The Benefits of Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy

Have you heard of mindfulness-based art therapy (MBAT)? This relatively new approach was introduced in 2009 and combines mindfulness training with an art therapy framework.

Components of MBAT

1. Mindfulness:

   • Focuses on awareness of emotions, physical sensations, and consciousness.
   • Increases self-awareness and capacity for reflection.

2. Art Therapy:

   • Two forms:
     • Art as therapy: Creating art to identify and release emotions.
     • Art psychotherapy: Therapist analyzes art to gain insight into emotions.

3. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):

   • Helps approach situations with acceptance and awareness.
   • Uses techniques like body scanning and meditation.

4. Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT):

   • Blends mindfulness concepts with art therapy.
   • Engages in creative processes mindfully to explore yourself.

Benefits of MBAT

Research has shown benefits of MBAT for psychological issues, particularly among those with combined physical illnesses:

1. Psychological Issues MBAT Can Help With:

   • Anxiety disorders
   • Eating disorders
   • Substance abuse (relapse prevention)
   • Depressive disorders
   • Stress-related issues
   • Anger-related issues

2. Specific Psychological Benefits of MBAT:

   • Improved psychological stability
   • Higher quality of life (QoL)
   • Brain patterns reflecting calmness and focus
   • Thicker gray matter areas in the brain
   • Development of neural pathways for art creation and focus
   • Reduced cognitive avoidance
   • Enhanced intuition and body awareness
   • Increased emotional awareness
   • Greater sense of control and ability to share inner thoughts
   • Awareness of hidden issues
   • Ability to communicate abstract feelings
   • Boosted self-esteem and self-acceptance
   • Improved attention span

3. Ease of Practice:

   • Easier than attending psychotherapy appointments.
   • Can be practiced alone at home through meditation and art-based forms of mindfulness.
   • Cost-efficient way to combat stress and manage psychological difficulties.

Examples of MBAT

1. Draw a Picture of Yourself:

   • Self-acceptance exercise.
   • Accept "flaws" in the picture.

2. Mindfully Study Art Materials:

   • Examine art with five senses.
   • Engage in sensory stimulation and observe responses to various art forms.

3. Use Art to Express Emotions:

   • Channel emotions and feelings into art.
   • Observe physical sensations while creating.
   • Express happy or stressful events through art.
   • Recognize unmet needs and hidden emotions.

4. Notice Pain Changes:

   • For individuals with chronic pain, notice how it changes while creating art.

5. Paint and Walk:

   • Paint the bottoms of feet and create art by walking on paper.

6. Create a Collage:

   • Express feelings and emotions through collage.

7. Before-and-After Art Pieces:

   • Compare feelings before and after creating art pieces to observe improvements.

MBAT With Children

• MBAT has been used to help children who experienced trauma or are hospitalized.
• Increases self-awareness, resilience, and self-compassion in children.
• Alternative MBAT forms include drama and musical therapy.

MBAT and Palliative Care

• MBAT can help patients nearing the end of life connect with spirituality and find meaning and peace.
• Improves emotional well-being and psychological strength during distress.

Conclusion

Mindfulness-based art therapy combines mindfulness and art to help manage psychological issues, especially for individuals with physical illnesses or end-of-life concerns. Practicing MBAT, whether through a psychotherapist or self-practice, can improve quality of life and overall psychological well-being.