Feature

Some of the artworks in the “Gallery of Hope” exhibit.

Distinguished guests open the “Gallery of Hope” exhibit held at the Benito Cu-Uy-Gam Hall of Kaisa-Angelo King Heritage Center in Intramuros, Manila March 17-31. On its second year, “Gallery of Hope” is an art exhibition of works by participants of the Hope, Wellness Therapeutic Community.

The author (center) with officers of Kaisa Para Sa Kaunlaran, Inc.

Mental therapy through arts
By Dr. Tan Cho Chiong

Stress is part of today’s competitive lifestyle. It causes strain, leading to imbalances in people’s emotional and physical health.
Emotional stresses show up psychologically and physically. Physically, one may have headache, stomach discomfort, indigestion, difficulty of breathing, itchiness, inability to sleep well, neck and back pains, and so forth. Emotionally, one may feel anxious, unhappy and depressed. There will be uneasiness, a feeling of uncertainty, meaninglessness and loss of confidence.
In severe cases, some people even consider suicide or cause physical harm to themselves or others.
Coping with emotional stresses can be promoted through:
Psychotherapy to tackle the emotional problem;
Behavior therapy involves a change of lifestyle and gets rid of unhealthy behavior;
Physical exercise to relieve psychological tension;
Occupational therapy to develop a sense of achievement, focus on constructive activities;
Art therapy, a form of expressive therapy and a frequently neglected form of treatment, uses the creative process to improve a person’s physical, mental, emotional well-being and spirituality.
The creative process involved in expressing one’s self artistically can help people resolve
emotional issues, manage their behavior and feelings, reduce stress and improve self-esteem and awareness.
Art therapy can achieve different things for different people. It can be used by therapists for counseling, healing, treatment, rehabilitation and psychotherapy.
In the broader sense, art therapy can be used to explore one’s inner-self to provide a deeper understanding of oneself.
It is based on the idea that the creative act can be healing. It helps people express hidden emotions; reduces stress, fear and anxiety; and provides a sense of freedom.
The act of creation enhances normal brain wave patterns and stimulates the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by the brain. It protects the brain cell and improves memory function. It enhances brain activities, improves memory and comprehensive ability. It is a preventive measure against dementia.
Art therapy has been used with bone marrow transplant patients, people with eating disorders, emotionally impaired young people, disabled people, the chronically ill, chemically addicted individuals, sexually-abused adolescents, caregivers of cancer patients and others.
It may also be used to engage and distract patients whose illnesses or treatments cause pain.
Works of art can be a diagnostic tool, particularly with children, who often have trouble talking about painful events or emotions. Children can express difficult emotions or relay information about traumatic times in their lives more easily through drawings than conventional therapy.
Art therapy may be useful as a complementary therapy to help cancer patients deal with their emotions. Although uncomfortable feelings may be stirred up at times, this is considered part of the healing process. Scientific studies tell us that art heals by changing a person’s physiology and attitude. The body’s physiology changes from stress to one of deep relaxation, from fear to creativity and inspiration.
Art and music put a person in a different brain wave pattern. These affect the autonomic nervous system, hormonal balance and brain neurotransmitters. These affect every cell in the body, creating a healing physiology that changes the immune system and blood flow to all the organs.
At the same time, they also change a person’s perception of the world – attitude, emotional state and pain perception – to create hope and positivity so people can better cope with difficulties.
Art therapy might be utilized in situations such as:
Children with learning disabilities or suffering from behavioral or social problems at school or home;
Adults experiencing severe stress;
People with mental health problems, suffering from brain injury, or who have experienced a traumatic event.
It helps people manage behavior, reduce stress, develop interpersonal skills, increase self-esteem, increase self-awareness.
An art therapist may use a variety of art methods including drawing, painting, sculpture and collage with clients ranging from young children to the elderly.
Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively.
Hospitals, private mental health offices, schools and community organizations are all possible settings where art therapy services may be available.
Art therapy session differs from the average art class.
“In most art therapy sessions, the focus is on  inner experience – feelings, perceptions and imagination. While art therapy may involve learning skills or art techniques, the emphasis is generally first on developing and expressing images that come from inside the person, rather than those he or she sees in the outside world,” says Cathy Malchiodi, author of The Art Therapy Sourcebook.
“And while some traditional art classes may ask you to paint or draw from your imagination, in art therapy, your inner world of images, feelings, thoughts, and ideas are always of primary importance to the experience.”
It recognizes no boundaries in age or gender. Participants in art therapy sessions can be male or female, ages 16 to 60, going to high school or college, and even teachers. They experience depression, anxiety, mood problem, emotional tension, and insomnia.
It is also used to supplement other forms of therapy to help these people realize the benefits that are both psychological and spiritual.
Participants in the recently concluded “Gallery of Hope” exhibit are planning future events with themes centering on nationalism, environmental care, children’s issues and healthy living.
After experiencing art therapy sessions, participants report they feel a range of positive results: elated, happy; enhanced confidence; a sense of accomplishment. Some say they look forward to the next exhibit.
“This (experience) is the first of its kind in my life,” and “Painting is wonderful and interesting,” most of them enthused.


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