When it comes to the nature of therapy there are often misconceptions and questions around what healing is and who facilitates it. Some questions you may ask are: Do I have to sit on a couch and tell my life’s story? Will I connect with the therapist I am assigned to? I’m not physically hurt so how can I heal? There are no right or wrong answers to these questions, rather the answer tends to lie within your own personal experience.
As a Trauma and Art Therapist, I have worked with clients of all ages who struggle to verbalize their emotions and feelings. Having the tools to center your self expression is a part of the healing journey and can provide you with the insight as to what you need to grow into the best version of yourself.
Whether you enjoy painting, drawing, collage, or any other creative form of expression, here are 3 ways art can help you heal with us at Quality Counseling.
1. Art is Therapeutic
The first thing that needs to be acknowledged is that art is and can be therapeutic for many people. Those who struggle with even the most common of mental health issues including (but not limited to) anxiety, sadness, and other chronic traumas can benefit from artistic expression as it is often a tool for navigating the narrative or unspoken truths hidden within the image created. Black folx and people of color often face the difficult task of bearing the weight and stress of traumas passed down through generations and that has contributed to many people finding it difficult to discuss their experiences. Art can be utilized as a non-verbal alternative to or in succession with the traditional forms of talk therapy that are common within the mental health field.
2. Art Enhances the Mind and Body Connection
Art allows for a forging of connection between the mind and body. Exercise, a physical exertion of energy, or meditation, which is a mindful practice of energy clearing offer more physical benefits than artistic expression. With art, you create a space to release and let go that which is hidden within the inner workings of the subconscious. If you’ve ever created a piece of art and cried after you were finished, then you have experienced this first hand. Mind and body are intertwined and that connection remains important to healing as the physical body can be influenced by any internal stressors. When your physical wellness and mental wellness are positive, you will have a more positive outlook and response to things around you.
3. Art as a Spiritual Connector
Whether you grew up following a religion, have deep rooted ancestral ties to spirituality, or are just trying to figure it out, art has always been a space to offer connection to realms held outside of the physical. Colors are often viewed as connectors to auras and chakra work that focuses on alignment and spiritual growth. Spirituality, as it is connected to wellness, supports the ability to overcome adversity, encourages better relationships with oneself and others, and allows for decreasing stress through the development of peace and purpose.
Art has many factors that contribute to it’s ability to heal, but it is the person who yields the artistic expression that harnesses the power carried by art itself. If you believe that art can heal, then it will work for you.
If you believe Art Therapy can be helpful to heal and find balance in your life, book an appointment with me, Alizae Wineglass, Trauma and Art Therapist.