Therapeutic Art

Strengthening inherent forces of health.

Anthroposophic therapeutic arts depend upon the active involvement of the patient, thereby strengthening and supporting the inherent forces of health that have been displaced by illness or crisis. No special artistic skill is needed. The "experience of the process of creating art" is the key.

Methods of anthroposophic therapeutic art draw on the surrounding world that is filled with light, dark, colour, texture and form. Poetry, story and the riches of art history are also employed. Individually tailored exercises slowly develop creative capacities, enabling new ways of experiencing the world and a more imaginative approach to exploring life.

Subtle processes work on the feeling life to restore inner balance, which in turn affects the health of the physical body. Many patients discover significant reserves of health, renewed confidence and flexibility.

Therapeutic painting encompasses a number of specialised water colour and oil painting techniques while therapeutic drawing works with charcoal, pencils, coloured pastels and wax crayons. Therapeutic sculpture enables a more "physical" artistic experience by getting to grips with the material in question. Depending on the therapeutic aims, diagnosis, the patient's physical condition and the time available for therapy, clay, stone, wood, beeswax, plasticine or sand may be selected.

Therapeutic art is indicated in a broad spectrum of physical and psychological conditions and is also particularly helpful in life crises and the accompaniment of life threatening or terminal illnesses.