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If you’re at your happiest when gardening, you’re not alone. Researchers from the University of Florida have found that working with plants could have a mental health benefit, even among those who have never tried gardening before. [More]

Clinical research has identified strengths and weaknesses in treating mental illness with medication. A focus on art therapy and programs such as ‘Arts on Prescription’ are developing a growing recognition of potential benefits for mental health. And 'Arts for the Blues – A New Creative Psychological Therapy for Depression', recently shared results from a pilot study, reporting positive results of art therapy. Based on this research, I invited experts to provide insight into how art therapy benefits people struggling with mental health concerns. [More]

"Getting creative really does boost your mood" was a recent headline based on the BBC Arts Great British Creativity Test, suggesting that creativity can help avoid stress and improve self-development. Some mental health professionals promote creativity in their work with clients and others report benefits from using it personally. [More]

What is the one activity of childhood that is, in all likelihood, universally accepted as an effective way to withdraw from the pandemonium of daily life? What will occupy the mind and restore serenity in less time than one can measure? What is the diversion that has been adopted by the world of adults and has sold over 12 million units of functional escape from reality as the numbers continue to grow? [More]

Several different types of counseling, including Art Therapy, are available and have been shown to help people heal from the effects of emotional trauma (Moon, 1994). Art Therapy, specifically, has been a treatment for mental illness for over 100 years, but it is a type of therapy that people may not consider when seeking help. This type of therapy can help both children and adults to process a traumatic event and begin to heal (Art Therapy and Mental Health, 2009). [More]

Children are natural artists. That splattering of paint and colored scribble says more about them than you might think. [More]