Hilltop offers regular art programs at our Wellness Centre in Woolongabba.

You may have heard the term art therapy before and are curious to try it out. If so, why not join us, because there are numerous benefits to this enriching form of therapy. Art therapy combines the teachings of art and psychology, using creative methods and artistic expression to heal the mind and soul. It dates back to the 1940s and has been proven to reduce feelings of depression, anxiety and stress. Due to its calming effect, art therapy with a trained practitioner can be hugely successful in helping people with past trauma or mood disorders to express themselves. In people with disabilities, art therapy can help improve sensory and cognitive functions, and is generally a great way to improve mental health.

Here are 5 benefits you may experience when you join a Hilltop Caring art therapy workshop in Brisbane.

1. Helps reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety
   
   Art therapy is all about the process of creating art, rather than producing a masterpiece. Through the process, it helps you to relax and de-stress as you focus on each brushstroke and free your mind to imagine colours and patterns, taking your focus off the things that cause you stress.
   
   
2. Stimulates mental function
   
   Research has shown that art therapy can increase concentration in adults and children, but more particularly in elderly people with dementia. During the process of creating art, the mind and body sink into a state of relaxation but you are still being stimulated in a non-threatening way. This also allows you to emerge from the experience feeling calm and refreshed.
   
   
3. Reduces feelings of depression
   
   As a non-verbal means of expression, people struggling with depression or trauma may feel more comfortable communicating through a drawing, painting or craft. In this way, art therapy can aid in better understanding of our emotions and lead to more effective communication.
   
   
4. Improves self-esteem
   
   Art therapy allows you to learn new things about yourself and develop confidence. It’s also a healthy way to meet new people, make friends and build your social skills in a safe environment. Producing a beautiful piece of art with no expectations and no judgement can create feelings of accomplishment which will improve your self-worth.
   
   
5. Allows a creative outlet
   
   Through creative expression we can deal with feelings that we may have been keeping inside with no alternative outlet. In cases where speaking about a problem is difficult, having a creative outlet can be a healthy form of healing and release of negative emotions. Art therapy ignites the creative side of the brain and can leave you feeling a great sense of joy.
   

Hilltops Caring offers art therapy workshops in Woolongabba

If you or a loved one are eager to try out art therapy in Brisbane, Hilltop Caring provides a safe, caring environment at our Wellness Center in Woolongabba for you to unleash your creativity. Our expert, friendly team will help to nurture your healing process. We offer workshops in scribble art, mosaic, scrapbooking, nature art, watercolor painting, doodle art, crafts and more. Hilltop Caring is a registered NDIS Provider delivering group and centre-based activities, in-home supports, accommodation and capacity-building services for people of all abilities throughout Greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Hobart. When it comes to our art therapy classes, no artistic ability is needed, just get creative and make some friends!

Email us at bookings@hilltopcaring.com.au or call 07 3096 0088. Oh, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for information on our latest art therapy workshops!