Art Dai is a type of psychotherapy that uses art and artistic means to help people explore their thoughts and emotions in a unique way.
The idea behind this type of therapy is to use art as the primary means of communication, something that can be useful for those who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings.
By being practical and using physical objects, such as brushes and paper, it often helps people feel more connected to the world around them.
In addition to helping people with mental health problems, Art Therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of people, including young children, the elderly, and others. No experience or skill in art is required, as your work will not be criticized, it is more about the emotions expressed and felt throughout the process.
What is Art Dai ?
Unlike many other psychological therapies, Art Dai works as a three-way process between the client, the therapist and the art itself. By offering an opportunity for creativity and expression, this type of therapy helps to communicate emotions that would otherwise be difficult to verbalize.
In Art Dai sessions we work individually or in a group, depending on the needs of the participants. Therapy can take place in a variety of settings, including private practices, community centers, prisons, schools, and hospitals. Sessions usually last about 1-1.5 hours and should be conducted on a regular basis, for example once a week or once every two weeks.
As part of your therapy, the art therapist may ask you to show your work at an exhibition. This can be helpful, as it often helps you to accept your own emotions and feel more accepted by others.
This is because your experiences are presented here in a way that is easier for others to understand. If you don’t want to display your art, you may find the simple act of framing it useful. Many people say that they feel as if the frame acts as a barrier, keeping emotions within the image of safety.
Who can benefit from Art Dai?
The versatility of Art Dai makes it accessible to a wide range of different people. It can be particularly beneficial for those who have tried other forms of therapy and have found it difficult to express themselves through speech.
Art Dai tends to look at problems in a different way and can help participants take advantage of emotions that have previously been buried or ignored. Many people also say that with Art Dai they feel a greater sense of control and choice when compared to other talk therapies.
It is believed that the following groups of people may especially benefit from Art Dai:
- People with mental health problems: Art Therapy is recommended as a treatment for schizophrenia and related diseases.
- People with learning disabilities: Art therapy can be useful for those who may not be able to verbalize what they feel clearly.
- Those on the autism spectrum: Art Therapy can help improve communication skills and offers an easy way for participants to express themselves.
- Those in the justice system: Art therapists often work in prisons to help offenders deal with their feelings in a healthy way.
- People with dementia: Harnessing the creative part of the brain helps lower stress levels and restore a sense of personal identity.
- People with a chronic or terminal illness: This type of therapy can help patients regain a sense of control, freedom and self-expression.
- Those who find it difficult to talk about their feelings or feel detached from their emotions
Being creative in this type of safe and therapeutic environment can be revitalizing and usually elevates mood. The sense of freedom and lack of judgment felt within art therapy can be cathartic and unique compared to other more traditional forms of psychotherapy.