Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for the Security Sector artistic self-expression helps people resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.” Uses: Art therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental disorders and psychological distress. In many cases, it might be used in conjunction with other psychotherapy techniques such as group therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. Some situations in which art therapy might be utilized include: • Children with learning disabilities • Adults experiencing severe stress • Children suffering from behavioral or social problems at school or home • People experiencing mental health problems • Individuals suffering from a brain injury • Children or adults who have experienced a traumatic event How it works: An art therapist may use a variety of art methods including drawing, painting, sculpture, and collage with clients ranging from young children to the elderly. Clients who have experienced emotional trauma, physical violence, domestic abuse, anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues can benefit from expressing themselves creatively. Hospitals, private mental health offices, schools, community organizations, military and police camps are all possible settings where art therapy services may be available. Art therapy vs. Art class Cathy Maldiochi claims: “In most art therapy sessions, the focus is on your inner experience – your feelings, perceptions, and imagination. While art class may involve learning skills or art techniques, the emphasis of art therapy is generally first on developing and expressing images that come from inside the person rather than those he or she sees in the outside world.” She further explains, “And while some traditional art classes may ask you to paint or draw from your imagination, in art therapy, your inner world of images, feelings, thoughts, and ideas are always of primary importance to the experience.” MANDALA 7 • It is a complex abstract design that is usually in circular in form. • It is Sanskrit word that means “circle.”