Art and Creativity
Creativity is a necessary process of integrating this complex world and giving our inner 'stuff' a form to be looked at and gently reframed.
Let art be the thread that weaves it all together.
Art for wellbeing
Art- is so much more than drawing a pretty picture! Creativity allows a space of flexibility, playfulness and exploration, and it is here that healing inevitably occurs.
When we were children many of us dived head first into creative activities with no care for the outcome. We were free to play and experience the joy of creation.
As adults, it is much harder to access this space that art allows and when we do, it tends to be more high brow and ego-constrained. We get stuck on how it 'should' look or judge the productivity of our time.
We also struggle to honour the human need for creativity, and prioritise more 'productive' things that we can tick off our to-do list. I know this struggle because it has been mine too.
Many times in my life I have forgotten about art, only to be reminded again and again that I am an artist. My world is always a little darker without creativity, and when I give myself permission to create, it feels like coming home.
I have facilitated arts for wellbeing sessions in a range of community and social care settings, and seen the power of art to enrich spaces with inclusivity, hope and healing.
I am now weaving art into therapy sessions, using mark making in EFT tapping and much more. This is the latest Soul Space tool to be added to the tool kit, but in many ways the most obvious. It was there all along!
What to expect
Following our initial call we will begin sessions together and explore the areas you wish to address. You may have stated a clear interest in using art in sessions together, and if so I will provide this opportunity. This could be solely art sessions or a combination of other tools also.
For in-person sessions I will provide materials, or I may have asked you bring along your journal or sketchbook.
For online sessions you may need some basic materials, but we can work with pen and paper or whatever you have.
A few ways we could use art together...
Sometimes I use gentle mark making and mindful drawing to relax clients into a creative session. This helps us to let go of the analytical mind and restrictions, and soften into a more free and playful state. Getting into the flow of art is a form of trance in itself that can help us access subconscious layers that will help bring clarity.
Picture tapping is an EFT technique where you will be asked to give the 'issue', block or emotion a visual form on paper. You do not need to be a 'good artist' to do this. A squiggle will do! We will tap together whilst working with the image, and revisit it a number of times and see how it makes you feel. This usually results in a series of pictures that are evolving and lead us to the roots of the issue at hand. It can be a movement of energy through each picture you create and a special experience. We are working with art, energy, emotions and clearing blocks!
I may give you creative prompts to work on at home in-between sessions that I ask you to reflect on and share. These can be weaved into sessions too, to support your healing journey and growth.
Creative wellbeing events are a chance to enter a different space and take time to just Be.
