Art therapy

Art therapy is a transformative addiction recovery approach. It plays a vital role in allowing those in recovery to express their emotions, find solace during challenging moments and explore alternative coping mechanisms to prevent relapse. Integrating art therapy into your rehab programme can greatly enhance your chances of recovery and reduce the risk of relapse.

The essence of art therapy

At its core, art therapy is grounded in the belief that engaging in artistic expression enables you to explore, understand and regulate the behaviours and emotions that are linked to substance use and addiction. Art therapy allows you to convey thoughts and feelings that might otherwise be challenging to articulate verbally. Through art therapy, you can:

• Embracing healthy coping mechanisms: Art therapy provides a safe space to process negative emotions in a constructive manner, fostering emotional resilience and well-being.
• Gain important insights through self-reflection: By engaging in artistic expression, you can gain new insights into yourself, your experiences and the underlying causes of your addiction, leading to self-discovery and personal growth.
• Develop adaptive strategies: Art therapy offers a platform for exploring and developing new ways of coping with difficult situations, equipping you with effective tools to navigate challenges during your recovery journey.
• Improve overall well-being: Engaging in art therapy promotes physical and mental relaxation, creating a sense of calmness and fostering a deeper connection with yourself.

Artistic skill is not a prerequisite for engaging in art therapy exercises. The focus lies not on the technical quality of the artwork but on the process. In fact, art therapy is particularly beneficial for people new to art, as it removes concerns about artistic prowess and allows for authentic self-expression.

The benefits of art therapy in addiction treatment

Art therapy has been proven to be a versatile and impactful treatment modality throughout different phases of addiction recovery, including detox, rehabilitation and ongoing aftercare. Its efficacy lies in its ability to address the unique causes and triggers underlying each individual’s addiction. By incorporating art therapy into the recovery process, you can experience various benefits, such as:

• Enhanced mental and emotional health: Art therapy provides a creative outlet for understanding and coping with addiction, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being.
• Stress reduction: Engaging in artistic expression can significantly reduce stress levels, enabling you to recharge and cultivate a deeper connection with your sobriety. Stress is one of the biggest causes of both dependency and relapse, so by reducing stress, you can also greatly reduce the risk of relapse.
• Complementing traditional therapies: Art therapy complements other addiction therapies at Oasis Runcorn, amplifying their effectiveness. It works alongside approaches such as the 12-step programme and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to provide a comprehensive and holistic recovery experience.

Art therapy exercises for addiction recovery

The art therapy exercises utilised in rehab treatment vary based on individual needs and therapeutic goals. Some examples of art therapy exercises we use at Oasis Runcorn include:

Gestalt Method…

The Gestalt Method allows for the identification and expression of emotions and experiences through art. The artwork becomes a springboard for deeper conversations, enabling you to reflect on your creations and unravel personal meanings.

Active Imagination Method…

This approach encourages you to allow your mind to wander where it will, using art mediums as a catalyst. This paves the way for meaningful discussions surrounding the artwork’s symbolism and its connection to addiction.

Third-Hand Method…

The Third-Hand Method involves the therapist actively assisting you in creating meaningful artwork. This technique is particularly valuable if you don’t know where to start or have trouble expressing complex emotions as it provides a supportive environment for artistic exploration.

How art therapy complements traditional addiction therapies

At Oasis Runcorn, art therapy is an integral part of our comprehensive addiction recovery programmes. It complements other evidence-based therapies, enriching the recovery process:

Art therapy and the 12-step programme…

The 12-step programme forms a cornerstone of our addiction treatment, and art therapy serves as a supportive companion throughout this journey. Artistic expression allows you to channel the intense emotions and experiences during the 12-step initiative into your artwork, allowing for a deeper exploration of your addiction and personal growth.

Art therapy and DBT…

Dialectical behavioural therapy, also known as DBT, takes from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and focuses on emotion control, learning to cope with stress and improving your role in relationships. By allowing your therapist to guide you through art, it can become an invaluable means to explore and manage emotions, reinforcing the skills learned in DBT.

Begin healing through art today

At Oasis Runcorn, our experienced art therapists recognise the profound impact of creativity in unlocking emotions, understanding addiction and empowering positive transformations. If you are interested in learning more about our art therapy programme, contact us today. Our dedicated team is here to support you on your personal journey of recovery and healing.

Frequently asked questions