Monday 7 May 2018

Jo Ann Danchik And The Use Of Art Techniques As Emotional Therapy

By Dorothy Hughes


Art is truly an expression of self and truth. Well, that is something that many artists attest to be true, one such form of expression that has gained popularity is the art form of watercolour painting therapy. Yes, according to Jo Ann Danchik, art as a form of expression can be used as a therapy tool for most children and adults. Art is a non-invasive way of posing questions and getting the answers, you need without the individually affected feeling vulnerable or manipulated.

This art form of therapy is especially used in children and adults who have encountered some kind of traumatic event or life-altering moment. Painting and drawing are used to help the individual to express suppressed emotions and feelings related to the event without necessarily having to verbalize the details. This is a fantastic way of creating a safe place for the person to share their trauma.

As technology seems to be dividing people socially the need for feeling heard and understood has risen dramatically. This has, in turn, led to the creation of a number of art forms to try and convey the message. According to the journal of psychology, it is human nature to want to tell stories, to want to share parts of ourselves with others and make connections through various channels whichever format those expressions may take.

Colour has been shown to have a specific positive effect on the brain. With certain colors accessing certain parts of the brain and releasing certain chemicals. Bright colors such as pink and yellow signal joy and life, while colors such as red may signal danger or blood. Darker colors such as black or navy blue are symbols of more ambient and gloomier scenes.

This is where painting as a therapy form really shines through. It allows the individual a pressure less environment to heal from the trauma they have endured while giving them the tools to also process what has happened to them. Most therapists fear that individuals who have had traumatic events happen to them struggle to process the occurrence.

Now, back to the use of water painting as an expression of emotion. The ancient art of painting dates back centuries ago, with the Mayans and their ancient paintings and the Egyptians and their hieroglyphics paintings as an expression have been going on forever. The uses of color paint are specifically therapeutic in that is uses color as a method of expression.

The basis for the disagreement stems from the fact that when trauma occurs people react to it in differing ways. While some people tend to want to spill their guts and share all the for details some people prefer to bottle it in. Which within itself is not a healthy alternative. The presentation of art therapy means that those individuals who feel less inclined to discuss their traumas have a fun, less invasive outlet of getting their feeling out.

Feeling trapped after a trauma is quite a common occurrence in trauma victims. These feelings stem from a place of fear, and of refusing to feel emotions and be vulnerable. Art as a therapy form is a wonderful way to reopen communication channels.




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