Does Art Therapy really work? What is the science behind this? Is there research behind this form of expression?

Art therapy helps people “tap into aspects of the self and the psyche that aren’t always accessible,” says Juliet King. King is Associate Professor of Art Therapy, George Washington University, Washington, DC; Adjunct Associate Professor, Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Neurology, Indianapolis.

As an Art Therapy facilitator, I am fascinated by Art therapy. I conduct workshops on the topic "Introduction to art therapy" with a wide range of populations.  I can see the transformation that the participants go through. So I am constantly searching for articles on Research and the Science behind Art therapy. I wanted to share a few interesting facts from the linked article: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1821297116 

So the question is what is the research behind art therapy? What is the science behind this form of expression and healing? In this article and a few other reading materials along with video presentations, I have summarised a few points which could help readers understand not only why art therapy works, but also how?

During traumatic experiences, the speech or language areas of the brain called the Broca’s region shuts down and these experiences are stored as images, sensations & emotions. 

Due to advances in research and with the help of neuro images, it has been found that art can access these shutdown areas of the brain and help in expressing horrifying experiences through drawing or painting with colours, lines and shapes. The drawings are scribbles, symbols, or metaphors. This further helps in giving words to these images

Art therapists use a wide range of art materials, such as clay, water colours, oil pastels to name a few to help in meeting various mental health challenges. Art making in art therapy sessions are about expressing our inner world and processing traumatic experiences with the help of various art supplies. 

This article (https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1821297116)  explains how a water colour activity gives insight into a participants way of thinking and behaving (Juliet King), and how a paper mache mask activity can give voice to fears and helps in exploring a complex range of emotions (Art therapist Melissa Walker of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD).

Few of the studies conducted are also listed in the reference article

• Study on stress & reduction in cortisol levels with art therapy intervention in participants

• Study on Asthma, anxiety levels & quality of life improvement with the help of art therapy sessions.

• Art making enhanced brain waves

• Creative acts such as colouring, doodling & drawing enhanced blood flow in the reward circuit in the brain.https://drexel.edu/news/experts/kaimal-girija

Reference : 

Juliet King: Art Therapy and Neuroscience: A Revitalized Synthesis

https://drexel.edu/news/experts/kaimal-girija

https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1821297116

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs9m8obl0AY