5 Valuable Benefits of Art Therapy for Anxiety

Art therapy is an effective tool for managing and improving your mental and emotional health.

At Greenpoint Psychotherapy, the skilled therapists offer art therapy as part of their treatment plans for anxiety and other mental health conditions.

Working with a licensed art therapist complements other therapeutic practices, including psychotherapy, by allowing you to express yourself fully beyond just words.

How art therapy works

Art therapy incorporates all forms of creative expression to help you express and release negative emotions and intrusive thoughts. Many times, people find they are able to explore difficult emotions more effectively through art than by merely talking about their issues.

The goal of art therapy is to engage your creative spirit and tap into your mind, body, and soul to gain more insight into your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Art therapy can provide deep healing and become a healthy outlet for you to express your emotions. The therapists at Greenpoint Psychotherapy utilize many forms of art to support your expression of self, including:

• Journalling and other forms of writing
• Storytelling
• Roleplaying
• Painting
• Crafting
• Clay work
• Dance and movement

These artistic modules are available through individual therapy plans and the providers also encourage creative expression through art therapy during family therapy and group therapy.

5 benefits of art therapy for people with anxiety

Anxiety is a chronic condition that causes excessive worry or fear, even when there’s no apparent danger. In addition to triggering intrusive thoughts and negative thinking patterns, anxiety also causes physical symptoms like rapid breathing and a pounding heart that interferes with a person’s quality of life.

While psychotherapy and medications are an effective tool for reducing existing anxiety and preventing the onset of anxiety attacks, art therapy can also provide a healthy outlet for anxiety sufferers to step outside of themselves and find relief from the inner turmoil.

Here are five benefits of art therapy for anxiety:

1. Enhances self-awareness

Being creative through writing, dance, and other art forms helps you gain insight into your tendency to ruminate on a future that hasn’t happened yet by helping you stay present in the moment.

You can also gain greater self-awareness about the emotions you keep inside when expressing them nonverbally through painting or crafting.

2. Encourages relaxation

People with anxiety often find it difficult to relax fully into the moment because they are in a constant state of fight-or-flight.

Spending time engaged in creative activities helps calm your nervous system and relaxes your muscles to give your body and mind a much-needed break.

3. Provides a boost of self-esteem

Releasing your inner artist can give you a new sense of accomplishment and purpose. You may also learn a few things about yourself as you see tangible results from all of your hard work.

Trying a new form of art may also reveal talents you didn’t know you had to further boost your self-confidence and self-esteem.

4. Facilitates the release of emotions

Holding on to emotions for too long can keep you feeling stagnant in life. Art therapy offers a healthy way to process and release emotions that no longer serve you.

You may find it easier to release fear and anxiety through journaling or other writing exercises than you can verbally. Some people pour their emotions into physical art forms like clay sculpting. The release art therapy provides can often feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders, so you can move forward.

5. Increases dopamine levels

Engaging in creative expression has a positive impact on the brain. Creativity triggers the brain to release dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that plays a role in your mood.

People with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions tend to have low levels of dopamine. Being more involved in your creative side can rebalance brain chemicals to help you feel happier.

Call Greenpoint Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, New York, today to learn how art therapy can help you better manage anxiety, or book an appointment online.