The Role of Art Therapy in Healing Mental Health Issues

Kato Nabirye H.

Faculty of Business, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD have long been part of the human experience, with healing methods evolving through history. Among modern treatment approaches, art therapy has emerged as a powerful tool for addressing these challenges. Art therapy combines creative expression with psychological treatment, facilitating emotional release, self-discovery, and personal growth. This paper examines the therapeutic benefits of art, its role in mental health healing, and evidence-based practices that demonstrate its efficacy. It also discusses case studies that highlight the transformative power of art therapy in real-life contexts. The study aims to further understand how art therapy can complement traditional therapeutic practices and offer new pathways to mental health healing.

Keywords: Art Therapy, Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Emotional Release, Self-Discovery, Creative Expression.

CITE AS: Kato Nabirye H. (2025). The Role of Art Therapy in Healing Mental Health Issues. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES, 6(1):37-41. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJRMS/2025/6.1.374100