Art therapy: healing through creativity
“Art is the greatest asset to mental health I have; it has this amazing ability to go under the radar and it goes down little pathways which are un-trodden and yet it’s still a very legitimate way of thinking and feeling and getting on with your life.”
— Grayson Perry
Art has long served as a profound form of self-expression. It allows individuals to tap into emotions in a unique way, becoming an often (and unexpectedly) cathartic experience. When art is used therapeutically, it is a powerful tool for healing trauma, articulating pain and navigating life’s challenges. If you feel stuck and want to implement change in your life, embracing art therapy can be incredibly beneficial for your wellbeing.
We are born to create. So when we turn to forms of art, we are connected on a deeper level. It doesn’t matter how we tell our stories, whether it’s painting or drawing, but the act of making art plays a huge role in art therapy. The symbols that appear on a canvas have their own meaning (which are later interpreted by a therapist) and help you enter a more spiritual state. As the name suggests, art therapy blends both art and therapy. It offers a safe space, free from judgement, for anyone to honestly express, explore and learn. It can be a freeing experience to channel feelings, thoughts and emotions and make them easier to address.
Who can benefit from art therapy
Humans are all different in how they interact with themselves and others. Some find it easier, some find it complex. Art therapy is a non-verbal way for expressing a variety of emotions, no matter how uncomfortable or overwhelming they can be. The process is a liberating release of difficult emotions and is especially beneficial for those who find it tricky to communicate their feelings through words. Art therapists have a way of interpreting the symbolism behind the artwork, making deeper connections to the individuals and enabling them to share their thoughts in a new and comfortable way. This self-exploration, whereby we are encouraged to explore thoughts, release emotions, and gain insight into ourselves, reflects how art therapy can benefit each and every one of us.
“I know that when I finish a drawing, my anxiety level decreases. When I draw it means that something bothers me, but I don’t know what it is. So it is the treatment of anxiety.” — Louise Bourgeois
Art therapy and anxiety go hand-in-hand. The process of making art is a therapeutic act in itself. It takes you out of your head and away from daily pressures and the stressors you might be experiencing at that moment. Instead you are immersed in the creativity of art making - something which calms the nervous system and in turn promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety and diminishes stress levels. All of which contribute to better wellbeing in the long run. In entering this meditative state, whereby your heart rate lowers, it helps you to find the beauty in whatever difficult times you are experiencing, allowing you to handle traumatic experiences and draw inspiration from them. This is a truly unique and beautiful way of understanding your struggles and overcoming them.
At Ora Collective, we are avid believers of art therapy because it aligns so well with our holistic approach to health. It uses creativity to address emotional, cognitive and physical aspects of your wellbeing. Who is art therapy good for? Everyone! It has the power to transform! We all experience trauma, grief and life transitions - art therapy is a wonderful tool for connecting the mind and body in order to explore these feelings and expressing them in a unique and profound way. Art therapy harnesses the healing potential of your innate artistic expression to support you on your journey to better mental, physical and emotional wellbeing.
For more info, try our Intuitive Painting class with medical doctor and art therapist, Thuli Wolf.