Colorful Realities

By Levi Lancaster

A healing art therapy guide for caretaker burnout, mental illnesses, and other traumas.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Levi Lancaster
• Release date: Dec 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9786277544980

Book preview

Authors Introduction

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Levi Lancaster, Born in the United States of America. At the age of 28, my mother was diagnosed with Chronic Paranoid Schizophrenia. At that point, I was 13 years old, dealing with my mother's mental condition, and my sexuality as a gay male adolescent. Seven years with extended psychiatric stays, a plethora of medical visits, enormous amounts of medications, and a hollow feeling that no one wishes to experience came to pass but I knew there was no cure for this condition, so I've fought it with love and will continue to do so in my daily life, expressing myself via my art. In reality, the emotional suffering we were experiencing had a profound impact on us and transformed both worlds throughout a single night, leaving long-lasting, colorful ripples. It took some time getting to where we are now, which is not calm and certainly not carefree, but a better place overall; always looking over my shoulder.

I finished school two years ahead of schedule to care for my ailing mother. I worked my way up to a mid-level executive position (with a restaurant chain), where I began my 25-year career in leadership roles in numerous industries. I frequently marvel at how I completed all of the above while simultaneously graduating with a 4.0 GPA from my Hospitality Management program. I suppose you get it done when you live with these concerns at such a young and impressionable age and then discover you're on your own. That was, at the very least, my decision. Because they were all coping with and attempting to comprehend the workings of this dreadful sickness, I had no family help or proper support. Years later, I went to school and graduated with the same GPA in Interior Design. Even when confronted with adversity, it's difficult to envision what a person is genuinely capable of doing.

Due to the strains of caring for my single (mentally disabled) mother daily, household necessities, accepting my sexuality, and work-related anxieties, I ended up in the hospital myself. My first experience with caretaker burnout occurred at a critical point in my life. My paintings incorporate both controllable and uncontrollable abstraction processes, which is precisely what this sickness has taught me. While creating artwork and putting one's thoughts on paper is a planned and organized procedure, not everyone needs to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. Paints, brushwork, palm paint, wild erratic strokes, paint explosions, or quiet, calm imagery can all aid the recovery process. Art helps you grow as a person on many levels, and it keeps you grounded and in touch with your inner self in a crazy world. Art has evolved into a sort of meditation that teaches patience. Whether we enter the art world or allow art to join ours, it is up to us.

Art is too vital not to share, says pop artist Romero Britto. Presenting your work to new and seasoned audiences has always been - and will always be - a crucial component of being an artist, whether you're displaying your work on the walls of a gallery or sharing your oeuvre online. My website with art www.Levisloft.com

Chapter no.1

Art Therapy

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What is Art Therapy?

Those who call my office for the first time are usually unfamiliar with art therapy. They seek help to address a deep sense of discontent with one or more aspects of their lives. Traditional talk therapy progress has often halted, or there is a communication barrier, rendering standard talk therapy useless. Art therapy, in my opinion, is the strategic application of art techniques and materials to address areas of growth and development in persons. Art therapy, also known as creative arts therapy or expressive arts therapy, allows people to express and understand their feelings via artistic expression and the creative process. Art therapy is a definitive treatment involving art materials such as paints, chalk, and markers. Traditional psychotherapy ideas and procedures are combined with an understanding of the psychological components of the creative process, particularly the dynamic characteristics of various art materials, in art therapy.

Art therapy entails the creation of art to raise self-and other awareness. As a result, personal growth, coping abilities, and cognitive function may benefit. Psychological theories, human evolution, psychology, relationship patterns, and art education are included. Both art and psychiatric treatment are taught to art therapists. Art therapy is the rehabilitative art generated by sick individuals, traumatized, experiencing life challenges, and seeking self-improvement in a professional partnership. People can raise awareness of self and others, manage symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences, enhance cognitive capacities and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art by creating art and reflecting on art products and processes.

Specialists that specialize in both art and counseling are known as art therapists. They comprehend human growth, cognitive therapy, therapeutic practice, spiritual, intercultural, and creative cultures, as well as art's healing value. They apply the skill in treatment, evaluation, research, and providing associated professionals with consultations. Individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities are all served by art therapists. They operate in many contexts, including mental health, rehabilitation, medical, and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open workshops, and independent practices, both separately and as therapy teams.

The Role of the Visual Arts in Therapy

Art therapists are master's degree holders with training in human development, mental disorder assessment and diagnosis, psychology, counseling, art therapy theory, studio art, ethics, and cultural competency. A qualified art therapist can analyze a client's needs and then customize goals and therapies to meet those needs. The art therapy experience of one person will most likely be very different from that of another. A client with Autism who is having communication issues, for example, has quite other requirements than a cancer patient who is attempting to make sense of their medical tragedy. Art therapy can help people of all ages and backgrounds enhance their quality of life. What remains constant is the importance of visual art expression in gaining insights and growing self-awareness that assists the client's growth.

