Everyone can Benefit from Art Therapy

 One could safely argue that we are living in truly unprecedented times. While our collective anxiety seems to rise by the day, we have always found art making to be an effective de-stressor - even if it’s just for a few minutes. 

We found this interview with Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an NYC-based neuropsychologist and faculty member at Columbia University, to be particularly enlightening in terms of her description of art therapy and why it’s so effective: 

“Nothing about art therapy is “results” oriented or has any element of competition or evaluation. Once those are not “born artists” realize this, they tend to be more open. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress.”

We have been preaching this gospel since our founding, and are so inspired by the amount of time and research that is going into the mental and physical health benefits of creative behaviors!