Creativity can be a powerful tool for healing. Activities like painting, music-making, knitting, or video creation help people process emotions and reduce stress in a fun and engaging way.
However, not many people know about creative therapy and its benefits. Some don’t even know that creative therapists exist. Of course, it’s not something that works for any scenario, which is why a doctor’s recommendation is important.
Still, around 50% of Americans don’t consider that regular mental health checkups are necessary. This makes it even harder for those who need creative therapy to connect with the right healthcare provider.
Luckily, telehealth may be able to solve this problem by facilitating the connection between mental health providers, therapists, and patients. As a result, more people may discover the many benefits of creativity as a form of therapy.
In this article, we’ll take a more in-depth look at how telehealth brings down barriers and changes perceptions, especially in the area of mental health.
Why Creativity Matters in Recovery
American Art Therapy Association researchers have found that creative activities like music, visual arts, or storytelling can reduce stress and boost mood. Participants have shown improved emotional resilience and cognitive function through art therapy.
Artistic activities nurture mental well-being and help with physical health recovery by reducing anxiety levels and promoting overall balance in the healing process. For individuals struggling with verbal communication, creativity provides an outlet for expression when words fall short.
Benefits of Music Creation as Therapy
Listening and/or creating music is one artistic activity many people enjoy. But, from a therapist’s point of view, music can do so much more than provide you with a good time.
For instance, creating music (even if you don’t really know what you’re doing) can help those suffering from depression or anxiety build self-esteem. Composing a melody or writing lyrics can give a sense of accomplishment and lower stress levels through creative focus.
In neurological recoveries like strokes, rhythm-based exercises retrain motor skills. Rhythmic beats help synchronize brain and body movements, fostering coordination.
Sound-based mindfulness techniques also provide distractions for chronic pain management. Calming tunes are soothing and encourage relaxation, which helps patients feel more at ease during challenging times.
Healing Through Video Creations
Video narratives offer another way to channel creative focus. And there are so many fun things you can create!
If you’ve written music and you think it’s good, why not craft a fun and inspiring video to go with it? This can be your way to tell the uplifting story of your recovery journey. To take one step further, use platforms like DistroVid to share your creation with the world.
Sharing your creations online spreads a message of calm and relaxation and fosters a sense of community that you may not find elsewhere.
If music isn’t your cup of tea, you can try video storytelling. Simply sit in front of a camera and tell it your feelings of grief, loss, or inadequacy. You don’t have to edit the footage, share it, or even watch it. The simple act of talking is a powerful mind organizer and helps you sort through your feelings.
Video creation is also a great way to document your recovery journey after an accident or injury. It’s a good way to track progress and share your trials and tribulations with the world. You never know when your videos will inspire someone in a similar position.
Music and video creation are powerful tools in creative therapy. Even more, if you decide to take it one step further and share, you might end up with a supportive and understanding online community. Plus, you participate in amplifying the message of strength and hope.
What’s the Role of Telehealth in All of This?
Telehealth makes creative therapy (and other forms of therapy) more accessible to everyone. Besides the fact that it helps you connect with the right mental health specialists, it also serves as a platform for these sessions.
You can join online art classes, music creation workshops, or video storytelling sessions from anywhere. During sessions, you receive professional guidance (individually or as a group) tailored to your specific needs. This ensures a supportive and engaging creative experience that promotes growth and healing.
Online telehealth platforms also allow flexible scheduling, as users can connect with specialists in different time zones. This makes it easier for those who must balance recovery with daily responsibilities.
Cost-wise, telehealth often reduces expenses tied to in-person sessions like transportation or facility fees. Affordable group workshops make creative therapy attainable for many who might not otherwise have access.
Wrap Up
Creative therapy offers a deeply personal and empowering path to healing. Whether through music, art, or storytelling, these methods foster emotional expression and resilience. With telehealth making them more accessible than ever, your journey can be as creative as it is transformative.
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