Art Therapy for Borderline Personality Disorder

In managing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), you may find yourself looking at different kinds of BPD therapy. One effective type of BPD therapy that you should consider in the course of your BPD treatment is art therapy. 

Art therapy can be used in conjunction with any kind of group or individual Borderline Personality Disorder therapy in which you are participating. Art therapy is typically offered as one of the many treatment options at a residential or outpatient BPD treatment center.   

Roots of Art Therapy 

Art therapy came to the attention of psychologists early in the 20^th century. The drawings of children were found to be especially useful in determining the characteristics of different developmental stages. 

Psychologists began to realize that what an adult draws, paints, or sculpts can also say a lot about their mental health. By the end of the 20^th century, art therapy was being used in all different settings, from individual therapy sessions to small groups at private art studios. It has been found to be useful for treating a variety of disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. 

Skills Needed for Art Therapy 

You do not need any artistic ability to participate in art therapy. While some people have a talent for depicting life exactly how they see it, that is not the purpose of art therapy. 

Whatever you create — from the colors you choose to the shape of your lines — says something about what you are thinking, even if you are not completely conscious of it. A trained art therapist can help you interpret your artwork to learn more about yourself and what stage you are at in the BPD recovery process. 

How Art Therapy Works in BPD Treatment 

People with Borderline Personality Disorder may find art therapy useful during BPD treatment because of its ability to unearth deep-seated memories and beliefs. Working with your art therapist, your art can express your relationships with others and the emotions you deal with on a daily basis. 

Art therapy can also help you identify patterns of unproductive behavior and grasp the origin of some of your habits of thought. Through the techniques used in art therapy, you will be able to address many of the symptoms of BPD and other underlying issues.