Art therapy is a relatively new mental health profession that blends the creative process of art making with the science of psychology. It is useful for individuals of all ages and helpful in a wide range of problems such as autism, dementia, eating disorders, terminal illness, and mental or physical trauma (Betts). Although the art therapist can work in a variety of places, from clinical to private practice, many children's hospitals are developing programs to help their patients and family deal with the heavy emotions that come with the disease. The Cedars Cancer Institute is one such hospital. They describe their art therapy program as a time when "children and adolescents gain a sense of control over their lives during a time when everything seems to be spinning out of control" (Who We Are).
I thought that this career fit well with the description of creole technologies as "ways of thinking or making things that are hybrids" (Robertson, 243). Of course, visual art making and psychology are ages old, but they have only been combined into one career since the middle 20th century. Art therapists are both trained in art and licensed mental health professionals. As a hybrid discipline, it is able to rely on information from both areas and use each as a tool to further wellness for patients. Although psychology is considered one of the "soft sciences", it still seeks to use the scientific method in order to obtain credible and reliable information (Robertson, 240).
Betts, Donna PhD ATR-BC. "Information about Art Therapy." Art Therapy. 23, March 2010. http://www.art-therapy.us/art_therapy.htm
"Who We Are." The Cedar Cancer Institute. 23, March 2010.
Art therapy sounds like a great way to treat those suffering from a variety of psychological illnesses. Psychologists encourage patients to talk about their problems, but that is often times a difficult thing to do. Young patients especially have a hard time verbalizing their thoughts. Using art as a mode of release and communication allows them to express their emotions without words. I, too, find myself reaching for darker paint colors and using more violent brushstrokes when I am feeling down. It is wonderful to see art being used therapeutically since it has always been a way for me to express my thoughts and emotions.
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