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Art Therapy at The Raleigh House

At The Raleigh House, we offer a fully integrated suite of treatments for substance use disorders, including art therapy.

Art therapy gives our clients a treatment that allows them freedom of expression using a communication method distinctly different from traditional talk therapy.

What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a treatment strategy that involves creative activities – painting, drawing, sculpting – to help process underlying emotional events. Master’s level clinicians guide artistic expression and help clients uncover and interpret different issues and feelings.

The main benefit of art therapy is the fact that it facilitates non-verbal expression. Talking about traumas and family discord can be painful, particularly within the context of addictive behaviors. Art therapy offers an effective communication strategy that does not necessarily involve directly articulating specific sources of pain.

While art therapy traditionally involves clients participating in creating unique art, it can also include looking at and analyzing existing works of art. It is used as a supplement to other types of treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring conditions. Art therapy can be used in tandem with the following interventions:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Experiential therapy
• Animal-assisted psychotherapy
• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Dual Diagnosis
• Horticulture and Ecotherapy
• Motivational interviewing

Art therapy aims to enhance substance use disorder treatment objectives, but it is a highly effective treatment for clients experiencing associated mood disorders. Clients struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex traumas, anxiety disorder, and depression as co-occurring conditions often achieve positive outcomes.

Types of Art Therapy

When used to address substance misuse or mental health, art therapy can support significant self-discovery. Art therapy can help clients focus on numerous addiction-related issues safely and productively. The most common types of art therapy include:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Coloring
• Sculpting
• Photography
• Digital graphic design

The type of art therapy used will be largely based upon the clients’ comfort with the particular artistic medium. Because the success of the treatment depends upon the clients’ self-expression, it is essential to have the guidance of a certified art therapist trained to incorporate psychotherapy into the creative process.

Art Therapy at the Raleigh House

Art therapy is one of the most effective forms of treatment for clients who might be reluctant to address specific sensitive topics or experiences that trigger substance misuse. At The Raleigh House, we offer a holistic approach to recovery, providing tailored treatment programs that help clients discover the core issues behind their substance misuse.

If you struggle with substance use disorder, please contact our team of addiction specialists.

When you’re ready to heal, we’re here to help. Contact us today.