Research found that making art can:

• activate reward pathways in the brain,
• reduce stress,
• lower anxiety levels,
• improve mood,
• reduce pain,
• improve patient's sense of control over their lives

Making art is a hands-on process that requires total focus, which means it also offers a break from screentime while encouraging self-expression. But art therapy isn't a cure-all and may not be the right approach for everyone. Much of the research draws on the anecdotal experiences of clinicians and patients.

Therapists offer treatment in groups or one-on-one settings, and the therapy itself can take the form of unstructured doodling to more specific prompts and activities designed to help patients understand their emotions.

Art therapy helps patients unlock their emotions and translate them int...