The Solution
A alternative to typical forms of mental illness treatment
Art therapy a positive alternative to all of these forms of treatment. This therapy is defined by the American Art Therapy Organization as clients, facilitated by art therapists, using media and the creative process in order to foster self-awareness and manage behavior and addictions, among others (“What is…”, 2017). Most people, when they hear this definition, think that this form of therapy is utter nonsense. However, art therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy that is severely underutilized. This is the best solution to the problem presented because art therapists are required to hold many qualifications and they provide a safe environment in which to further learn and foster creativity and healing.
Justification
The American Art Therapy Association reports that art therapists must have at least a masters in art therapy from a Educational Programs Approval Board qualified program. This degree is also important for receiving accreditation with the Art Therapy Credentials Board. Therapists are also not limited to what individual states can ask of them to prove their credibility and competency. Also, as of 2017, graduation from a program approved by the AATA or Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs will be imperative in meeting requirements to practice art therapy (“Education”, 2016).
Qualifications
Enviornment
As for the importance of a safe environment, a case study from early 2017 found that the comfort created within art therapy was a big healing factor in cancer patients going through chemo. At the Akdeniz University Medical Faculty in Turkey, patients in the oncology department were given instruction on water coloring and then asked to create while they were receiving chemotherapy. Unprovoked, patients continued to practice their art outside of their chemo appointments. At the end of the experiment, scientists reported depression rates decreasing and the overall quality of life of the patients increasing greatly (Bozcuka, et. alii, 2017). The safety inside the realm of art and creation can be comforting to many people. It is for this reason that individuals are likely to pursue more artistic expression outside of their appointments and sessions. Art therapy is a great treatment for mental illnesses, with many positive qualities.
