Why art heals

Why art Heals

The Aurora Youth Centre is in the business of healing. We do not use the Greek methodology in therapy but we do realise the impact art has on therapy.

In general the young persons admitted in the centre have suffered some traumatic events, displays limited life skills and have a poor self image and self esteem. To express emotions verbally and deal with the associated emotional pain in this regard is another traumatic experience. Some young persons never build up the courage to truly express themselves. By introducing different art forms the young persons get the opportunity to express what they are experiencing and what they have experienced without saying a word.

When doing art the emphasis is usually placed on the final product. We have however moved the focus from the final product to the process. This is done because the process of art-making itself is integrating. The expressive arts are about making, doing, creating. We face the youth with the knowledge that the arts are inherently healing, and with that knowledge, as well as a respect for the role the individual plays in his/her own wellbeing, we can assist them in their search for wholeness.

The psychologist Carl Gustav Jung wrote about the process of trying to understand himself through imagery and the artistic process. He understood that the art experience was crucial to self-knowledge and believed that self-knowledge brings healing. We agree that knowledge and understanding of one’s self and one’s disease, chemical dependency, can move one towards wholeness. The expressive arts are primarily an educational process that is therapeutic because it moves the young person towards health.

Wholeness and health relate to the state of completeness. If we lack certain knowledge then we are not complete in our understanding. When we learn something new, we gain insight and have a greater capacity for understanding. We begin to grow towards the fullness of who we are. Knowledge and education are deeply related. The goal of education is to bring us knowledge. True education is an internal change, which is measured by what the youth produces. The art products of the youth are concrete manifestations of the real learning, the knowledge that develops within. New materials and information is presented. The young person adds his own thoughts and brings new understanding to his own world. Thus, education is the interweaving between inner and outer realms. Meaning the internal images of each young person meets the form of art and becomes part of a dance between inner imagining and outer form, between creation and expression. This expression indicates a connection the young person has with his inner world, thoughts, dreams and emotions. Art is a response which moves the young person from one place to another, and which connects feelings, thoughts, materials and insights. Arts leap into being when these different worlds merge.

Another special function of art in regard to the internal world is that it can also engage the unconscious. Art thus allows the patient to express the unknown from the unconscious depths of one’s being and allow the unknown to become knowledge in the light of consciousness. This in it self is a very helpful therapeutic tool.

In the Aurora Youth Centre’s art programme different themes are used to address different areas of the young person’s lives.  Doing a self portrait or portrait of my family and friends gives the therapist an indication of different relationships and the importance there of. Using different poems with the general theme of my favourite place, the youth painted their favourite place on earth which indicated belonging and security. The youth thoroughly enjoy doing graffiti. They use this art form to leave a message to the young persons who will still be attending the programme. The young persons are encouraged to use art as a way to express emotions. The use of different colours in this regard gives the therapist a good indication of emotions the young persons struggles to verbalise. Dealing with past traumatic events as well as planning for the future are themes often used with creating collages.

Music and dancing is used as a form of expressive art. A weekly drumming circle leads to the Aurora staff reaching for ear plugs but the youth use the opportunity to express emotions in a loud and fun way. Music is an important part of the young persons functioning and they enjoy dancing or singing, to different genre of music to express their specific emotions and feelings at any given time.

The youth are encouraged to journal daily. Thus using words, poetry and creative writing as another way to express feelings and emotions as well as give a true description of experiences. This is used in individual therapy to address specific problem areas, develop problem solving skills as well as emotional skills.

Now the question, why do art heal?

When the educational process is used therapeutically the young person is moved from a state of poor self knowledge, emotional distress and limited skills to a place of health and wellbeing. A state where the inner world of feelings, emotions, thoughts and experiences, meets an outer from of expression leading, to understanding and ultimately healing.

Reference: The Expressive Arts Activity Book. A resources for Professionals.

Suzanne Darley and Wende Heath