3 Big Ways Art Therapy Helps Your Brain

Art therapy is a powerful tool that goes far beyond mere artistic expression. By engaging the creative process, it can actually soothe and support your brain in profound ways. This isn’t just about creating masterpieces; it’s about harnessing the power of art to unlock a surprising wellspring of cognitive and emotional benefits. Let’s delve into three key ways art therapy can nurture your brain:

Art therapy activates your brain’s reward center

Art therapy isn’t just about creating something beautiful; it’s about harnessing the creative process to directly benefit your brain. The act of making art activates the reward center, triggering the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of accomplishment and motivation. Simultaneously, blood flow increases in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for regulating emotions, thoughts, and goal-setting. This one-two punch can leave you feeling not only satisfied with your creation, but also more connected to your sense of purpose and able to make meaning out of your circumstances.

Getting into the creative flow increases your focus.

Art therapy can induce a mindful state similar to meditation. By increasing theta brain waves, the process allows you to become more present in the moment and less aware of distractions. Our daily lives are often dominated by beta waves, associated with focused thinking and decision-making. In contrast, theta waves promote creativity and a sense of inner peace. This shift in brainwave activity can explain the calming effect many experience while creating art.

Art therapy goes beyond relaxation. It can also enhance your intuition. Unlike analytical thinking in the beta state, intuition allows for deeper self-discovery and emotional processing. By quieting the analytical mind, art therapy creates a space to access the “wise mind” and potentially begin healing from past experiences. The theta wave state is linked to the subconscious, making art therapy activities a powerful tool for gently exploring and processing emotional wounds.

Art therapy helps create new neural pathways.

Art therapy leverages the brain’s neuroplasticity, its ability to form new connections. Through repetitive, yet mindful activities like embroidery, art therapy promotes relaxation and reduces stress. This calmer state, with a less-activated amygdala (the fear center), allows the brain to create new neural pathways. With consistent practice, these pathways become stronger, making it easier to break free from unhealthy patterns and cultivate positive behaviors for better well-being.pen_spark

Integrative Counsel proudly offers virtual Art Therapy with Quinn. Quinn uses virtual art therapy to treat individuals with OCD and Anxiety, as well as those undergoing a major life transition or adjustment and are  experiencing grief. Click here to schedule your virtual art therapy session!

Starting with a creative written voice and a BA in English from ASU, Alli Cravener has become so much more than Integrative Counsel’s voice! Not only is she a writer who is passionate about connecting concepts and content, Alli is also currently a grad student working towards her Master’s in Counseling. She is also the editor-in-chief, office manager, AND intake specialist at Integrative Counsel. When you call us, you’ll talk to Alli! Alli’s interests include painting, history, learning about other people, and wearing the color pink. She likens herself to a “mouse in a palm tree”, and she loves it that way.