Art Therapy: The Importance of Creating

Author:
Danielle Manning, Therapist Intern

Consider how important communicating is in one's everyday life. Most of the time, we use verbal words to communicate, some folks use American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate, and some people talk while using an array of hand gestures to get their point across. This is how we live—but what if communicating could be more than just gestures and words? There are other ways to give a voice to experiences and a voice to hope.

It Can Look Like Anything!

Art therapy can look and feel like anything. Most of the time, the work itself is silent and meditative. This can look like painting canvases, creating paper flowers, and painting ceramic plant pots—any sort of art that allows us the time to focus quietly. Other times it can be a space to work alongside others and create art in a shared space. Talking is optional!

Communication and Expression

Many times, it can feel like some thoughts are hard to articulate, or some feelings are too big to express. We can use art therapy to channel this into something tangible that we can see and feel. This doesn't have to mean a specific presentation of a feeling—just a way to get those feelings out.

Focusing on the art in front of us allows us to center ourselves and practice concentrating our minds. Art therapy can be a tool for us to relax and destress. During this time, it's natural to feel comfortable talking, or more willing to talk about a hard feeling we're holding onto. Many folks find it easier to open up when they can keep their hands and attention engaged in an activity. Art therapy can be a safe space for sharing these things, whether in a group setting or one-on-one with your therapist.

Choice and Freedom

Over the course of one's life, it's normal to feel like we've lost control over certain things. Art therapy offers us a way to reclaim some of that control—even if it's on a small scale. During art therapy we have control over the art we create, how we express our internal feelings, and how we choose to share those feelings externally.

In cases of recovering from trauma, many find art therapy particularly useful for reintegrating choice back into their lives. When choice and freedom are taken from a person, it can be hard to relearn those concepts in everyday life. Even tasks that might be labeled "simple" can feel difficult. Art therapy welcomes the freedom to choose what activities to do, what projects to work on, and even what colors to use in our art. It's a practice in reclaiming agency, one brushstroke at a time.

Ready to explore what art therapy can do for you?

At Open Space, we believe in meeting you where you are—and sometimes that means setting aside words altogether. If you're looking for a new way to process, express, or simply be, reach out to learn more about our art therapy services. Schedule your first session or a consultation today and discover what's possible when you give yourself permission to create.