Can art really heal? According to art therapy providers: yes! At the very least, creating art can help reduce stress.
There are moments in life when we struggle for words. Or when we feel that something's bothering us, but we can't put our finger on it. For example, when we are grieving, hurt, feeling overwhelmed and stressed. One way to express these feelings is through art therapy.
Art therapy is a psychodynamic form of therapy. It involves the symbolic representation of psychological content, such as feelings. By expressing these, they can then be overcome. Art therapy is not limited to one specific artistic direction. Painting, music, dance and sculpture can all be used. However, in a clinical context artistic activities are usually used. They are often used to supplement medical treatment and speech therapy in acute crisis situations.
“Wenn meine Lebensenergie blockiert ist, dient Kunst als mein Ausweg”, sagt Petra Krassnitzer. Sie ist zertifizierte ganzheitliche Kunsttherapeutin. “Ich kann das, was in mir verkrampft ist, mit den Mitteln der Kunst ausstoßen, abmildern und auflösen. Stress und Frustration leben sich aus. Wenn meine Lebendigkeit blockiert ist, dann war es zu viel. Ich verdaue im künstlerischen Prozess zu viel von etwas. Ich entdecke meine original liveliness. Meinen ursprünglichen Rhythmus. Meine ursprüngliche Kraft, Vitalität, Sexualität und Kreativität. Ich werde spielerischer.”
Art therapy is not about the end product. Rather, it's about the path to find it. Because during the creative process you go through feelings and deal intensively with yourself and healing takes place. Stress finds a form of expression, just like long-buried memories. Even the earliest childhood memories are worked through in art therapy. Basically, the creative process is a bridge between the subconscious and the conscious mind. Art makes visible what we don't have the words for.
Art therapy can now be booked in many places. Or you can simply sit down on your own and start painting, you can make pottery and express yourself. However, art retreats promise a particularly intense experience. They offer a protected setting and professional guidance. Such as the art retreats at the Almanac Palais Vienna. They take place in the hotel's atmospheric Heritage Rooms with 10 to 15 participants.
Die erste Session trägt den Titel “Self Worth” und findet am February 11, 2024 takes place. The course includes a 20-minute break with healthy tea and snacks from the hotel kitchen. All art materials are provided by the hotel. The courses are led by the holistic certified art therapist Petra Krassnitzer. Nach der Auftaktveranstaltung findet dann einmal monatlich am Sonntag ein Art Retreat statt. Die Mottos wechseln dabei: So geht es im März um “Abundance” und im April um “Financial Freedom”. Die Anmeldung erfolgt online.
Almanac Palais Vienna
Parkring 14/16, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +43 1 2660108
Web: almanachotels.com
