The Healing Power of Art

November 12, 2009

By Julie Roberts

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-23942-LA-Alternative-Medicine-
Examiner~y2009m11d12-The-healing-power-of-art

"Art opens the closets, airs out the cellars and

attics. It brings healing." ~ Julia Cameron
from her book The Artist's Way.

Born from the mists of time the healing power

of art, music and creative expression have
always been practiced. Ancient tribal cultures
used dance, music, costume and storytelling
to invoke or release specific energies (spirit)
for healing. Whether these rituals were used
to purify the tribesman before the hunt or
invite the blessings of spirit, all tribal people essentially believed that there was a healing
energy or spirit that could be released from an individual by going into the sacred space of
music or art and fully participating in the experience.

In Native American traditions, the Navaho medicine men utilized the ancient art of
sandpainting for healing. In this practice, the sick or wounded individual lay on the ground
while the medicine man created images around them simultaneously communicating the
healing story of these images to the rest of the tribe. It is believed that the spoken word of the
story as well as the use of specific colors and shapes influenced spirit and the healing process of
the individual.

Despite its ancient roots, art as a form of therapy did not emerge as a distinct profession until
the 1940s. In psychology, it is believed that art has a way of bypassing our defenses that are
more prominent during verbal communication. The writings of Sigmund Freud reveal his
theory that art has the capacity to unearth the unconscious material of the mind. Allison
Glatstein, a registered Art Therapist in South Pasadena states, “Art therapy is an experience of
art wherein individuals are allowed space to make art in a therapeutic setting to either enhance
the talk therapy process or to allow the art creation process to be the therapy itself.”

Glatstein theorizes, “The art media (aka “art supplies”) serve as an intermediary between
therapist and client or a proxy for communication. In other words, through choosing, using and
sometimes avoiding certain art supplies, the client has a safe way of communication their needs
in a relationship. When carefully observed and witnessed by an attuned art therapist, this
process becomes a metaphor for the client’s
interactions with the world and others and
serves as a template to make changes within the
therapeutic relationship that can be internalized
and later generalized to the client’s
‘problematic’ interactions with family, friends,
colleagues, etc.” Glatstein currently offers one
on one art therapy sessions in her office in South
Pasadena.

Despite common misconceptions, art therapy is not just for artists. Individuals of all ages and
walks of life can enjoy its benefits. At a metaphysical level, the energy of creativity and the
creative process is believed to have links to Source energy. Creative inspiration can ‘birth’
many things and bring about transformation and change in an individual or even community if
harnessed properly. So whether one uses the energy of the creative process for self-reflection,
emotional release, personal healing or to inspire others, it is the power of one’s intention that
holds the key.

ART THERAPISTS/ART HEALING ORGANIZATIONS IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA:

http://www.allisonglatstein.com/
http://www.atcb.org/find_a_credentialed_art_therapist/
http://www.artheals.org/inspiration/organizations.php

HEALING WITH ART WORKSHOPS:

http://www.sanctuary-much.com/index.php/healing-workshops
http://www.artheals.org/inspiration/classes.php

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About the author: Julie Roberts is the LA Alternative Medicine Examiner and
one of Los Angeles’ leading Reiki Masters. She is also a Reverend of the
Universal Life Church, Certified Hypnotist and Intuitive. In addition to helping
those seeking healing with Reiki and Guided Hypnosis, Julie also teaches
students of Reiki through Master Degree and other workshops on the
Mysteries, Metaphysics and Intuitive Enhancement. For more information and
a schedule of classes & events, please go to www.sanctuary-much.com. You may email Julie
directly at julie@sanctuary-much.com.