Visual Arts Therapy (VA) is a therapeutic modality for improving mood, improving wellness and enhancing performance in the visual arts. It involves a blend of music, movement, dance and technology to promote recovery. The brain's neurological structure and neural pathways are highly complex and VA practitioners use a variety of tools to stimulate and strengthen these neural pathways. By doing so, patients experience increased alertness and enhanced focus as well as an improved sense of well-being.

According to the American Psychological Association, "VA is an effective, noninvasive treatment that can be used by people who have brain injuries or other forms of neuromuscular or cognitive deficits." People who suffer from stroke, head trauma or brain aneurysm are good candidates for visual art therapy segunda graduação em artes visuais EAD. Patients with psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or post-traumatic stress disorder should also consider visual therapies to improve their mood and recovery. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, "Singing, dancing and other visual arts activities are powerful treatments for deaf and hard of hearing people. They can be used in various settings and to create positive change."

In the past, visual arts and design were associated with theater. Today, many visual artists and designers are creating stage presentations as well as films, video shorts and corporate training videos. Visual art and visual culture are being utilized for educational and non-profit programs. Many cultural arts organizations are finding innovative ways to communicate messages of inclusion and diversity to a wide range of audiences.

Some of the benefits of visual arts therapy include the ability to increase attention, creativity and productivity. A visual arts program has been shown to increase job satisfaction among employees as well as decrease staff turnover and improve employee safety. Arts therapy also helps patients improve communication skills, self-esteem and confidence. Because visual art helps people to think critically and creatively, it boosts self-confidence.

There are several types of visual cultures and visual arts, such as theater, film, television, computer animation, video games and stage productions. Visual culture is often described as the "substance" or the "ambient" meaning that the visual art is not included in everyday life. The most popular visual arts are painting, sculpture, photography, dance and theatre. Visuals are sometimes used to convey messages, such as when incorporating music into a painting or sculpture. However, in visual culture, a message is more important than the means of delivering the message.

There are several professional organizations that provide certification in visual therapy. There are also colleges and universities that offer advanced degrees in visual arts therapy. You may want to check out the American Art Therapy Association as this organization is dedicated to the teaching, research and development of visual therapies.