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:
2. Focuses on awareness of emotions, physical sensations, and consciousness.

3. Increases self-awareness and capacity for reflection.

4. Art Therapy:

5. Two forms:

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

6. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):

7. Helps approach situations with acceptance and awareness.

8. Uses techniques like body scanning and meditation.

9. Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy (MBAT):

10. Blends mindfulness concepts with art therapy.
11. 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:
2. Anxiety disorders
3. Eating disorders
4. Substance abuse (relapse prevention)
5. Depressive disorders
6. Stress-related issues

7. Anger-related issues

8. Specific Psychological Benefits of MBAT:

9. Improved psychological stability
10. Higher quality of life (QoL)
11. Brain patterns reflecting calmness and focus
12. Thicker gray matter areas in the brain
13. Development of neural pathways for art creation and focus
14. Reduced cognitive avoidance
15. Enhanced intuition and body awareness
16. Increased emotional awareness
17. Greater sense of control and ability to share inner thoughts
18. Awareness of hidden issues
19. Ability to communicate abstract feelings
20. Boosted self-esteem and self-acceptance

21. Improved attention span

22. Ease of Practice:

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

Examples of MBAT

1. Draw a Picture of Yourself:
2. Self-acceptance exercise.

3. Accept "flaws" in the picture.

4. Mindfully Study Art Materials:

5. Examine art with five senses.

6. Engage in sensory stimulation and observe responses to various art forms.

7. Use Art to Express Emotions:

8. Channel emotions and feelings into art.
9. Observe physical sensations while creating.
10. Express happy or stressful events through art.

11. Recognize unmet needs and hidden emotions.

12. Notice Pain Changes:

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

14. Paint and Walk:

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

16. Create a Collage:

17. Express feelings and emotions through collage.

18. Before-and-After Art Pieces:

19. 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.