Taking ART to the heart

From finding your way through the traffic snarls in the city to making an important presentation, dealing with stress and reigning in anxiety is anything but easy. Yet, with creative art therapy which is slowly finding its place in the mind arena, it’s quite simple to find that Zen zone and arm yourself to relieve stress without getting your stomach twisted in knots. The fact that the city is being called the depression and suicide hub of the country, such therapies open up a unique way of addressing stress, anxiety and mental illness. Chandini Harlalka, a creative art therapist recently delved into mindfulness and the therapeutic effects of expressive arts at a workshop conducted at Christ College.

According to her, art therapy started gaining prominence in the past five years, and it got popular by word of mouth and as many as 15-20 people attend her art therapy sessions on a weekly basis.

“The workshop was conducted for students who were doing masters in human resource. It is very important that the youth are made aware that such expressive art therapies relieve stress. Especially to equip them for when they join companies and take up careers in HR. On any day, some opt for art therapy instead of traditional counselling sessions as they are much more fun, and those who are more comfortable expressing themselves through art find it easier to communicate too,’’ says Chandini.

Combining traditional psychotherapeutic theories and techniques with an understanding of the psychological aspects of the creative process, art therapies involve creating art to increase awareness of the self.

 “The therapist observes the child’s processes, behaviour, and impulses, and then encourages the child to talk about the experience,’’ Chandini explains.
Sudha Narayanan, founder and trustee of Charlies Animal Rescue Centre, says that animal assisted therapy is also an evolving treatment method availed by many.

“It is an alternate form of healing where pets are used to help people heal. The dog should be above two-years-old, sterilised and vaccinated,’’ explains Sudha who has been working with autistic kids for the past 12 years.

Another art therapist Disha Dutt feels that identifying symbols and patterns in artwork is a major factor to help people express themselves.

“It is helpful as often such minute feelings might not be expressed in words and are better communicated through art,” she says. Gagan Somaiah KJ, a professional dance therapist also speaks about the therapeutic effects of dance therapy and how more people are showing more interest in it. “You do not have to be a dancer to attend a dance movement therapy session as it is not a dance class where you need to learn the technicalities of a dance form. Many come for dance therapy as it acts as a stress buster,’’ he says.