What is art therapy?
Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art as a means of working through illness or challenges to everyday living. Many people who have become involved in art maintain that they feel empowered by the creative process and more in control of their lives. The process of making marks on a blank piece of paper, whereby one mark leads to another and suddenly a masterpiece is created, can be incredibly satisfying. Artwork can also be a useful communication tool, providing a vehicle through which the creators can describe their lives, thoughts and feelings. It can be an escape, providing a haven of peace or calm, or it may stimulate the visualisation of happy memories.
Art therapy and Parkinson’s
Art can encourage a previously hidden creative streak in response to the changes Parkinson’s brings to life, each person creating their own individual style. Not only is the creative process itself therapeutic and liberating, but the knowledge that such an activity is there to return to can be encouraging and motivating. Self-expression can also help with depression and can rekindle motivation in other aspects of life.
Art therapy seems to help by working on the subconscious, reducing stress and releasing frustration while stimulating the imagination and promoting a sense of inner peace. Both therapists and participants say that when absorbed in the art-making process, symptoms tend to subside. One person with Parkinson's said, “When I am painting I forget about Parkinson’s, and it forgets about me”.
