arts and health

Last update: May 5, 2007

Healing Power of Art

Arts and Health, LLC
908-938-6079
susan@artsandhealth.com

Arts and Health Newsletter

The connections between the mind, body, and spirit, and their link to our state of well-being is
mysterious and the food for speculation and theories. What is true, however, is that art
touches our lives at a profound level. It is sometimes hard to quantify how art brings hope and
healing to those in physical, emotional, mental or spiritual crisis, but speaking from my own
experiences, art has had a tremendous positive effect in my life.

“As a trauma and abuse survivor, I know that one of the most harmful outcomes of abusive
situations is the victim’s inability to express their feelings: the pain, humiliation, helplessness,
sadness, confusion and anger. In my case, I found my sense of power and strength taken away
from me, leaving me as a paralyzed child, with all my emotions bottled up inside, ready to
explode. Unable to verbalize these feelings, I found an outlet through Art. The very act of
creating helped me to release my emotions and conflicts, putting me on the road to recovery
and healing” (Cavaciuti, 2001).

There is a growing belief in the healing power of art, with major health care institutions across
the country recognizing the power of the arts, in all their modalities, to provide messages
promoting healing and a sense of community (Ridenour, 1998). The therapeutic effects can
range from lowering stress levels, to faster recovery times, reduced need for pain medications,
and increase social interactions.

The process of creating relaxes and rejuvenates those struggling with life’s challenges and
illnesses, providing a safe format to articulate emotions, resolve problems, cope with
depression, bereavement, divorce, trauma and addictions. In essence, it is a meditation that
connects us to ourselves and to others.

Regarding the role of art in therapy, Ms. Cavaciuti explains:
"I believe that the primary purpose of Art is to heal. That the artist expresses no only their
feelings and emotions, but their journey through their suffering – from the pit of despair to the
realization that they are loved, so that the viewer is uplifted and inspired to positively view and
express their own journey, which in turn will inspire others."

References:

Cavaciuti, S. (2001). Someone Hurt Me. Bloomingdale, IL: Enhancement Books.

Ridenour, A. (1998, February). Creativity and the Arts in Health Care Settings. Journal of the American Medical
Association.

Healing Power of Art

by Susan Ridley Cavaciuti, M.Sc., CPRP

“When griping grief the heart doth wound, and doleful dumps the mind oppresses,
then music, with her silver sound, with speedy help doth lend redress.”

William Shakespeare
English dramatist & poet (1564 - 1616)