Sam Davis, an art psychotherapist, explains how art therapy can be cathartic by turning pain into creativity.
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Art therapy involves using different art materials to help people express and explore their thoughts and feelings, all with the guidance of a qualified and trained art therapist.
This form of therapy provides a safe, supportive space to work through various issues, often making it easier for clients to relate to their therapist through the art they create. For many, this process can bring long-buried feelings to the surface, helping them acknowledge and deal with difficult emotions.
Understanding art therapy
Art therapy is led by qualified art therapists who use various creative art mediums like painting, drawing, sculpture, and collage. The goal isn’t to create beautiful art but to engage in a process that promotes self-expression, self-discovery, and healing.
Art therapists work individually or in groups to help people explore their feelings, resolve emotional conflicts, and reduce anxiety in a supportive environment. No prior art experience is needed, and there’s no judgment of the artwork’s outcome.
The role of art therapy in cancer care
Your personal journey with cancer can be incredibly traumatic, bringing about overwhelming emotions like anxiety, fear, anger, sadness, hopelessness, and uncertainty. Art therapy can play a significant role in helping you manage these emotions during your journey in various ways.
Expression of emotions
Creativity provides an alternative language for expressing feelings that might be hard to verbalise. The artwork becomes a tangible object that you (the patient) and the therapist can discuss and explore, making emotions more manageable. Creating art can help you externalise your inner turmoil, providing a helpful outlet to deal with your feelings.
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Engaging in creative activities can be meditative and calming, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Being absorbed in a creative activity allows you to escape the anxiety of your illness for a moment.
The physical act of making art can also lead to a release of pain and difficult emotions. Research shows that creating art lowers the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in a calming effect.
Enhanced self-awareness and insight
After creating art, you and the art therapist will reflect on your artwork to explore deeper meanings. Unconscious thoughts, feelings and symbols can surface, leading to a better understanding of yourself, your emotions and beliefs. This process helps you with emotional regulation and coping strategies.
Empowerment and control
Cancer treatment can sometimes make you feel powerless. Art therapy empowers you by allowing you to take control of your creative process — from choosing materials to making decisions, etc. This creates a sense of agency that can be incredibly therapeutic, helping you feel more in control of your life
Communication and connection
Art therapy enhances communication between you and your loved ones. Sharing and reflecting on artwork with a therapist opens up conversations about difficult feelings and putting words into the unknown and overwhelming experiences, helping you discuss what might otherwise be suppressed. This can strengthen support systems and improve relationships.
Case studies and evidence
Research supports the effectiveness of art therapy in oncology settings. Studies have shown that cancer patients who participate in art therapy report lower levels of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, along with improved quality of life and better pain management.
For example, a study in The Journal of Pain and Symptom Management found that art therapy significantly reduced distress and improved emotional well-being in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Art therapy offers a unique and powerful means of support for cancer patients, addressing the emotional and psychological challenges they face. By providing a safe space for creative expression, it helps patients process their experiences, reduce stress, and enhance their sense of control and self-awareness.
As part of a holistic approach to cancer care, art therapy can significantly improve the emotional and psychological well-being of patients, ultimately enhancing their overall quality of life. Creating an open and supportive environment where patients feel comfortable processing and discussing their cancer is crucial for their emotional well-being and overall health.
MEET THE EXPERT – Sam Davis
Sam Davis is an HPCSA registered art psychotherapist who trained at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. For over 24 years, Sam has run a private practice in SA, working with adults and children in individual and group settings. She also runs various groups and workshops for personal and professional development and teaches and supervises art therapy trainees.
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