What is Music and Art Therapy?

Music and art therapy both fall under the umbrella term ‘Expressive Arts Therapies’ – which includes music, art, drama, creative writing/poetry, and dance and movement. Humans have used these arts to express themselves and heal for many thousands of years. Still, it is only since the 1940s that expressive arts have been formally recognised as therapeutic tools, playing an important role in the assessment and treatment of many mental health conditions. Over the years, research has continued to show that through the process of creative expression – used alongside psychotherapy and medication – psychological disorders can be assessed and treated, improving mental health and emotional wellness.

When people are experiencing intense, complex or confusing emotions, the use of creative therapies can help them to manage and communicate their feelings in ways that language cannot always accomplish. They can help to address traumatic or uncomfortable situations without the use of words, which can, in turn, help to nurture personal growth and healing transformation. It is not necessary to be good at music or art or to have any musical or artistic background in order to enjoy the benefits that these expressive therapies can provide.

Music

Everyone can connect and respond to music, and music therapy uses this connection to facilitate positive changes in emotional wellbeing and to enhance communication between an individual and their therapist. Music therapy can help: improve mood, strengthen coping skills, encourage emotional expression, relieve stress and symptoms of anxiety, facilitate and develop social and communication skills, improve self-confidence and independence, enhance self-awareness and awareness of others, improve concentration and attention skills, and recall and process traumatic experiences. Ongoing research in music therapy indicates that it can be beneficial, when used alongside other treatments, to help with conditions as widespread as behavioural disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, brain injury and neurological disorders, and substance use disorders.

Art

Art therapy isn’t simply about creating art. Unlike art classes, where the focus is on learning specific techniques and creating particular pieces of finished work, art therapy focuses on the inner experience, expressing the inner world and focusing on feelings, thoughts, perceptions and whatever comes up during the creative process. It uses a variety of methods, such as drawing, painting, sculpture and collage as a means of self-expression. The process of working with materials such as paint, oil pastels, clay and fabrics – and creating a final product – has been shown to have healing properties that help people: explore and share their emotions strengthen their sense of self manage stress, work through their problems, learn better-coping skills, uncover different aspects of their personalities, and boost self-esteem.

Listening Videos

Here videos you can use to listen to
Use them to take a moment to de-stress!

Printable Coloring Pages

Click below for great coloring page resources
This is a simple, easy way of art!