What is art therapy?
Long before we learn how to speak, we learn how to express ourselves through visual art making. We all begin to create artworks with baby food for example. Even if we forgot all about it, I doubt there is anyone who did not get to paint the table or walls with mashed-up carrots.
Through drawing and the use of crayons later on (most often messy and outside the lines, because that is the right way to do it 😊), we continued to learn about the world and ourselves. Some of us even got exhibition space on the fridge.
As adults, art making can help us get back to the practice of play and that primal way of relating to the world, allowing us to access the deeper parts of ourselves, and safely explore a wide range of feelings and experiences.
Art therapy helps us express what we may find difficult to express in words. It allows us to find relief from challenging emotions and the faulty stories we tell ourselves by converting them into something beautiful instead.
Combined with a mindfulness meditative practice, it also encourages us to be more anchored in the present moment by connecting us to what is alive in our body, mind, and spirit.
It is a journey within that helps us discover ourselves and cultivate self-compassion a little bit more each time. The pieces of art we create will become reminders of our inner strength and the ability to transcend what hurts.
When sharing art making in a group setting, we also inspire and support each other in our process.
As a bonus, we deepen the joy of making art and give our inner artist their rightful place in our lives.
What is not?
- It is not used as a diagnosis tool
- It is not a space for seeking advice, but rather a process of accessing our inner wisdom through the expression and release of emotions
- It is not an art class meant to teach us artistic skills