The Power of Immersive Art for Self-care and Transformation in Counseling.
By Dr. Abby E. Dougherty
In the expansive world of counseling, there is an evolving appreciation for a myriad of therapeutic techniques. Notably, immersive art therapy has carved its niche as an influential means of fostering self-care and ushering in transformative experiences. Immersive art, characterized by its ability to deeply engage participants in comprehensive environments or experiences, has a unique ability to catalyze shifts in self-awareness and emotional health.
One of the profound benefits of engaging with immersive art lies in its potential for emotional expression and release. Malchiodi (2012) posits that such mediums enable clients to articulate emotions that may be otherwise challenging to put into words. Activities ranging from painting and sculpture to digital media can become platforms for individuals to confront and understand their feelings, showing pathways for healing.
Additionally, Franklin (2018) highlights the connection between immersive art and the practice of mindfulness. By delving deeply into the creative process and experiencing art firsthand, individuals find themselves anchored to the present. This focus on the ‘now’ has therapeutic implications, particularly in managing symptoms linked to anxiety and depression. The immersive quality of digital arts could serve as a pivotal factor in therapeutic efficacy.
Immersive art spaces are rich for the exploration of embodied experiences and the use of metaphors for introspective exploration. Consider virtual reality (VR) environments that allow individuals to enter and interact with spaces tailored for relaxation, meditation, or even confronting specific phobias in controlled settings. The experiential nature of such platforms helps deeper introspection and engagement, as clients are no longer passive recipients but active participants in their healing journey.
Beyond mere emotional expression, immersive art also fosters cognitive restructuring. As individuals interpret their art, they inherently embark on processes that challenge and, at times, reframe their existing beliefs. Potash et al. (2015) suggest that the encompassing nature of immersive art experiences magnifies this impact, encouraging clients to adopt fresh, more constructive perspectives. Within the therapeutic setting, engaging with art can also fortify the bond between the therapist and the client. As therapists engage with clients’ vulnerabilities and achievements through their artistic expressions, a deeper therapeutic alliance can develop (Kapitan, 2010).
Lastly, the influence of immersive art extends beyond the confines of therapy sessions. Many find solace in immersive art experiences as pivotal self-care tools. Ziff and Beamish (2004) underscore the role of such artistic engagements in serving as restorative practices, vital for supporting emotional equilibrium and managing stress.
I am seeing the incredible impact of stress due to poverty, COVID, and intergenerational trauma, mostly related to the impact of colonization here in the US. Clients and counselors alike are struggling with finding meaning while we watch the earth burn and economic inequality continue to create widespread embodied trauma. Being immersed in a sensory-focused environment meant to create states of inspiration, awe, and relaxation is not only fertile ground for healing and relationship building but also a space that might support the envisioning of a new world in which compassion and the well-being of the Earth and all that are interconnected with life here are protected and allowed to flourish.
In conclusion, the transformative potential of immersive art in counseling is a testament to its profound capability. It is not merely a tool for exploration but a vibrant avenue for both healing and growth. As therapy evolves, the embrace of immersive art signifies a promising trajectory.
References
Franklin, M. (2018). Art as contemplative practice: Expressive pathways to the self. SUNY Press.
Kapitan, L. (2010). Introduction to art therapy research. In Art therapy research (pp. 1–14). Routledge.
Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Handbook of art therapy. Guilford Press.
Potash, J. S., Chan, F., Ho, A. H. Y., Wang, X., & Cheng, C. (2015). A model for art therapy-based supervision for end-of-life care workers in Hong Kong. Death Studies, 39(1–5), 44–51.
Ziff, K. K., & Beamish, P. M. (2004). Teaching an integrated approach to self-care using clay. Art Therapy, 21(4), 207–215.
