ART THERAPIES TO TRY

SINGING THERAPY

As well as targeted therapeutic use such as the Singing for Breathing programme, simply joining a choir will help you feel good. According to research from The University of Oxford, group singing helps forge social bonds and is effective for bonding large groups, making it an ideal behaviour to improve our broader social networks. Studies have shown people feel more positive after actively singing than they do after passively listening to music or after chatting about positive life events.

DRAMATHERAPY

Dramatherapy uses drama related techniques such as storytelling, metaphor, play and movement, improvisation, puppets and music, to support people to understand themselves and make positive changes in their lives. It can help everyone from nursery-aged children to those in their 90s, including people with conditions like ADHD, autism, trauma and dementia.

DANCE THERAPY

Dancing – also known as Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) – allows a person to let loose and express themselves, and this makes the body release happy hormones like dopamine. These hormones can help to lift your mood and alleviate some symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as boosting fitness levels. Research by the Scottish Government showed that those who took part in a dance activity were 62 per cent more likely to report good health than those who didn't.

ART THERAPY

This is a therapy where you can make art alongside a therapist, who will either sit quietly and pay attention whilst you make the art, or interact, depending on your needs during each session. Research has shown it can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in Alzheimer's patients, improve emotional skills and help children regulate their emotions better.