The Transformative Power of Art Therapy

We talked about sleep benefits and some new things you can incorporate to create a better sleep environment . This week , we're going to talk about how various forms of art can help you heal . What is art therapy ? It's the therapeutic use of art making to address psychological issues and improve well-being .

Or a simpler definition is a form of therapy that uses the creative process of making art to enhance emotional , mental and even physical well-being . In art therapy , you may paint , draw , sculpt or create a collage to greatly express your feelings and experiences , under the guidance of a trained art therapist .

It's not about creating a masterpiece , but using art as a means of self-expression and healing . It differs from traditional talk therapy by using the creative process itself as a means of insight and personal growth . It's not just about analyzing your art , but about the soothing , meditative act of creating that's relaxing and reduces stress .

Art seems to tap into the mind-body connection , which is the way our body responds to the way we think , act and feel . When you're creating , the chatter of the mind ceases , providing a sense of calm . Art therapy engages both our analytical left brain and our intuitive right brain , providing a space where we can express ourselves .

Through art , you can communicate what's deep within , bridging the gap for communication for those who struggle to put their thoughts into words . It encourages non-verbal forms of self-expression , which is so freeing . Art can permeate the very deepest part of us where no words exist , anonymous .

Not only does art therapy reduce stress , it can help us relax or unwind , but can also help us process and heal wounds , allowing us to regain emotional balance . The act of creating can boost our self-esteem and self-worth . When we create and complete our works of art , this can instill a sense of accomplishment and pride , helping us rebuild our self-esteem .

Putting your feelings into a painting or sculpture creates catharsis or relief . The art becomes an emotional outlet to process trauma , anxiety , grief or depression . Creating art is also simply fun and uplifting the surge of dopamine or our happy gene releases during the creative process , counteracting the effects of depression and anxiety .

Finished pieces also provide a sense of creation . I created this somewhat . It kind of looks like this or that , which is fun . The last time I did a painting and sip class , it was fun because my painting looked absolutely nothing like the original , but I didn't care . I was out and about enjoying the company of others , laughing and having a great time .

But in the end I created my masterpiece , which is hanging in our basement today . Art therapy is an empowering and life-affirming process that can help us find inner peace . Anonymous . Here's the thing you don't necessarily need a therapist to experience the benefits of art therapy . You can practice it at home .

I was on social media one day and these three young ladies came across my kind life . They are from the Netherlands , a set of twins and a sister . They love to dance . I enjoyed watching them dance to old-school music , so I went down to rabbit hole watching and they reminded me of how much I enjoyed dancing .

I love dancing so much that y'all I wanted to be a backup dancer for MC Hammer and I said to myself I'm going to dance , I'm going to hold my mini concerts in my house and just dance . It's nothing fancy . I put on music and just groove to it . It gets me moving , helps to close my Apple Plus rings and plus . I love it .

It also reminded me how much I enjoy music . My love for music knows no bounds . If it sounds good or soothes my soul , I am listening to it and adding to my playlist . These two forms of art are so therapeutic that when we put them together they are double threat .

They melt away your sadness and elevate your mood , and in my mini-bathroom concerts , they remind me of days when I dreamed and enjoyed life Together . They are the perfect mind-body connection . It helps melt away stressors and releases frustration and tension while creating a moment of joy . Now other simple forms of art or adult coloring books who knew right ?

And the tried and true form of journaling . Both allows us to communicate or express ourselves through creative writing , self-reflection and coloring . Both journaling and coloring engage the relaxation response , with its the repetitive , low-stress motions that often induce a relaxed , meditative state . That also what relieves anxiety , stress and depression .

As with journaling or the art of writing things out , it can be cathartic and help unload pent-up feelings and emotions we never thought we had . Art therapy may not be for everyone . For many , picking up a paintbrush or transferring clay into a work of art may not be your cup of tea . But art builds self-awareness and nurtures your soul .

It heals your mind , body and spirit , making it a powerful therapeutic tool . Mindful moment . The goal of creative therapy is to use the healing power of art to address our mental health by building self-awareness , developing coping skills and finding joy in creative expression . Throughout the years I have tried various forms of art therapy .

At that time I fully didn't understand the concept of it and didn't continue with it until when I was back at square one , starting over from another setback and asking myself or having my therapist ask me how's the journaling going ? Or are you even journaling ?

Or how's coloring , coming along , are you getting out the house , all the things I told myself I was going to do and what my therapist suggests I do . The truth was I needed to do more internal work . I had to see that there was more to this than just coloring in a Mandela or a spiritual coloring book .

It's more than just finding a cute journal with a powerful statement on the front , cute pens to write with and all the blinged-out accessories for my journal . Now I still bling it out because that's what I do , but it was about finding what I enjoyed doing and releasing the pressures of the day , week or month , I found what I liked . I loved to dance .

I loved listening to my music and coloring , whether within or outside the lines . I enjoyed my puzzles and rubbing my hands in the pretty beads in our sink to calm my nerves . Art works if you apply yourself and are mindful of your feelings , thoughts and emotions while creating . So now , when I journal , I let it flow . When I color , I just go with it .

When I have my mini bathroom concerts , I dance like everyone's watching and I am the backup dancer for MC Hammer . Because this works for me , I feel so much better afterwards . Art therapy may not be for you Now . Think of a creative outlet you enjoyed when you were younger , or what you want to explore in the new space you are in and go for it .

There are so many avenues I want to try and my girlfriends are down for it . Let's open ourselves up to our healing power through mindful creativity , and our chosen form of art to heal .

I hope you've enjoyed this conversation . I'm your host , Shannon Martin . Join us next Wednesday when we talk about Breaking Free From Loneliness . If you enjoyed today's episode , please share , leave a review or Apple podcast or give us a rating . We appreciate you . Disclaimer I am not a licensed mental health professional .

The information provided here is for general information . It should not be considered a substitute for professional mental health advice , diagnosis or treatment . If you need help , please consult a qualified mental health professional .