The practice which combines sophrology and art therapy helps to find a form of harmony and balance. It promotes better self-knowledge, essential to progress in life. Sophrology and art therapy channel the release of emotions and internal tensions. Art, through its intrinsic power, shakes up emotionally and sometimes provokes. It is a creative leaven for the mind.
We thus see that sophrology and art therapy are complementary. Creativity brings a more playful approach. By favoring letting go, artistic activity allows you to focus on the positive things in your life. It can strengthen an arsenal already used in sophrology to improve self-confidence.
Some therapists combine them for a more complete result on psychological disorders. They start from the principle that positing body and mind has an important impact on the person as a whole. In practice, the use of art consolidates the expression of emotions which are often difficult to express.
Sophrology acts on the harmony of body and mind. In addition, it allows you to manage delicate situations through better self-awareness.
Art therapy helps you express yourself without words. It is the images, colors and shapes that become a vector of the unconscious or the unspeakable. This discipline develops creativity, which remains a powerful lever on the psyche.
Recently, sophrology and art therapy have become established in professional circles. One of the now well-defined problems at work is stress. This is a factor of tension in the company. It is the cause of numerous pathologies. The most significant is “burn-out.” From an economic point of view, it would cause significant losses in competitiveness.
A person who is happy and fulfilled in their work is creative and efficient. Business leaders have understood this and attach great importance to the well-being of their employees.
Coaching based on sophrology techniques with creative sequences (music and painting) has been used for a long time in Anglo-Saxon countries. They have been appearing in France for several years.
The techniques are adapted to the company and used to improve the quality of life at work and prevent psychosocial risks (Prevention of Psycho-Social Risks — PRPS). Furthermore, they allow managers and employees to plan for the future with more confidence and serenity. Several artistic techniques can be used for these purposes, but the most common are painting, drawing, collage and modeling.
This combination of sophrology and art therapy is increasingly used in the hospital sector. The techniques are regularly used in addition to heavy treatments, particularly in oncology. The goal is to make patients better tolerate pain and illness. Morale is essential for healing and these alternative methods offer more comprehensive care, particularly for children.
In a psychiatric establishment
In psychiatry, sophrology is a good way to create communication with patients. The framework seems simple and clear. It offers flexibility to help the subject express their emotions. By adding artistic practice, the pleasure of creating consolidates the patient's self-esteem. This is an excellent introduction to traditional psychotherapy techniques.
In child psychiatry, the problem is a little different, because the goal is to support the development of children and adolescents in a positive way. With this in mind, sophrology aims to put aside apparent pathologies and disorders to focus primarily on the person. Despite the illness, each child develops like another child. Artistic creation combined with sophrology exercises encourages children to express themselves. This is particularly important for those who are locked in silence following language disorders, autism or traumatic experiences.
Looking at a work of art in a context of relaxation has an impact on physical and mental health. Physiological effects operate. Our hormonal balance is altered. The level of stress-producing cortisol decreases when that of serotonin increases. The result is immediate well-being.
In 2018, some Canadian doctors were able to prescribe museum visits to their patients suffering from depression. It has become a recognized practice in this country.
In February 2019, Fabienne Ladet offered a similar experience and brought sophrology to the museum.
The sophrologist organizes a one-hour session every month at the Anne de Beaujeu museum in Moulins. Participants are guided to let their gaze permeate their entire being. It is a moment of introspection oriented towards their history, their very personal emotion. It is a form of meditation whose art is a trigger for mindfulness. It is no longer simply a matter of seeing a painting as external to oneself, but as a vector of one's own consciousness. It is an excellent exercise for a good practice of sophrology.
Thus, we are just beginning to become aware of the power of art in the psychological support of people. For those who wish to deepen their relationship with themselves and others, art, combined with this technique of introspection, is a royal road to the search for well-being.
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