Art therapy an effective means in the psychological resilience

Art therapy is a modern way to approach resilience and its beneficial effects in supporting and strengthening the individual's personality, were first observed and subsequently experienced since the 1940s. Since then, art therapy has become an established therapeutic intervention with unexpected positive effects, on the various dimensions of personality. This paper will present the modalities of art therapy as a means of resilience, presents also the principles that guides it and the psychological effects in relation to resilience. If we want to mention some of the issues that respond to the art therapy resilience we can remember: ego support, stimulating the individual development/maturation, better mental organization, ability to withstand the stress, improve self-image and self-confidence, developing intercommunication and overcome anxiety, gain cognitive skills, prevent/improve speech and speech disorders. Art therapy can address all stages of age and persons at risk, such as substance abusers, the marginalized and the elderly. Art therapy involves more communication, self expression and connection. Can be put into action in more forms of art: painting, theater, dance, collage, modeling or photography, creative lyrics, stories and role playing. Being part - more or less - of the whole of means of resilience, art therapy aims to relieve stress or traumatic events, opening to a world of harmony, beauty and balance, contributing to personal development. Education for solving expression-repression conflict is essential in art therapy.