Specialized therapies
Creative Arts Therapy
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Excellent 4.6 out of 5 434 Google reviews across our locations
What clients say
Trusted by clients across Texas
4.6 from 434 Google reviews across 9 locations
Across Nova Recovery Center, Briarwood Detox Center and Eudaimonia Recovery Homes
★★★★★
“Nova is far from perfect, and some of the information can be misleading. But if you want to cover the 12 Steps while enjoying good food and a beautiful scenic view, this is the place for you. The…”
10 months ago · Wimberley
★★★★★
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2 years ago · Wimberley
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“I went to Nova almost 9 months ago and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The staff when I first entered were very nice and welcoming. As a 19 year old that didn’t know what I was getting myself…”
2 years ago · Austin
★★★★★
“Nova Recovery Center has been an invaluable part of my journey to sobriety. The intensive inpatient program, coupled with the unwavering support and guidance from my recovery specialist, Mark Rector…”
2 years ago · Austin
★★★★★
“I had such a positive experience at Nova Recovery in Wimberley! The staff genuinely cares and went above and beyond to support me every step of the way. The peaceful setting made it easier to focus…”
a year ago · Wimberley
★★★★★
“I love Nova so freaking much. Nova has saved my life in more ways than one. I was hopeless and had no solution suffering from this disease. The staff there never gave up on me. I was the worst client…”
2 years ago · Austin
★★★★★
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8 months ago · Austin
★★★★★
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2 years ago · Austin
How Does
Harnessing the Healing Power of Creativity in Drug and Alcohol Rehab
Get Help Today.
What creative arts therapy is
Creative arts therapy uses creative work, painting and origami among it, to help people express and understand themselves, relax, and experience recovery rather than only think about it.
It is particularly useful for people who have experienced trauma or loss, and in substance abuse treatment it works as a non-traditional outlet for expression, conscious and unconscious.
Artistic skill is not required. What matters is the process, not whether the result is any good.
- What it uses
- Painting, origami and other creative work
- Helps most with
- Trauma and loss
- Skill needed
- None
- Evidence
- A Journal of Addiction Nursing study
This is one therapy among several in the program. Admissions can tell you which ones your plan would include.
How Does Creative Art Therapy Assist in Addiction Treatment?
In creative arts therapy sessions, clients use familiar and new materials to explore their emotions, experiences, and challenges. The goal isn’t to create perfect art, it’s to express feelings and gain insight. As clients engage in the creative process, they begin to lower emotional walls and find healthier ways to communicate. Artistic skill isn’t required. What matters is the effort and reflection during the activity. Often, clients leave feeling proud or surprised by what their artwork reveals, gaining self-awareness and emotional relief.
Are There Studies For Creative Art Therapy in Addiction Treatment?
A study published in the Journal of Addiction Nursing found that incorporating art and music therapy programs was associated with more positive results than programs that did not offer these therapies. Both art and music therapy encourage you to express yourself through creating art and experiencing music. The arts are strongly tied to emotion and emotional responses. Through art therapy you are more likely to explore your emotions and express them through another outlet in addition to talk therapy.
Benefits of Creative Arts Therapy
- Increases self-esteem
- Improves physical, emotional, and mental well-being
- Helps clients work through or resolve personal issues
- Assists in teaching clients how to manage their behaviors and feelings
- Improves self-awareness
- Increases clients’ abilities to cope with symptoms of stress and anxiety
Creative Arts Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Creative arts therapists lead individual and group sessions during rehab. They use art directives and assessments to spark meaningful dialogue, formally or informally.
For example, a therapist might prompt a Bridge Drawing exercise. Clients then discuss past experiences, future goals, challenges, spirituality, and their confidence in recovery. We introduce this tool early and revisit it throughout treatment.
Clients complete various art projects to build problem-solving, stress-reduction, and help-seeking skills. These also support practical coping strategies.
Example activities include:
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Origami
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Collage
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Mandala creation
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Art journaling
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Scribble drawings
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Mindful doodling
During discussions, clients explore the emotional process behind their work and connect those challenges to issues like emotional regulation, stress, or substance use.
We also incorporate reflective distancing. Clients create art, write about it for five minutes, then share it with the group. This method helps clients notice hidden emotions, reflect on their work, and gain insight into handling tough feelings or concepts.
Call (512) 605-2955 to verify your benefits.
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We accept most major insurance
Most major insurance covers treatment here
We'll check your benefits for free and tell you what you'd actually pay, before you commit to anything.
Takes about 2 minutes · No obligation · Or call (512) 605-2955
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What Makes Us Different
- Gender-specific treatment
- Evidenced-based treatment
- 12-Step immersion
- 90-day residential treatment
- Family program
- Full continuum of care
- Insurance and private pay
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Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help. Please call or fill out this form for a confidential consultation.
One of our understanding, dedicated advisors will contact you about your options. Begin healing today.
Nova Recovery Center is dedicated to helping you or your loved one get help. Please call or fill out this form for a confidential consultation. One of our understanding, dedicated advisors will contact you about your options. Begin healing today.
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Admissions are answered 24 hours a day by a person, not a queue. We will check your benefits for free and tell you what treatment would actually cost.
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