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Painting as therapy

There are a large number of alternative and complementary therapies to classic psychotherapies. Furthermore, these therapies, such as therapeutic painting, not only help to express oneself, but also to improve the patient emotionally and cognitively.

In the book by Robinson, K., & Aronica, L. (2014) “The element“The following story is told in relation to the painting: An elementary school teacher was teaching drawing classes and in the back of the classroom sat a girl who didn’t usually pay attention, except in drawing classes. For twenty minutes the girl drew, absorbed in her thoughts, and the teacher asked her what she was drawing.

The girl answered: “I am drawing God.” The teacher said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” And the girl answered: “They will know right away.” This story shows us the importance of drawing and painting and how they can be used as therapy to connect with the world.

“Art is the expression of the deepest feelings through the simplest path”

-Albert Einstein-

The psychology of art and painting

The psychology of art is a branch of psychology dedicated to the study of the phenomena of artistic creation and appreciation. from a psychological perspective. There are many aspects that link the psychology of art to psychology in general, such as perception, emotion, memory, thought and language.

Many psychotherapists have verified the beneficial effects of art to help patients who come to consultation with psychological complaints, since art in all its expressions (painting, dance, music, writing, theater, etc.) frees the subjectivity of the person. So, can be used for conflict resolution, communication problems, expression difficulties and many other psychological aspects.

The benefits of paint therapy

Painting on a canvas, on paper or on any surface that allows us to express ourselves can be a way of expressing feelings and thoughts. Especially for people who need to communicate them and are not able to do so through any other means. In addition, it is a type of alternative and natural therapy that can have many benefits, such as the following:

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1. Improved communication

First of all, those people who start with a paint therapy They are usually shy and withdrawn. Additionally, they often have difficulty communicating with others. However, With painting they manage to unleash their creativity and express feelings, emotions.

“It’s not about painting life, it’s about making painting alive”

-Paul Cézanne-

2. Increased self-esteem

When the Painting therapy is carried out in a non-competitive, relaxed and pleasant environment, a patient can achieve great achievements personal. In this way, under the supervision of the psychotherapist, it will help you express yourself and sublimate your problems. This aspect can be important for people with codependency problems, trauma, and who need to strengthen their autonomy and learn to love and value themselves.

3. Motor skills

Just like when we play a musical instrument, with paint when handling a brush or pencil we learn to regulate hand movements and to develop brain connections related to that skill. Additionally, in both children and adults, painting helps improve fine motor skills.

4. The brain in motion

Drawing and painting stimulate both hemispheres of the brain, both the left and the right. The left involves the logical and rational side, while the right is related to our creativity and our emotions. Therefore, it is about giving wings to our imagination and letting it fly. Also, it serves as the perfect medium to express emotions.

5. Concentration

Dedication to painting – or any other type of artistic creation – requires concentration. Painting is a meticulous job that allows us to forget about the environment and flow. That is, making time pass without us realizing it.

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The advanced state of concentration is called Alpha and has been the subject of numerous studies. It is a state during which one part of the brain is conscious and the other brings out the unconscious. That same state is achieved with prayer, meditation or music.

6. Emotional intelligence and painting

Emotions are a very important part of our creativity. With painting we can let emotions flow and experience happiness, love, empathy and peace. The relaxation obtained through painting helps to achieve harmony between the heart and mind.

“The true painter is one who is capable of painting extraordinary scenes in the middle of an empty desert. The true painter is the one who is able to patiently paint a pear surrounded by the tumults of history.”

-Salvador Dali-

In conclusion, the paint therapy It is not only useful to express our emotions, feelings, thoughts and traumas. In addition, it promotes psychomotor skills, thinking and the management of one’s own cognitive processes. Therefore, it is an activity to take into account in those patients with expression and communication difficulties.

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All cited sources were reviewed in depth by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, validity and validity. The bibliography in this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.

Bassols, M. (2006). Art therapy, accompaniment in creation and transformation. Art therapy. Papers of art therapy and art education for social inclusion, 1, 19-25.Duncan, N. (2007). Working with Emotions in Art Therapy. Art therapy. Papers of art therapy and artistic education for social inclusion, 2, 39-49.Espinosa, FJC, & Rodríguez, JMB (2006). Art therapy: dynamics between creation and therapeutic processes. EDITUM.Robinson, K., & Aronica, L. (2014). The element. Vintage Spanish.

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