3 Long-Term Healing Effects of Art Therapy
Rehab therapies are innovative treatments designed to manage conditions and improve recovery. Though it doesn’t focus on exercise or rebuilding lost skills, art therapy has several surprising healing effects. It stimulates your mind, improves cognition and confidence, and even offers some physical benefits.
The recreation and fun activities included in art therapy vary, so you can choose whatever suits your interests. The program is designed to reduce stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. It’s also beneficial for those with neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s, dementia, or schizophrenia. For more information on the long-term effects of art therapy, keep reading.
Healing Effects of Art
According to experts, art therapy benefits everyone, especially those dealing with trauma, medical or developmental conditions, or grief. The treatment allows you to express your feelings in creative ways while distracting you from troubling thoughts. The activities used include drawing, painting, sculpting, journaling, photography, music, or other creative outlets. The following sections discuss how you can benefit from the treatment.
Mental and cognitive improvement
Common mental disorders include depression, anxiety, dissociative disorder, sleep disorder, panic disorder, and several other conditions. The symptoms may vary, though these issues often alter mood, behaviour, and cognition.
According to experts, the healing effects of art therapy slow the progression of these conditions. For instance, creative exercises calm the mind and reduce stress. During your session, anxiety, depression, and other emotional responses decrease. Focusing on chosen activities distracts you from negative thoughts, further reducing stress.
Art therapy also incorporates skills that improve cognition, such as drawing, writing, singing, and playing instruments. Following instructions stimulates the mind and boosts memory functions. Creative activities often require problem-solving, which improves these skills.
Boosting confidence & self-discovery
Another healing effect of art therapy is increased confidence, according to a recent study. The participants engaged in various forms of art, including using markers or clay, for 45 minutes. A therapist talked with or offered assistance when asked, but otherwise left them alone.
Afterwards, the participants received questionnaires and 73% reported an increase in confidence. Experts believe that these results were due to a lack of pressure and judgment during their session.
Self-discovery and personal growth have also been noted during and after art therapy. Visual art allows you to express your deepest thoughts and feelings rather than discussing them verbally. The work is often autobiographical, including symbolism that conveys beliefs, motivation, or complex feelings you aren’t even aware of.
Physical health improvement
Though art therapy focuses on mental health benefits, it may offer physical healing effects as well. When engaged in a chosen art form, participants relax while focusing on their piece.
The creative outlet distracts them from pain, which then alters mood and anxiety levels. Creating pieces that represent your pain also allows you to discuss your condition and come to terms with it.
Recent studies also show that creative art therapy may also reduce blood pressure and heart rate. During sessions, your body and mind relax, and stress levels drop, which could contribute to these results.
Resources:
- Psychology, June 12, 2025, What is Art Therapy?
https://www.psychology.org/resources/what-is-art-therapy/ - RMCAD, May 24, 2024, Brushing Away Stress
https://www.rmcad.edu/blog/brushing-away-stress-21-art-therapy-activities-for-self-expression-and-healing/ - PMC, Aug. 15, 2022, Role of Art Therapy in the Promotion of Mental Health
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9472646/ - Drexel University, Sept. 16, 2016, Study: Just 45 Minutes of Art-Making Improves Self-Confidence
https://newsblog.drexel.edu/2016/09/16/study-just-45-minutes-of-art-making-improves-self-confidence/ - East End Arts, March 7, 2025, Canvas for Change: How Art Fosters Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
https://eastendarts.org/how-art-fosters-personal-growth/ - Harvard Health Publishing, July 12, 2018, Art therapy: Another way to help manage pain
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/art-therapy-another-way-to-help-manage-pain-2018071214243 - PsycNet, 2024, the effect of creative visual art therapy on blood pressure and heart rate
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-01240-001
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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