What Art Therapy can Teach Us During Lockdown
While working at a mental health and addiction service in Melbourne, I was invited to work with an art therapist. As a trainee support worker, I was asked to join in with the practice, since this would be the only (and best) way to understand what art therapy was all about.
As I stepped into a colourfully decorated room, surrounded by art covering every free surface, I was unsure what to expect. As the session began, I found myself completely absorbed by the process - my professional headspace put aside as my personal thoughts started to present themselves on the paper.
It was at this moment that I realised the power of visual expression.
What is art therapy?
According to The British Association of Art Therapists, ‘Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of expression and communication’.
The process allows participants to:
- Explore emotions and feelings
- Help reconcile past or present conflicts
- Improve self-awareness
- Tune into the present
How these principles can help us in times like these
It can be tricky to articulate yourself sometimes. Especially during this period of uncertainty and stress. Add to that a zillion thoughts competing for your attention. Art allows you to put pen, pencil and paint to paper and express your emotions in another way.
Just to note, a practice can only be called art therapy if its carried out by a qualified art therapist. But, that’s not to say you can’t take some of its key principles and apply them at home.
Recognise how you feel before getting arty
A lot of art therapists will start a session asking a few open-ended questions to gauge how the participants are feeling. This can help the therapist suggest an activity or point the participant towards an art medium that suits their needs.
Before you get started, pick three words to describe how you feel. Try not to think too much into it, but roll with what comes to mind in that very moment. These words can help guide your art session, and/or help with heightened self-awareness.
Typically, art therapy sessions will be held in a group setting. Concentrating on an activity can offer a central focus to a social interaction, which can ease anxious feelings about being around other people. It can also offer the potential for new conversation topics. Obvious topics might be about art or other creative outlets. Other conversations topics such as how you’ve been feeling lately or a problem you’re experiencing, can also typically arise.
You’re ready to start, but what to paint?
I don’t know about you, but mind blanks are a common occurrence in my household!
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Create a collage of a happy memory — use magazine cuttings, multiple art mediums (paints, pencils, pastels), words and symbols.
- Visualise a diary entry or what you are grateful for — you could opt for a mind-map style piece or an abstract representation.
- Paint a natural setting (think beaches, forests, mountains) to put in your home as a visual cue for when you might be feeling worried, stressed or low.
- Choose your favourite colour and use this as a starting point — explore associations with this colour and start putting these to paper.
Remember that anything can be considered art and this process isn't about artistic skill, it’s about an opportunity for expression and exploration.
Art therapy is about being reflective and by doing so, offering the participant personal insight. Take this thought with you as you get creative at home.
Think about your emotional state before you start and consider how you feel during and afterward.
Do you feel relieved from some of your racing thoughts? Do you feel more aware of how you currently feel?
