Art is one of the most ancient ways humans express their emotions and desires. Unfortunately, art programs are less and less common in school. Many adolescents no longer experience the joys of artistic expression in school. Luckily, art therapy is an increasingly popular tool for helping teens cope with stress, past trauma, and mood disorders. Studies show art therapy can help with substance abuse, disordered eating, and other addictions. The best part of an art therapy program is they believe everyone is an artist.
If you’re ready to explore art therapy for your son, call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery. Our holistic therapy programs for adolescent boys treat a range of addictions and co-occurring disorders in scenic North Carolina. Reach us today at 866.300.5275 to learn more about how art therapy can help your teen.
What Is an Art Therapy Program?
Art therapy is an expressive form of therapy. Trained and licensed art therapists work with people of all ages. Many art therapists studied art in school or are practicing artists with a deep appreciation and understanding of painting, drawing, and sculpting. Unlike art teachers, therapists guide clients through projects with no specific artistic outcome. There are no grades, critiques, or judgment of someone’s skill.
During a session, therapists provide clients with materials and artistic prompts to express their emotions and sensations through various mediums. In general, teens may find it more difficult to express their feelings and emotions verbally. Art-making allows for natural expression without the added pressure of the right words.
An art therapy program can help clients identify negative thought patterns and life narratives. Over time, art therapy allows them to rewrite these stories through self-expression. Especially beneficial to teens, art therapy can help clients manage stress and overwhelm through artistic expression. Other benefits of art therapy include:
- Manage addiction triggers
- Practice mindfulness and emotional regulation
- Process trauma and reduce stress
- Lessen anxiety and depression
- Improve self-esteem
- Cope with physical pain or long-term illness
- Become more resilient to change
These are only some of the wide-reaching benefits clients see when working with a certified art therapist.
The Importance of Self-Expression in Art Therapy
Many teens today feel the pressure of perfection. Peer pressure, social expectations, and family stress make many teens believe that they have little worth if they don’t meet others’ standards. This can lead to self-isolation, process addictions, and drug or alcohol use. It also allows many to avoid self-expression through creative means. Art therapy doesn’t just help teens cope, adjust, and heal. It also provides them the opportunity to express themselves in safe, non-judgmental spaces. Creative self-expression can lead to higher levels of self-esteem, better communication, strong boundaries, and a clear sense of values. Over time, this can help teens with self-expression outside of therapy.
Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery to Get Started Today
Whether your teen believes he is an artist or not, he can benefit from art therapy. Self-expression and creativity are critical throughout life and especially during the teenage years. At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we pair art therapy with other holistic and traditional therapies for complete healing. Our treatment programs include:
- Dual diagnosis for addiction
- Video game, internet, and social media addiction treatment
- Substance abuse treatment
- Alcohol abuse treatment
- Disordered eating treatment
- Depression treatment
- Anxiety treatment
Teenage boys at Foothills enjoy spending time outdoors and disconnect from their busy home lives. Clients reconnect to nature and themselves through our residential program.
Learn more about the benefits of art therapy for your teen today. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 to speak to a staff member about enrolling your child in treatment.
