Art Therapy Conducted by Social Welfare Students at UMM to Support the Mental Health Recovery of Individuals with Mental Disorders (ODGJ) at Balai PMKS Sidoarjo
Art therapy is a form of psychological therapy that utilizes creative expression through art, such as painting, drawing, or crafting with various artistic materials, as a tool to help individuals understand themselves, cope with emotional challenges, and improve mental well-being.
How Does Art Therapy Help in Recovering Individuals with Mental Disorders (ODGJ)?
Art therapy enables individuals to communicate and express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences through artistic media, which is often easier than using verbal language.
Key Aspects of Art Therapy:
1. Art Media:
Art therapy provides clients with access to a variety of art media, such as watercolor, colored pencils, graphite pencils, crayons, clay, and more. The choice of media is tailored to the individual’s preferences and needs.
2. Guidance from Therapists :
Art therapists are trained professionals who assist clients in understanding and analyzing the artwork they create. They help clients explore the meanings behind their creations and connect them with emotions or experiences that may be difficult to express verbally.
3. Therapy Goals :
Art therapy serves various purposes, including helping clients process trauma, manage stress, enhance emotional well-being, boost creativity, and promote self-awareness.
4. Non-Verbal Methods :
Art therapy is often used for clients who struggle with verbal communication. It can be an effective option for children, adolescents, or adults who have difficulty articulating their emotions.
5. Creative Process :
The focus of art therapy is on the creative process itself, rather than the final product. This approach allows clients to explore their feelings and ideas freely.
6. Safe Space :
Art therapists create a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients feel free to express themselves and explore their emotions.
Art therapy can be applied in various contexts, including mental health treatment, rehabilitation, education, or personal development. It is a flexible tool that can be adapted to meet individual needs. Art therapy has been shown to be effective in addressing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress.
Social Welfare Practicum in Collaboration with the Social Service Department
The practicum is an integral part of the Social Welfare curriculum that all 7th-semester students must complete. The practicum is divided into two parts: Practicum I (Institutional) and Practicum II (Community Empowerment). In the 7th semester, students participate in Practicum I (Institutional) for a duration of one month.
The practicum is conducted by staying at a social institution that has partnered with the program. The process starts with engagement and continues to intervention planning. During the engagement phase, students establish contact and agreements with their assigned clients from the institution.
Next, students conduct needs assessments and identify clients' problems through interviews and observations. After completing the assessment and identifying the clients' issues, students develop an intervention plan.
One of the programs carried out by Social Welfare students during the institutional practicum is Art Therapy for Individuals with Mental Disorders (ODGJ) at Balai PMKS Sidoarjo.
