Art Therapy Group Activities

Understanding group art therapy

Art and the healing process can go hand in hand. In fact, art therapy combines mental health and creative expression to promote healing and well-being. Art therapy is an integrative mental health profession that enriches lives through active art-making and applied psychological theory within a psychotherapeutic relationship (American Art Therapy Association, 2017). When delivered in a group setting, art therapy offers unique benefits through shared experiences and collective growth.

Group art therapy, guided by an art therapist, combines group therapy techniques with creative expression in a collective setting. The art-making process allows group members to communicate thoughts and feelings that might be difficult to express verbally. Participants also go through activities that help identify and process positive and negative emotions.

Goals of group art therapy

Group art therapy creates a unique environment where traditional therapy, creative expression, and group dynamics work together to support healing and growth. Combining art-making with group interaction provides multiple pathways for therapeutic progress. This form of therapy facilitated by art therapists involves the following goals:

• Enhanced self-awareness: Art therapy activities encourage introspection and self-discovery. Creating art and reflecting on their choices allows individuals to gain insight and better understand their thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
• Improved emotional expression: Expressive arts therapy provides a safe space for individuals to express emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally. Exploration of a preferred art form can serve as a cathartic outlet, allowing individuals to explore and manage their emotions healthily. Group sessions can offer additional support and validation through shared experiences and peer interaction.
• Development of coping mechanisms: Art therapy equips individuals with tools and strategies to manage challenging emotions and situations. Exploring various art activities helps clients discover healthy coping mechanisms that translate into their daily lives. Group discussions and observing others' coping strategies can further enrich this process.
• Social connection and support: Art therapy groups foster community and belonging. Sharing the creative process and experiences in a safe and supportive environment can combat feelings of isolation and build connections with others facing similar challenges.
• Promoting communication skills: Art therapy sessions often involve discussions and group interactions around the artwork created. This encourages nonverbal and verbal communication, allowing individuals to practice expressing themselves clearly and confidently. In a group setting, individuals can learn from each other's communication styles and build confidence and interpersonal skills.

10 Art Therapy Group Activities

Building upon the foundation of group art therapy and its goals, here are ten engaging art therapy ideas that practitioners in the mental health field can explore.

1. Mandala making

Mandalas and symmetrical circular designs can promote focus, relaxation, and self-exploration. Individuals can use the art journal and their choice of materials to express their inner world and explore themes of balance and wholeness. Group discussion can delve into the symbolism behind the colors and shapes used.

2. Emotional landscapes

Participants create landscapes that represent their emotional state. This art therapy activity can be a powerful tool for identifying and expressing emotions, with group discussion fostering understanding, self-acceptance, and validation.

3. Masquerade masks

Creating and decorating masks allows individuals to explore different identities and express hidden aspects of themselves. Sharing masks within the group can spark conversations about self-perception, self-esteem, and social interaction.

4. Collaborative mural

Working together on a large-scale mural promotes teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. The final artwork can represent a shared experience or theme, fostering a sense of connection within the group.

5. Storytelling through art

Participants create artwork based on a story prompt, self, image, or theme. Sharing their artwork and the stories behind them encourages creative expression and narrative communication within the group.

6. Non-dominant hand drawing

Drawing with their non-dominant hand can be a playful and disinhibiting experience, encouraging individuals to loosen control of as much space as possible and explore new art-making approaches. Group discussion can delve into the challenges and insights gained from this activity.

7. Texture exploration

Participants engage with various textures through art materials or found objects. This can be a stimulating sensory experience that promotes mindfulness and self-expression. Group discussion can explore how textures evoke emotions and memories.

8. Blind contour drawing

Partners take turns drawing each other's portraits while focusing solely on the outline and movement of the hand. This activity promotes trust, communication, and a different approach to observing and representing the world.

9. Sculpture with recycled materials

Creating sculptures using recycled materials encourages resourcefulness, creativity, and problem-solving. The final pieces of art projects can represent personal experiences or group themes, and discussions explore symbolism and environmental awareness.

10. Music and movement to art

Engaging in movement and improvisation to music, followed by creating artwork based on the experience, can be a powerful way to connect with emotions and express them visually. Group discussion can explore the relationship between movement, sound, and visual expression.

Benefits of art therapy

Building on the strengths of group art therapy, let's explore the broader benefits of art therapy, encompassing both individual and group settings. Here are three key benefits:

Improved self-awareness

Through the creative process and exploration of art materials, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Art serves as a tool for self-reflection, allowing individuals to connect with their inner world and identify patterns or underlying negative emotions.

Cognitive function and development

Engaging in art therapy activities stimulates multiple cognitive processes simultaneously. The act of creating art enhances problem-solving abilities, improves concentration, and supports memory function. The process of planning and executing artwork naturally exercises executive function skills while providing opportunities for learning and growth.

Social and communication skills

The therapeutic environment of art therapy supports the development of essential social and communication skills. Art therapy facilitates non-verbal expression and helps build interpersonal connections in individual or group settings. Participants often experience improved ability to express themselves, enhanced listening skills, and greater comfort in social interactions.

Reference

American Art Therapy Association. (2017, June 19). About art therapy. https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/