Subconsciously Conscious: The Mechanism of Therapeutic Function of Traditional Chinese Freehand Painting

Traditional Chinese painting has long adhered to the artistic spirit and creative approach of "freehand brushwork". This strengthens the subjectivity of painters, shifting from "spontaneous expression" to "conscious awareness", and fosters a spiritual connection between the "individual" and "nature". As a result, it offers therapeutic benefits for both physical and mental well-being, aligning logically and methodologically with the modern concept of "making the unconscious conscious" in art therapy. From the perspective of "freehand brushwork", this paper explores the functional mechanisms and internal principles of traditional Chinese painting in art therapy. Then, it proposes a therapeutic framework composed of "external assistance", "mutual assistance", and "self-help", underpinned by the principle of informed consent. By categorizing and tailoring treatment plans with specific focuses, this approach aims to improve both accessibility and universality, contributing to the development of a culturally grounded and original Chinese art therapy system.