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The Brain and Emotions

The hypothalamus, the region of the brain concerned for emotional processing, is also responsible for sending visual and tactile input. Human emotions are complex, and being overwhelmed can have negative consequences for sleep, food, relationships, learning, motivation, productivity, nervous system reaction, and even physical sickness. Those who are overpowered by their feelings, as well as the circumstances that generate them, may strive to ignore them. Attempts to do so can lead to maladaptive behaviors and coping techniques, obstructing personal progress and quality of life. Because emotions and sensory input and images are processed in the amygdala, the latter two can be used to assist people in better understanding their feelings and support their capacity to manage them. Overwhelm and the desire to avoid them reduce as people become more adept and secure in managing their emotions. As a result, reliance on maladaptive behaviors and coping techniques is diminished.

How Does Art Therapy Work?

An art therapist uses art materials and guidelines to elicit sensory reactions and develop imagery directly linked to emotions. This strategy helps people re-experience emotions to organize their sentiments and create a narrative around a terrible incident. Therefore, it is feasible for words to develop to enable communication. The art therapist's ultimate goal is to assist the client in gaining personal insight, self-awareness, and new coping skills that will improve their level of functioning and quality of life.

Keep Calm and Make Art

Many people are perplexed by the casual use of art therapy to describe coloring books or an evening spent partaking in a champagne and painting event. Why? Simply because people feel uplifted and rejuvenated after participating in such activities and have experienced the calming effects. However, there is a distinction between art therapy and therapeutic art creation. In several areas, using the phrase art therapy to denote anything other than therapy provided by a trained art therapist is technically unlawful.

What Can Art Therapy Help With?

Art therapy can assist with a variety of issues.

ADD/ADHD

Autism

Learning Disorders

Depression

Anxiety

Relationship Issues

Trauma/PTSD

Illness

Addiction

Mental Illness

Alzheimer's and Dementia

Transitions/Divorce

Grief

Spirituality

LGBTQ Support

As a result, art therapists work in various settings, including private practice, hospitals, inpatient mental health care, addiction recovery facilities, community mental health centers, wellness centers, and spiritual centers. Art therapy can be used as an adjuvant treatment in conjunction with other therapy experts or as a stand-alone treatment.

Who Can Use Art Therapy?

Anyone, for the most part, can benefit from art therapy. In a society where people may communicate and express themselves differently, expressive arts therapy is another option. Most other types of communication elicit the use of words or language as a way of communication, which is one of the significant contrasts between art therapy and other forms of communication. Humans are frequently unable to express themselves within this restricted spectrum. The capacity for a person to express their feelings through any art is one of the most appealing aspects of art as therapy. While there are other types of expressive treatments (such as the performing arts), emotive art therapy, as mentioned here, often uses more traditional forms of art... such as painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, or a range of other methods of visual art expression.

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Art Therapist

Art psychologists are required in therapy and art, psychological and human development, and possess a Master's degree in both. There are various qualifications and certifications for becoming an art therapist, which suggests they are professionals in utilizing art as a platform for everything from a simple examination of another person's mood to therapy for severe disease. Art therapists work with people of various ages, genders, and cultures. They can help a single, a couple, a household, or a group of persons, and depending on the circumstance, a psychological team of numerous therapists may be developed. Art therapists are educated to detect nonverbal symbols and metaphors that are frequently represented via art and the creative process, notions that are often difficult to express verbally. The individual begins to see the impacts of art therapy and the discoveries achieved throughout this process.

Why Would I Use Art Therapy?

Art as therapy, like most therapies, is used to treat something – usually to improve one's emotional or mental well-being. However, expressive arts therapy does not have to be employed solely for treatment. It can be used to reduce stress or anxiety, or it can be utilized to learn more about oneself. Many people could benefit from some form of artistic expression.

Do You Need to be Talented?

Certainly not. You also don't have to be afraid of using art to express yourself. Though it may appear strange at first, this is usually due to the individual's lack of experience communicating through the arts. Presenting yourself is one of the most fun aspects of the creative process. You should eventually, if not immediately, feel comfortable with this newfound mode of expression if you work with an art therapist. After all, the purpose isn't necessarily to produce a work of art.

Art: A Wonderful Form of Therapy

Expressive art therapy is a beautiful field that has proven to perform wonders in the lives of many individuals. It involves the use of creative arts as a kind of treatment. It can aid in the expression of feelings, the exploration of emotions, the management of addictions, and the improvement of self-esteem. It is especially beneficial to children with developmental impairments, but art therapy is fantastic since it can benefit everybody!

