The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle Newspaper had an interesting article in the 19 Feb 2007 issue about reducing stress through creativity. This article spoke specifically about how the local Youth Alternative office had developed an art program to help troubled youth get in touch with their feelings and release stress through creative endeavors.

The teenagers were skeptical that an art therapy program would help. But after three months of weekly sessions, the twelve participants displayed their work during an art reception. Looking at their work, they all agreed that they were glad they joined the program. One teen stated they felt calm when their hands were occupied and their mind was busy. Another mentioned she found it a way to get out some anger. Local artist and teacher Ben Valdez said that the teens reactions didn't surprise him. As an art teacher in the local school district for 35 years, he's seen the benefits of art therapy many times over. He said that it reduces stress and gives people a nonverbal outlet for their emotions.

Participants are primarily from an adolescent substance abuse treatment group and found that art gave them a new way to express themselves. Some created a cast of their hands or face, incorporating the mold into a painting. They also drew personal emblems, and other works of art. One participant chose her favorite color blue for the painting and the copies of her hands were clasped into fists. She found expressing her anger through art much more satisfying than other, more destructive, ways she had used in the past.

Another aspiring artist stated that while he liked to draw, he never thought he was talented enough to put something in an art show. But during the weekly sessions, he learned more than anger management; he also was taught how to shade colors. Mentioning that the next time he is feeling down, he is more likely to pick up a pencil and start drawing.

A therapist with the Youth Alternatives office said that the greatest thing about art therapy to her, was watching the kids' self-confidence grow, especially in those that came to realize they had a talent they weren't aware of. The friendships she saw formed provided her with further incentive to keep the program alive and running.

The article mentions how it is obvious that for some people it's hard to express their emotions verbally, especially with adolescents. It's such a difficult challenging time. Art is a way for these youths to communicate in a safe, creative way. While it seems too easy to be true, even the simple act of splashing paint on a canvas can release frustration. A person who is sad doesn't necessarily have to put that feeling into words; they can instead, paint a self-portrait, an object, or shapes and forms to express them self.

It isn't unusual for people who come into these types of classes, to have a lot of skepticism. But according to this news article, it didn't take long before students were asking questions about art mediums and paint types. Soon after that, they'd actually laugh during class. One young lady said that going to the classes was a chore at first, but in time, she found herself looking forward to it every week. This article mentioned that after the participants realized there wasn't a failure factor, they opened up and discovered a new way of utilizing their talents.

One young man ventured into writing and included a poem in his art piece. He was thrilled to be displaying his art for the first time and stated that, "Art is probably the best form of expression. It doesn't even matter if it's good; it's just a way to express." A fifteen year old said she learned more about herself and created something she never knew she could. She added that she will definitely keep working on her sculptures.

It is apparent that thisthese young adults gained confidence and were actually proud to show off their artwork. At the art show the kids wanted to have their picture taken in front of their art pieces. They wanted to show their family and friends. There were a lot of smiles and bragschatter about how hard they had worked and what they accomplished.

The participants said they would use these art lessons as a way to cope with stress or sadness and now troubled kids in the area are asking to be put in the program as a part of their probationary sentences. Some of the former students are returning to ask artful questions and gather more supplies. So it's apparent they truly are using art in continuing to cope with life struggles. For some of these teens, art will probably become a lifelong activity.

One counselor said, "I compared them to a flower in bloom. When a flower starts coming out, it's in a bud. It doesn't see any light. It doesn't give out any beauty. But once it starts opening up, soon they're beautiful."

Although this article spoke primarily about how Art Therapy is providing helpful stress management in a program designed for troubled youth, I have experienced this same stress relief when wrapped up in creating art too. The benefits of personal creativity isn't limited by age, gender, nationality, political or religious views. It's good for all of us! Unfortunately I'm a person with an illness that causes chronic pain. So I use art as a method for pain relief as well.... but that's another article in itself.

Hope you enjoyed this share. Please share your thoughts on Art Therapy too. I'd love to hear your opinion!