Remote Art Therapy
The COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down and changed how we live, engage and connect. Another area that changed was telehealth art therapy activities. Telehealth refers to a wide range of healthcare services delivered remotely that is accessible to anyone, from anywhere. These activities are usually far more flexible and convenient than traditional healthcare. If you are interested in remotely rolling out an art therapy program, there are certain art therapy guidelines you should be aware of.
Let’s take a deeper dive into how remote art therapy works and how it benefits millions of people as a form of self-care or through a qualified art therapist.
What Is Remote Art Therapy?
Digital or remote art therapy harnesses the therapeutic techniques used in one-on-one creative sessions. It also uses advanced technology to bring a treatment program or group session into a person's home.
The big advantage of remote therapy is that an individual with extensive cognitive, medical or chronic conditions may find it very challenging to attend creative art or therapy sessions in person due to the logistics involved. It might be difficult for them to:
- Book appointments
- Organise transport
- Schedule a support worker
- Take time away from other responsibilities
- Carry medication or health supplies
Remote art therapy has been around since the 1980s, but it became more prevalent during lockdowns when practitioners and people who rely on art therapy needed a new way to work.
What Is the Benefit of Digital Art Therapy?
Aside from the practicalities discussed above, digital art therapy is entirely adaptable—you don't need to be mobile or have fine motor control to participate.
Creative digital art can be used to associate colours with feelings, explore anxieties, express emotions and release frustrations without the cost of buying art supplies.
Participants who cannot travel to a therapy session, or who feel safer in their home or residence, can be emotionally supported through webcam calls. Remote art therapy is even available from a hospital or care home as a universally accessible form of support.
Who Can Benefit from Remote Art Therapy?
Remote digital AI art therapy is ideal for anyone who wants to create at home on their own time, or who prefers a more informal option than attending organised art therapy sessions. They are also valuable for users who find it difficult, or impossible, to engage in physical art therapy sessions if they are in a hospital, living in a remote area, or unable to travel.
Art therapy is used in various scenarios by therapists working to help people uncover underlying causes of conditions related to anxiety, grief, phobias, mood disorders, depression and anger. Therapy is a powerful way to develop healthy coping mechanisms, recognise the positives in life, and work through personal hardships.
The rollout of remote art therapy makes this type of support available to more people and allows them to engage in proactive art therapy and creative processes wherever they may be.