Art therapy is much more than a catharsis. It is a way to process and a way to change. Art therapy is utilized around the community and state. Moodswingers is a community group that employs art therapy for those suffering from depression. Gates has seen the effect art therapy has had on inmates who volunteer for the program correction facility inTopeka.
Art therapy is about meaning.
Now I know what my moods are, and I can tell when they're going to change. This is not restricted to a particular group of people. But of course you tailor what you do to what's appropriate for the person you're working with. Gates said art therapy isn't a guarantee. I think that's invaluable.