By Michelle Winkel, MA, ATR, RCAT, REAT
Michelle is a registered Canadian art therapist and clinical supervisor with the Proulx Global Education and Community Foundation.
- It calms your mind and body.
The sensory experience of making things, whether swinging your arm vigorously to make pencil marks across the page or building a cardboard sculpture with masking tape and wire, calms the nervous system and shifts attention away from the underlying thoughts and fears that cause worry. Creativity often gives rise to hope and replaces more difficult feelings.
- It encourages self- expression.
Connecting with yourself happens naturally when making art. A deeper, more resonant self underneath the worry and fear is your true nature. In the presence of a supportive, trained art psychotherapist, this self-expression can bring insight and meaning in a safe environment.
- It Increases self-awareness.
Making non-verbal images allows you to express complicated and difficult memories and experiences which words sometimes cannot reach. The artwork creates a safe space where emotions can be processed. The symbolism of the artwork often creates a manageable distance from the challenging events or thoughts causing anxiety.
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