Being able to create art and focus on something other than doctors, hospitals, or my son leaving for college, has been real therapy for me. I can see why art therapy has been beneficial to those with physical and emotional illnesses. The relationship between art and mental illness has been evolving since the late 1800's. It was and still is a tool to help patients release unconscious thoughts by allowing them to speak their feelings symbolically through their art. In 1969, the American Art Therapy was formed and education standards were set so that people could actually train to become art therapists. Art therapy has helped children and adults with eating disorders, sexual abuse, bereavement, addiction issues and etc.
Personally, my art has been my refuge. It's the one safe place I can go and create whatever I desire with no distractions. A great escape from the every day grind.
