Key Points to Neuroscience & Art Therapy

Applying neuroscience to art therapy has the benefit of enabling the art practitioner to identify, target, and address particular symptoms according to the part of the brain that is causing them.

Practitioners can learn how to apply the concepts of neuroscience to create interventions that are based on solid evidence by participating in neuroscience-informed art therapy. Furthermore, using neuroscience can result in a more positive outcome because it focuses on the present symptoms and any physiological processes that may be contributing to the issue rather than requiring clients to review prior traumas.

In order to treat the underlying cause of an issue rather than merely its symptoms, a practitioner can analyze a behavior and correlate it with certain brain structures and functions. Based on these findings, the practitioner can then create an exercise program.

The practitioner can create a mental map exercise to assist an individual struggling with prefrontal cortex-related decision-making and problem-solving skills. Colors, shapes, and symbols can represent different thoughts and their relationships.

A practitioner may employ visual arts methods (painting, drawing) or sensory art supplies (clay, sand) to stimulate the client’s senses and spatial awareness in a client who struggles with perception and awareness. Alternatively, the practitioner may employ mindfulness exercises (deep breathing, guided meditation) to assist the client in staying in the present moment.

The practitioner may use art supplies and techniques to assist an individual who struggles with emotions. These methods may include non-verbal emotional expression through painting or sculpture, art-based relaxation techniques like coloring or creating mandalas, or art-based cognitive-behavioral techniques like journaling and mood boards.

The practitioner may employ art activities that involve physical movement (dancing, creating mobiles), fine motor skills (coloring, sketching), or problem-solving for a person who is having trouble with mobility, coordination, or balance.

In order to aid an individual who is having trouble regulating basic functions (heart rate, respiration, digestion), the practitioner may employ art activities that incorporate deep breathing and relaxation techniques, touch and sensory awareness, or mindful eating.

When a client is having trouble recalling things, the practitioner can assist them in accessing and processing their memories by using art activities that involve memory recall (journaling, making a memory book), visualization (drawing memories), or sensory stimulation (music, fragrances).

For gratification and enjoyment, exercises in art therapy that incorporate sensory aspects, group participation, and self-expression can offer a sense of personal fulfillment, connection, and joy.

The practitioner may employ art activities that include spatial awareness (perspective sketching, map-making) or spatial problem-solving (puzzles, mazes) to assist a person who is having trouble with spatial navigation.

The practitioner may employ art activities involving sensory awareness (touch, sound, and sight) and emotional expression (painting, sculpture) to help a client who is having trouble connecting sensory information with behavioral and emotional responses.

In order to assist a person who is having trouble controlling their sleep, the practitioner may employ art projects that incorporate visualization exercises (such as guided imagery) or relaxation techniques (such as coloring or drawing mandalas).

When a person is having trouble controlling their pain, the practitioner may employ art activities that incorporate guided imagery, relaxation techniques (coloring, drawing mandalas), or sensory awareness (touch, sound) to assist the client in controlling their pain.

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