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Art Therapy in the Indian Context: Healing Through Creative Expression

  • rasika773
  • 13 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

“Hello there! I’m here to provide you with a bit of information on The Therapeutic Power of Art in India. I would like to remind you that suggestions on this post should not be taken as medical advice, legal advice, therapy, etc. or as a one-size-fits-all approach.  Keep in mind that every individual’s journey of  experiencing and navigating through stress or trauma is distinctive because you are one of a kind and no person is truly like you!  Experiencing abuse in any form is NOT OKAY, but what you are experiencing as a result of abuse is valid.  Please know that healing is not a formula and is not for anyone else to define for you. You do you, and you follow all that you need to follow, to help yourself. If you need additional resources or just someone to talk to, feel free to reach out to Imaara Foundation."


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Written by: Ojas. P. Suresh


What is art therapy and why is it gaining popularity in India?

Malchiodi (2012) defines art therapy as a form of psychotherapy that employs creative activities such as dancing, painting, drawing, and music to promote mental and emotional well-being. In India, it is increasingly being adopted by non-governmental organizations, medical institutions, and educational settings (Rao, 2020). A systematic review indicates that integrative art therapy can help children and adolescents regulate their emotions more effectively and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression (Indian Journal of Psychiatric Nursing, 2024). These approaches are particularly valuable for individuals who find verbal therapy challenging, a significant concern given that approximately 7.5% of Indians experience mental health disorders (WHO, 2017).

How does Indian culture shape art therapy practices?

In the Indian cultural context, art therapy often draws on traditional customs and practices. Rooted in Indian spiritual and artistic traditions, mandala art is incorporated into therapeutic programs to promote emotional healing and mindfulness (Choudhury, 2018). Folk music, a cornerstone of many Indian communities, is adapted for therapeutic purposes to facilitate emotional expression and foster cultural connection. Similarly, classical dance forms such as Kathak and Bharatanatyam are employed in therapy to enhance both mental and physical well-being (Choudhury, 2018). These culturally grounded approaches, which provide emotional release while resonating with familiar traditions, are particularly beneficial for children, survivors of gender-based violence, and individuals with chronic health conditions.

How does India’s approach to art therapy compare to Western models?

Globally, particularly in Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, art therapy is widely implemented in clinical and educational settings (Case & Dalley, 2014). In India, however, institutional frameworks and public awareness of art therapy are still evolving.


What makes the Indian approach distinctive is the integration of culturally rooted practices, which combine modern psychological methods with traditional creative techniques. For example, mandala drawing is often used alongside cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals manage stress and improve focus (Rao, 2020).

What techniques are commonly used in Indian art therapy programs?

Common techniques in Indian art therapy programs include painting and drawing, music therapy, dance and movement therapy, drama and storytelling, and mandala art therapy. These approaches have been implemented in expressive arts therapy initiatives such as the Praanah/Bhaktiveda workshops, which integrate art, dance, music, and storytelling to promote community healing (Praanah, 2019), and Anantaraa ABT, which employs visual arts, drama, songs, rhythm, and movement to support trauma-exposed populations (HEAL Foundation, Anantaraa, 2017).

How are NGOs applying art therapy to support survivors of GBV and vulnerable populations?

Art therapy is increasingly gaining popularity in India, particularly among NGOs supporting survivors of violence, individuals with mental health disorders, and children with special needs.


For example, the Protsahan India Foundation in Delhi, through its “Healing with Art” program, has rescued and reintegrated approximately 1,800 girls affected by abuse and violence and reaches around 90,000 girls annually in urban slum communities. The program uses dance, storytelling, mandala and mixed-media painting, theatre, and photography to help children process trauma and rebuild their sense of self (Protsahan, 2023).


Similarly, since 2014, APSA’s Suraksha Open Shelter in Bengaluru has provided shelter, medical care, counselling, and creative therapies to roughly 300 teenage girls and young women who have experienced sexual abuse. Beyond offering immediate psychosocial support, these interventions reflect survivor-centered, trauma-informed practices that foster resilience and restore dignity (APSA, 2023).


Participants' quotes frequently emphasize how art therapy gives them a new language of healing. "I could express the pain I could not put into words through painting," said one participant from a community program.

What challenges does art therapy face in India?

Despite its growing popularity, art therapy in India continues to face several challenges, including limited integration in hospitals, low awareness among medical professionals, and the absence of formal certification programs (Gupta & Singh, 2021). Expanding its role within the Indian mental health framework will require increased research, professional training, and institutional support.


Forms of Art Therapy & Their Benefits:


Forms of Art Therapy

Benefits

Drawing/Painting

Emotional release and self-expression

Dance Therapy

Improved body awareness and stress reduction

Music Therapy

Enhanced mood and memory support

Drama/Storytelling

Safe role-play and exploring identity

Mandala Art

Mindfulness and inner calm

In summary, art therapy is an emerging field in India that draws on both modern psychological approaches and traditional art forms. It provides individuals across all ages and communities with a nonverbal means of self-expression, healing, and resilience. Expanding training and certification programs, integrating art therapy into healthcare and educational systems, and raising public awareness could help reach more trauma survivors and vulnerable populations in the country. Linking these initiatives to national frameworks such as the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) would enhance policy support and ensure sustainable, long-term implementation (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare [MoHFW], 2014).


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