How Pinterest Is Helping Improve Mental Health
Therapists are testing photo-sharing network with patients as the newest form of art therapy.
Pinterest, the pinboard-style photo sharing website, is no longer just an outlet for leisurely content sharing. Now therapists are seeing its merits as well, as art therapy evolves to meet the digital age.
Though Pinterest is best known for eye-pleasing images of brides, food, clothing, and other fun pursuits, these “daydream” boards can reflect a deeper meaning when brought into a therapy session. One Maryland relationship counselor, Crystal Rice, analyzes her clients’ Pinterest boards on a week-to-week basis, with her clients, to get an understanding of their emotional state. Though patients may not always be able to articulate their mood verbally, visuals provide an intuitive, alternate way for them to tap into emotion. The extreme simplicity of the Pinterest format makes it easy for patients to engage, and serves as a natural conversation-starter for each session.
Many users find the act of creating Pinterest boards is therapeutic in its own right, but this social tool has made the leap into the actual therapist’s office. Is the inkblot test finally fading away in favor of virtual visual introspection?