Adult Colouring Books, A latest Craze with Therapeutic Value
Food for thought, why are adult colouring books so popular?
The therapeutic benefits of art are nothing new, one of the first psychotherapists to apply colouring as a relaxation technique was Carl G. Jüng in the early 20th century, through the use of mandalas; it’s a concept that art therapists use with clients of all ages. Colouring has been attributed to positively enhancing mood, soothe anxiety and overall relieve stress. It generates wellness while also stimulating different parts of the brain areas related to motor skills, the senses and creativity. In simplest terms, colouring has a de-stressing effect because when we focus on a particular activity, we focus on it rather than our worries for that particular moment. It also taps into our imagination and takes us back to our childhood, a period in which many would agree was a period in our lives which had a lot less stress.
There is a need for more creative outlets for adults, sadly many adults stop making art from childhood, modern day life has become increasingly more stressful, adults are seeking constructive and healthy ways to manage their stress while having fun. Colouring books are typically associated as an activity for children, it could simply be that adults are looking to get in touch with their inner child, and why not if it is enjoyable and brings about pleasure and de-stress. I see that as a positive. However, for those using these books specifically in an attempt to self-manage a chronic state of stress I urge seeing a trained professional in addition to self-exploration through Colouring and creative means.
not recommended these specific books as part of a therapeutic treatment or intervention, as it is not a substitute to true art therapy nor were they intended to be although I believe art in general has healing properties, if a client found benefits outside of the therapy session using an adult colouring book I would indeed encourage them to use it. I have also given my clients mandalas to colour in-between sessions with me as colouring mandalas have been known to empower a client to manage thoughts and feelings on their own, for certain individuals seeking art therapy in managing for example eating disorders, or addiction, they would be encouraged to use the mandalas to replace indulging in overeating or addictive behaviours outside the therapy session.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a profession that is well integrated in countries such as the UK and USA for the past 50+ years, its roots are in psychotherapy, it can be experienced by children of all ages, adolescents, adults, the elderly, couples, families and in a group. Art Therapy develops neuro psychological functioning by encouraging communication between different parts of the brain, using art and at times different creative modalities such as music, drama, movement and play to help an individual identify and resolve core issues. This leads to restorative cognitive functioning and provides emotional regulation, developing personal insight, aiding positive transformation, and in reaching optimal learning potential. Art therapy requires no artistic skills and is an effective intervention with people of all ages. It is especially beneficial to children, as it is a natural process for children to be creative and express themselves through the expressive arts. Art therapy is a valuable tool in teaching life skills, academic concepts, and in managing emotional health. Art therapy can be used to address educational, psychological, and emotional difficulties in a safe and respectful way that is akin to play and not dependent on words alone. only trained art therapists with a minimum of a Masters degree in art therapy can administer this psycho-therapeutic modality and specialization, also art therapists are required to have a registered credential AThR to practise.
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*Sara also chimed in on The National Newspaper, United Arab Emirates article on adult colouring books https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/uae-health/pros-and-cons-of-wanting-that-perfect-bodywritten by: Sara Powell Founder and Art Psychotherapist of ATIC Psychological and Counselling Center, Dubai.
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