Letting go of things can be hard. Whether it’s past trauma, a loss we are grieving, unhealthy relationships, or destructive thinking, it can be challenging to find the balance between honoring what we have been through but no longer letting it define us. One of the valuable aspects of art therapy is the experiential nature. Beyond talking about something and even visually representing it in the art piece, we can also benefit from the symbolic experience in the creative process. This art … [Read more...]
Making Monsters and Creative Creatures
I recently participated with the South Texas Art Therapy Association in hosting an art-making booth at Maker Faire Austin for the second year. I had so much fun with the art activity that I wanted to share the idea! Some may find this activity helpful and engaging to try with clients in session, others may want to just try it at home as a fun way to jump start your creativity. The art-making activity that we did this year was “Making Monsters and Creative Creatures.” Calendar pages with … [Read more...]
Creating Hope, Growth, and Strength
Spring has arrived here in Texas, so all things growing and changing have been on my mind. As someone who hates winter and loves gardening, I am always so pleased to see those first signs of spring. Even if the weather is still cold and gray for a few more weeks, I eagerly watch the tiny buds, shoots of new green, and first butterflies. One of my favorite things to watch for over the past few years is the blooming of the first bluebonnet in the patch I planted at my house. Bluebonnets (and … [Read more...]
Protective Containers – Using Art To Strengthen The Metaphor
One of the challenges we often face as therapists is how to help clients find the balance between focusing on their emotions or difficult experiences and then being able to put those things away. In therapy we often encourage clients to be more aware of their feelings, honor those emotions, and spend time addressing difficult memories like trauma. However, we also need to give clients the tools to not be overwhelmed by those emotions and memories, be able to turn away from them so that they do … [Read more...]
Is There a Place For Coloring Books in Art Therapy?
What are your thoughts on adult coloring books? Whether you love them or hate them, it seems like the interest in coloring will not be waning any time soon. Many people – both kids and adults – find coloring to be an enjoyable activity, finding that it calms their stress while allowing them to feel proud of their creative accomplishment. I believe that art therapists (and other creative therapists) should consider how coloring can be included in our therapeutic work – recognizing that it has … [Read more...]
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