Arts Based Therapy

Arts Based Therapy

Arts-Based Therapy (ABT) is defined as the clinical and evidence-based use of art forms (music, drama, visual arts) to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Rekha is a certified practitioner of of ABT, having completed the course with the The WCCLF (World Centre for Creative Learning Foundation), Pune, India.

ABT uses different media: painting, singing, drumming, dance, playing, storytelling and drama in creating a therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist. The client is encouraged to express him/herself through the medium best suited to the particular problem he/she is experiencing. He/ she is not 'learning' the art form, but just using it as a medium of expression.

ABT Sessions are designed keeping the needs of the client in mind, and the therapist may use one or more forms of art in a session. These sessions can be designed for individuals or groups. This form of therapy can be used for many diverse problems including the following:

Stress Anger Management Depression Mental illness Improving relationships Improving social skills & behaviour

Enhancing Creativity Improving memory & perception Pain Management Physical rehabilitation

Benefits observed:

1. Cortical Arousal:

ABT helps patients focus their attention on stimulii based in an external reality rather than on painful, anxiety-based or fantasized stimulii originating internally. The aesthetic stimulii helps in arousing the patient's awareness of other forms of reality and expression and also helps in shifting his/her focus away from the negative effects of internal reality.

2. Cognition:
This form of therapy can assist in-

Memory sequencing of information; short term and long term memory storage
Perceptual learning- identify and categorize objects and situations
Stimulus-response learning: acquisition of the ability to perform a particular behaviour in the presence of a specific stimulus
Motor Learning: changes in neural circuits controlling movement

3. In Biomedical or Psychosocial states:

Decreases the physiological effects of stress
Pain management- alter the perception of time towards a decreased perception of pain
Reduce anxiety

4. Emotional Responses:

Stimulates motivation, emotional cognition (identification of emotions of peers, family members etc)
Generates positive emotions and positive attitudes
Improves inter-personal relationships
Inhibits impulsive behaviour in persons with 'anti-social' personality disorder
Helps improve social skills and behaviour

5. In Physical rehabilitation:
ABT helps in-

Parkinson's, Strokes (with the help of rhythmic auditory stimulii)
Physical therapy (increasing muscle power), paediatric physiotherapy (facilitates motor development & movement opportunities for children whose physical activity is limited by medical conditions)
Respiratory rehabilitation (using voice and wind instruments)

6. Language and Speech:
Singing and melodic intonation can help in addressing speech defects. It has been proved through research in this field that songs also help enhance communication in autistic children.

7. Immune system:
Research has proved that ABT helps in altering immune responses through the use of imagery (storytelling, painting, soundscapes etc)

ABT can be used not only for healing but also in enhancing creative skills, discovering our needs, awakening our talents and maximising our inner resources. People in the corporate work space, children in schools, college going students, home-makers and care-givers, and even those in the healing field can benefit from this therapy.

Rekha creates modules based on the needs of each client/ client group. Each one is special, and could have more than one art form.

For more details, contact Rekha at : 91 22 22183393 mobile phone: +919820836289

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