Going to therapy has become far more normalized than it was five years ago. Maybe it has to do with living through a pandemic or something. Whatever the reason, people have realized that their mental health is just as important as their physical health.
Being in therapy reminds people that they no longer need to bottle up what they’re thinking and feeling. But talking thoughts and emotions through with someone is not easy for everyone. If you’re one of them, maybe you should give art therapy a chance.
The practice is a creative way to facilitate healing as patients communicate with their therapists through artistic expression. And no, you don’t actually have to be good at art. That’s not the point. It is about the process as opposed to the result.
Sometimes, words aren’t enough to express how we feel, but creating art offers a different outlet to explore our inner world. Acknowledge what you are feeling in the moment and let it speak through colors. Try and identify what thoughts and feelings come up for you.
At the same time, this type of therapy can boost self-esteem by giving a sense of accomplishment and pride in your work; and also improve cognitive function and focus as it requires us to use our brains in a different way than we might be used to.
There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just grab your paintbrushes, clay, or whatever creative tools you prefer and express yourself.
