(Oxford) Diploma in Art Therapy and Depression Relief
How Art Therapy can help you cope with Depression
Description
Course includes:
1. A very active and participative Q/A
2. A manual which includes the development of quotations, art therapy exercises and 50 ways to reduce depression
3., 10 hours of content
4. The lectures (61)
5. Regular Educational Announcements
6. Beautiful countryside and soft music
Art Therapy can help prevent/reduce depression in a variety of ways. For example, under guidance, the creation of artwork and subsequent discussion allows individuals with depression to release pent-up feelings and gain a better understanding of their emotional state. The actual engaging in art can activate the relaxation response in the brain, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Lowering stress is important because chronic stress can contribute to the development and exacerbation of depression. Art therapy encourages self-exploration, leading to self awareness which can be a crucial step in the healing process. Art Therapy boosts self-esteem. Creating art and realizing one's creative potential can boost self-esteem and self-confidence. For individuals with depression, who often struggle with negative self-perceptions, this can be empowering.
Creating art - enrolling on this course and participating in the Q/A - will distract you from negative thought patterns and rumination, allowing you to focus their attention on the artistic process. This can provide relief from depressive symptoms. As you watch each lecture you'll be aware of the homework. By doing this work, by completing it, this give a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, which can be particularly meaningful for individuals who struggle with low motivation and energy levels due to depression.
Art can serve as a tool for communication when verbal communication is challenging. Individuals can share their artwork with others in the Q/A , allowing for discussions about their feelings and experiences. This is a monitored (first by the Instructor and ultimately by Udemy) section and thus is - with Art - a safe outlet for intense emotions, allowing individuals to release and process difficult feelings in a controlled and constructive manner. The Q/A provides opportunities for social interaction and connection with others, reducing feelings of isolation, which are common in depression.
The above is how Art Therapy helps reduce/prevent depression - but what is actually IN the course?
We look at the causes - and risk factors for - depression. The biological and Psychological environments. How Art Therapy can be used and developed - the course comes with a manual.
But the course also contains a number of Art Therapy exercises, beautiful surroundings (all lectures are shot in the countryside) and extended work.
Extended work?
Several long videos are included, the idea being that once you become familiar with the Art Therapy exercises you return to these particular videos and use them as your 'creation zone' whilst working through the manual.
What You Will Learn!
- Be able to identify the risk factors for depression
- Be able to adapt and apply Art Therapy exercises to reduce these factors
- Be able to reduce/prevent depression before it starts
- Be able to create a 'virtual space' for you to visit as you work through the course manual
Who Should Attend!
- Art Therapists
- Anyone suffering from Depression
- Anyone who knows of others with depression and wishes to help
- All students of Psychology
- Anyone under high stress