Can Art Be Seen As Therapy?

Today I am challenging us all to think about this very important issue.

It may seem an unusual question and a novel idea, but in fact Art Therapy dates back to the 1940’s and is a form of psychotherapy using painting, music, literature and other mediums to express oneself and work through challenging problems. On picking up the Jones magazine published by David Jones I found a fascinating article on this very subject, which I have outlined below.

Museum and gallery visits are associated with reduced anxiety. Even reading, as any bookworm will know, might make you happier because of the way reading activates your mirror neurones - ie increased empathy is linked to a great sense of happiness.

However we are not as progressive as Canada. In the meantime we can continue to enjoy Anne’s daily blog – and know it’s a form of art therapy too.