The Therapeutic benefits of Expressive Arts
Art is a powerful form of expression.
We can use art as a way of communicating our thoughts and feelings without having to use words – a kind of symbolic speech – because it has the ability to access our ‘unconscious’ part of ourselves. This is where we bury our pain, hurt, frustrations, anger, fears and difficult memories especially from childhood, birth or even in the womb. Art inevitably tells our personal stories in all their dimensions: our feelings, thoughts, experiences, values and beliefs. In the process of making these visible through art, we are offered a way to know ourselves from a new perspective and an opportunity to transform that perspective. There is no pressure of technical skill or having to produce a beautiful picture, in fact, No experience of art is necessary, just a willingness to have a go.
A wide variety of art materials and mixed media are offered which we can use in a free way. Themes or exercises can also be suggested. Often we find symbols emerging over time that have a particular relevance to our lives, or a single image that can speak volumes. At all times, the environment aims to be safe and nurturing so we can experiment, play and have fun with the different art materials. This provides security so we can express feelings honestly and spontaneously and work through any issues to gain greater self-knowledge. We are able to explore and interpret our own art work to see what it can reveal. This contained freedom can be very liberating.
* * *
Through the therapeutic benefits of art we can generate self-esteem, gain confidence and empower ourselves to be more in control of our life.
All of our desires and all of our answers lie within us, so lets dive in!
NO experience of art is necessary!