Utilizing Art Therapy to Help Women Overcome Their Addiction

Providence Women’s Recovery center has added art therapy to the weekly schedule of therapeutic activities to complement and round off the therapies already offered.

When a resident enters a recovery program for a debilitating addiction, there are many distinctly different options available for care. By offering a multitude of therapies, we’re able to maximize the overall effectiveness of recovery.

Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that utilizes the encouragement of self-expression through painting, drawing, or modeling (pottery.) It is useful in helping clients to develop introspection and learn healthy coping skills.

This therapy can also be helpful to those struggling with anxiety or depression. Eugenia Earle-Carter, the instructor of the class, has a vast background in the visual arts. Through the use of clay, pencil, acrylics and oils, the women are able to express their emotions in ways that would not be possible with just talk therapy alone.

The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as “a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.”

“The client’s recovery is our number one priority,” said the Director of Providence Women’s Recovery. Our center values the individualized approach to treating those struggling with addiction. By adding art therapy to their schedule, we believe it will allow us another powerful tool in helping women overcome their hurts, habits, and hang ups.