African Healing
From African Healing Traditions to Modern Recovery Art Therapy
There are many different approaches to healing arising from different African cultural
and religious traditions. They all share a strong sense of the interconnectedness of body,
mind and spirit. They also share an understanding that the well-being of the individual is
closely linked to his or her relationship with a wider family, a community, and a spiritual
life. Many make use of rituals- the natural world, song, dance and art- as much as talking
about issues.
Some of these healing traditions draw on traditional African religions. Others are based in Christian churches with an African orientation thus introducing a Christian approach to healing and mental health. The Islamic tradition of healing and others are important resources for some service users. There are also healers who combine one or more of these healing traditions with modern western approaches of managing stress and anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, the use of painting or sculpture, or therapeutic massage.
Today there is a growing appreciation for art therapy and having access to these healing approaches provides major benefits to patients facing life crises or major health problems.
To have access a type of healing based in spiritual beliefs as an accepted and an important part of a wider community can be comforting in times of crisis. This access helps to make sense of what is happening and draws upon new sources of strength from within as well as from family and community.
Text and Context
Today, art therapy is recognized as a specialist health profession and is growing in influence throughout Europe, USA, and Australia. Art therapy, in conjunction with other medical measures, is a modern technique within the system of psychotherapy, used for prevention and rehabilitation. It is an expression of the arts such as drama, music, and dance in combination with modes of counselling and psychotherapy to improve clients quality of life and mental health.
Psychotherapists, psychiatrists and specialists in art, drama, music and dance are trained in the use of these expressive arts to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Artistic self-expression and its creative process help the individual with conflict resolution, interpersonal skills development, behavioural management, and stress reduction. It has a direct correlation to the enhancement of self-esteem and awareness.
Art therapy is with individual clients of all ages, groups, or families to treat a variety of mental and emotional maladies. It can treat various types of family and relationship issues, addictions, and psycho-social difficulties stemming from trauma and loss.