should you choose to use their services. The focus of these sessions is never on artistic skill or developing talent – it’s not even about creating something aesthetically pleasing. The goal is to allow you the opportunity to express yourself in imaginative, non-verbal ways.

A variety of art project ideas focus on the creative process that is beneficial to the recovery process. The goal of art therapy is to help participants recover on all levels of healthy functioning emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Those in recovery from addiction have often experienced trauma and other emotional pain in their lives, and, may have trouble confronting those memories directly. Art therapy enables individuals to process difficult memories in a non-threatening environment. Even if a client in art therapy does not complete the five-step series, common art therapy exercises are to complete one or more of these projects.

Art Projects Assist in Addiction Recovery

If you are interested in trying art therapy, make sure you find an art therapist with the appropriate education and experience. You can find an art therapist through art therapy for addiction ideas the American Art Therapy Association’s Art Therapist Locator. Play the rhythm of your choice by clapping your hands, tapping the table, clicking, etc.

After that, come up with 5 more adjectives that do not fit, and draw them too. By spending a few minutes to focus on an art project, people will gain a sense of accomplishment and perhaps some insight into their thoughts and feelings. Each of these art projects is a great part of a journey toward recovery and can be completed in a residential treatment center.

Insert Self-Care Pieces

It was a picture of what he felt like the day before he entered rehab. His art therapist encouraged him to draw a second picture of what he hopes to feel like a year from now. Art therapy can also be used with other types of addiction treatment for https://ecosoberhouse.com/ substance abuse. For example, counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and support groups. Art therapy for addiction is a treatment that helps recovering addicts express thoughts and emotions that they may not be able to communicate with words.