Incorporating expressive arts into therapy is a journey of self-discovery through various creative outlets, whether that be drawing, painting, collage, photography, sculpting, music, poetry, movement, or dance.
While verbal expression of thoughts and emotions is an essential part of therapy, there are times when words fall short, or when we struggle to confront certain thoughts and feelings. This is where non-verbal forms of therapy can offer valuable insights and healing. Part of the therapeutic process is awakening creativity—finding joy, peace, and happiness. This is where creativity and therapy beautifully intersect.
Neurobiological research reveals that emotional memories and traumatic sensory experiences are stored in the limbic system and the right hemisphere of the brain, alongside non-verbal experiences such as images, bodily sensations, and emotions. Expressive therapies like Sandplay, Therapeutic Art, SoulCollage® are believed to be effective ways to access unconscious material locked in the limbic system, bringing it into consciousness where it can be reprocessed and resolved.
When engaging in art within a therapeutic context, the focus isn’t on the beauty of the artwork or the precision of grammar and punctuation in a song or poem. The art serves as a tool for letting go, expressing, and releasing, it’s a personal journey that taps into emotional depth. It’s about the process, not the product.
Art interventions are versatile and can be used with adults, adolescents, and children, always considering the comfort levels and unique needs of each individual.
While verbal expression of thoughts and emotions is an essential part of therapy, there are times when words fall short, or when we struggle to confront certain thoughts and feelings. This is where non-verbal forms of therapy can offer valuable insights and healing. Part of the therapeutic process is awakening creativity—finding joy, peace, and happiness. This is where creativity and therapy beautifully intersect.
Neurobiological research reveals that emotional memories and traumatic sensory experiences are stored in the limbic system and the right hemisphere of the brain, alongside non-verbal experiences such as images, bodily sensations, and emotions. Expressive therapies like Sandplay, Therapeutic Art, SoulCollage® are believed to be effective ways to access unconscious material locked in the limbic system, bringing it into consciousness where it can be reprocessed and resolved.
When engaging in art within a therapeutic context, the focus isn’t on the beauty of the artwork or the precision of grammar and punctuation in a song or poem. The art serves as a tool for letting go, expressing, and releasing, it’s a personal journey that taps into emotional depth. It’s about the process, not the product.
Art interventions are versatile and can be used with adults, adolescents, and children, always considering the comfort levels and unique needs of each individual.
