ART THERAPY: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ART THERAPY AND SPIRITUAL HEALING

Authors

  • Rakshita Khurana Student, Psychology Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
  • Vidisha Wadhawan Research Scholar, Fine Arts Department, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v4.i1.2023.335

Keywords:

Art, Art Therapy, Spirituality, Healing, Spiritual Healing

Abstract [English]

Art therapy has been used to aid spiritual healing because it allows people to express and explore their deepest thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Spiritual healing is a holistic approach that includes reestablishing one's sense of connection to something greater than oneself, likely to result in emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of art therapy in facilitating spiritual healing in individuals. A comprehensive review of literature was conducted to identify the current state of knowledge on the topic. The review identified studies that explored the effectiveness of various types of art therapy in supporting spiritual healing.
According to the conclusions drawn from the literature review, art therapy can be an effective instrument in aiding spiritual healing through practices like meditation and mindfulness. Art therapy provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their spirituality, leading to a sense of connection to something greater than themselves. Further to that, the creative process of art-making can promote emotional release and catharsis, resulting in a sense of inner peace and healing. Overall, the results indicate that art therapy can be an efficient means of helping people heal spiritually. The integration of spiritual practices into the art therapy process can support individuals in their journey towards emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, leading to a greater sense of inner peace and connection to the world around them.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Rakshita Khurana, Student, Psychology Department, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India

 

 

Vidisha Wadhawan, Research Scholar, Fine Arts Department, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, India

 

 

References

Behan, C. (2020). The Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness Practices During Times of Crisis Such as COVID-19. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 37(4), 256–258. https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2020.38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/ipm.2020.38

Chanda, M. L., & Levitin, D. J. (2013). The Neurochemistry of Music. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 17(4), 179-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2013.02.007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2013.02.007

Emunah, R. (1994). Acting for Real : Drama Therapy Process, Technique, and Performance. Brunner/Mazel.

Gall, T. L., Malette, J. & Younger, M.G. (2011). Spirituality and Religiousness: A Diversity of Definitions. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 13(3), 158-181. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2011.593404. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2011.593404

Hu, J., Zhang, J., Hu, L., Yu, H., & Xu, J. (2021). Art Therapy : A Complementary Treatment for Mental Disorders. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.686005. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.686005

Malchiodi, C. A. (2008). Creative Interventions and Childhood Trauma. In : Malchiodi CA, editor. Creative Interventions with Traumatized Children. New York : Guilford Press, 3–21.

Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Handbook of Art Therapy (2nd ed.). The Guilford Press.

McNiff, S. (2004). Art Heals : How Creativity Cures the Soul. Shambhala, Boston.

Naifeh, S., & Smith, G. W. (2011). Van Gogh : The Life. Random House.

Nakamichi, Y., Samejima, M., Shouzhi G., Sugiura, T. (2006). Picture Therapy and the Evaluation of its Effect on Relaxation by Salivary Cortisol. Bulletin of Department of Nursing, Seirei Christopher College, (14), 169-176.

Niemiec, R. M., Russo-Netzer, P., & Pargament, K. I. (2020). The Decoding of the Human Spirit : A Synergy of Spirituality and Character Strengths Toward Wholeness. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02040. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.02040

Sharma, S. (2022, April 15). A Cross Cultural Examination of the Psychological Dynamics of Music and Religious Practice. (Doctoral Dissertation). Georgia State University.

Snyder, B. A. (2011). Expressive Art Therapy Techniques : Healing the Soul Through Creativity. The Journal of Humanistic Counseling. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2164-4683.1997.tb00375.x. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2164-4683.1997.tb00375.x

Steinhardt, L. (2000). Foundation and Form in Jungian Sandplay : An Art Therapy Approach. United Kingdom : Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Stiffler, L. (2021, June 24). What is a Mandala ?

Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health : A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.2105%2FAJPH.2008.156497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2008.156497

Svoboda, E. (2007, March 1). Dance Therapy : Spin Control (When the Body Swings, The Mind is Swayed. Therapy on the Dance Floor).

Todd Deutsch, T. (2013, December 2). The Art and Importance of Self-Awareness.

Van Lith, T. (2016). Art Therapy in Mental Health : A Systematic Review of Approaches and Practices. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 47, 9-22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2015.09.003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aip.2015.09.003

Downloads

Published

2023-05-30

How to Cite

Khurana, R., & Wadhawan, V. (2023). ART THERAPY: EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ART THERAPY AND SPIRITUAL HEALING. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 4(1), 495–501. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v4.i1.2023.335