With anyone who has experienced different forms of cognitive therapy, for mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress and depression, they are often suggested to purchase “colouring books” or illustration ones. Colouring is actually a form of self-soothing and self-healing, alternate therapy.
‘Art Therapy’ is considered to be a technique used as a creative self-expression that can encourage one’s healing process in a more positive manner and clear one’s conscience through therapeutic means. Art that is created or viewed by individuals can help them explore their range of emotions, create more self-awareness, cope with stress, and boost self-esteem. It is an activity that lets you express yourself while also being mindful and mindfulness can be one of the most calming states of mind if practiced regularly.
“The goal of art therapy is to utilize the creative process to help
people explore self-expression and, in doing so, find new ways to gain
personal insight and develop new coping skills.”
Art therapy includes activities such as drawing, painting, coloring and sculpting. Exploring one’s art can encourage people to understand the themes and conflicts that may be influencing or triggering their emotions, thoughts (subconscious) and behaviors. Many feel and assume that they need to possess the abilities of an artist in order to divulge into expressing themselves but that is not the case. All you need to do is choose which form of art therapy you feel most inclined towards and begin, whether through paper, pencil, colours or even clay!
Positive results can be achieved by being consistent with the form or forms of art therapy that you choose; overtime, one may experience a decrease in feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, post-traumatic stress, attention deficit hyperactivity, eating disorders and so on. The biggest challenge people feel when it comes to art therapy and many other things is to begin; adults specifically believe they are not talented enough to make something beautiful but the idea is not to create something beautiful, the idea is to create something, to create what you feel, to put your emotions down on paper in the form of colors and shapes or even in abstract.
The idea is to be consistent and not instantly expect results, it is the process of the mind and emotions, both of these need ample time which is the best thing one can do for themselves, to give themselves time and no expectations of the healing progress.
Art is a means of communication so why not learn how to communicate with yourself, to yourself and for yourself.