Have you ever noticed how relaxing activities like listening to music or painting may help you recover after a busy day? It is because it is highly therapeutic. A skilled art therapist can assist you in interpreting the emotions that flow into your creation, as well as working through and resolving issues. Even as an adult, studies have shown that coloring has numerous advantages. Unfortunately, in the adult world, coloring, drawing, painting, and performing music are frowned upon. Break free from social pressures and discover how liberating it is to let your imagination run wild. This type of therapy is primarily expressed through music, art, and dance. Playing instruments, listening to music, and singing can all be used in music therapy. Dance and movement are used in dance therapy. It's no surprise that it's so effective–shaking it releases a lot of endorphins into your body! Drawing, coloring, painting, sculpting, and anything else you can think of that is artistic can all be used in art therapy. People enjoy doing these activities as hobbies, so why not put them to good use and show yourself some love?

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Art therapy is beneficial for a variety of reasons, in addition to helping people improve their mental well-being. It can be used to recover a wide range of diseases. Art is a fantastic way to de-stress when you're feeling down. Someone who has been diagnosed with cancer may benefit from art therapy. Fighting cancer takes a physical and emotional toll, and accepting the diagnosis can be difficult. Art and dance are strong representations of these emotions that help people cope with stress, rage, and despair. Someone in need of therapy to help them recover from a calamity would be a good candidate for art therapy. Expressive arts therapies have a wide range of applications and advantages that can significantly enhance people's lives for various reasons. Even if you don't want immediate assistance, it can be a relaxing way to unwind after working a long week. Art therapy is a growing discipline that is becoming more commonly accepted; thus, it is also a career choice to consider! Try art therapy! Be brave, be creative, and be expressive!

Mental Health Benefits of Art Therapy Activities

Psychotherapy is in conjunction with other types of psychological treatment. The objective is to promote self-esteem through controlling behaviors, processing feelings, and lowering stress and anxiety.

Self-discovery: Making art may aid you in uncovering and admitting feelings that have been deeply embedded inside your unconscious.

Self-esteem: The procedure will offer you a sense of accomplishment, which may be pretty beneficial in increasing your self-esteem and confidence.

Emotional release: The most significant advantage of a therapeutic relationship is that it offers you a healthy outlet for communicating and letting go of all your feelings and problems. Sadness or wrath are complicated emotions that are difficult to convey with words. Making art may aid you in articulating yourself if you're unable to do so but desire emotional release.

Stress relief: Dealing with anxiety, despair, or emotional trauma may be intellectually and physically draining. Making art can help you relax your mind and body and relieve tension.

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It's critical to understand that you don't have to be a gifted artist to benefit from art therapy. Humans are born artists, and all you have to do to finish an art therapy exercise successfully is be honest with yourself and your feelings. Your inner artist will immediately awaken once you unleash your imagination. Art also boosts the release of dopamine, according to studies. When we perform something pleasurable, this chemical is released, making us feel better. If you're dealing with worry or depression, increased amounts of this feel-good neurotransmitter can be highly beneficial. According to mental health specialists and experts, art therapy offers various benefits, ranging from improving your self-esteem and offering a safe outlet for your emotions to giving you a sense of control over your life and assisting you in getting to know and understand yourself better. You will go on a voyage of self-discovery while creating art, which will help you remove emotional obstacles and learn how to communicate with yourself and others.

ART THERAPY TECHNIQUES AND EXERCISES

Certified art therapists often have a thorough awareness of the transformative potential of the creative process on those in treatment. Art therapists frequently combine psychological, spiritual, and artistic theories with clinical procedures to attain the intended therapeutic outcome. Even nonverbal folks and professional artists have benefited from the approach. Some of the most common therapeutic techniques:

Painting

Finger painting

Doodling

Scribbling

Sculpting

Drawing

Using molding clay

Carving

Making pottery

Making cards

Using textiles

Making collages

Art therapy can assist people in expressing difficult-to-express thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Thirty-two individuals with heart disease were questioned and then required to describe their ailment in 2004 research separately. The drawings that developed were categorized into three subsamples: (1) the heartbeat in the center, (2) the circulation in the inhabited body, and (3) cardiovascular disease as a societal ailment. The use of color, spatial organization, and harmony was investigated. The drawings ultimately helped health care specialists understand how each lady perceived her situation and gave advice on how to treat each instance. Illness is often connected with strong emotions, and tactile techniques like molding clay can provide a haven from these sensations. These practices have also been demonstrated to help uncover unconscious material, enable vocal expression, and offer cathartic release. According to research, women with cancer are encouraged to participate in various visual arts activities, and techniques benefit four. The ladies reported an increased focus on good life events, enhanced self-worth, maintaining social identity (rather than being defined by cancer), and an increased ability to articulate their sentiments in a symbolic fashion following the study.

Several other clinical studies have backed up art therapy's therapeutic advantages. People with chronic diseases reported better health and well-being, whereas breast cancer survivors reported less negative feelings and more positive emotions. Furthermore, hemodialysis treatment patients reported lower stress levels, less compassion fatigue, and a more incredible feeling of purpose. In comparison, people who had been adversely affected by trauma reported lower stress