Art Therapy California Can Transform Lives

By Chloe Gib


We, as humans, have always appreciated art. Archaeologists have continually unearthed all manner of creative expressions from the cave painting of Southern France to the preserved frescoes at the base of Mt. Vesuvius. Being able to encapsulate the whole of a society at a particular moment is truly what art is about and it has been a large force in the world, inspiring scientists and inventors for centuries. This ancient relationship can be put to a more personal use at art therapy California, San Jose.

Here, therapists can apply art to populations of people who require healing or stimulative therapy. When we think of sitting with a therapist, the imagined view can be quite sterile with just a patient and counselor sitting alone in a room talking, or conversely, patients being prescribed all sorts of medications.

The truth, however, is that personal transformations are not so easy to quantify and can be brought about through a number of different experiences. Counselors have discovered over the years that children and adults that struggle with developmental disabilities like autism or Downs Syndrome, can really excel under an art program.

Fortunately, when placed in groups doing all sorts of art related activities, these patients have been observed to flourish and the calming and therapeutic results are impressive. These results have been duplicated in all sorts of other populations including patients who are dealing with more serious emotional issues like post traumatic stress disorder.

While it may seem as simple as going out and engaging in a craft, there is a definite science to the successful application of art therapy. The group leaders here are highly trained professionals with advanced degrees in psychology who have studied and understand the various activities that have demonstrated results.

Beyond the typical patient population, however, these programs can have a profound effect on young people who may not have any issues more serious than just self esteem or image problems. It can be hard to cope through adolescence during the best of times, but in today's digital world it can seem especially inescapable.

There are many different populations that can benefit from a little creativity being brought into their lives, from patients in a cancer ward to seniors living in assisted living facilities. Art has always been important to human civilization and San Jose counseling can bring that ancient relationship to bear on patient's issues.




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