Very well stated, Cathy! I am glad that you could educate others on the power and healing of the arts. I too have been a direct witness to the healing power of the arts when I worked in a children's hospital on a hematology and oncology unit. The doctor once said to me: "Now if only I could figure out why what you do works, that would be great." This was an unsolicited comment and based on his observations of my work. Keep blogging Cathy, it is a real assest to us all.
Nicole Brandstrup

I agree--more often than not, art saves lives. On the other hand, as I noted in my initial post on the subject, it can occasionally, in select cases, decompensate people too... But here is another question, a variation on the same theme, I guess: Is art intrinsically--always, inevitably--therapeutic? Obviously, I don't think so. I can be expressive, but it can also be defensive in nature...

Thanks for this article--the illustrations really speak for themselves. I agree that art is healing--so much so that I have spent years studying poetry therapy which is using the written word including poetry to assist in the healing process. A picture, painting, photograph, poem, story, collage, sculpture, expresses emotions and thoughts in a unique way that might synthesize experience into something transcendent. If containment is needed, draw a box in the middle of the page and make your creation in that space, surrounded by the safety of what is around it.

You are doing a wonderful job in promoting art therapy ......keep up the good work. Cay D.