The Effectiveness of Art Therapy on College Students

Abstract

Mental health issues are common in our society, especially anxiety and depression. These issues threaten college students who experience these mental issues and do not always have a support system or outlet for their illnesses, which in turn causes long-term mental and physiological health issues. Therefore, therapeutic, supportive services, such as art therapy, should be introduced to universities and prioritized as other courses are. This study will use qualitative and literature research to focus on what art therapy method topics, such as receptive, expressive, cognitive, and media usage, can be practical and how the methods can be conducted in therapeutic sessions for college students. The study will also explore the challenges and solutions of art therapy that can affect the students and the counselor centers. The goal of this research will prove to show how art therapy can be used as an effective therapeutic form for college students. Key Terms CAT- Creative Arts Therapy AT- Art Therapy MBAT- Mindfulness-based Art Therapy LP- Light Painting ADHD- Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder