Expressive Arts Therapy
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
– Maya Angelou expressive arts therapy
Feeling Overwhelmed by Life's Challenges?
Perhaps you’re struggling with the aftermath of childhood trauma, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or grieving the life you never got to live. You may be reaching for a sense of wholeness, seeking to know your inner self and feel greater aliveness honestly. You know, at some level, there’s a way to break through the pain and find a path toward healing, creativity, and joy – a path that leads to a life that feels authentic, vibrant, and truly your own.
If this speaks to you, take a deep breath and know you’re not alone. Expressive Art therapy can gently guide you to tap into your innate ability to create, heal, and embrace your true self.
What is Expressive Arts Therapy?
Expressive arts therapy can help you tap into your unconscious mind and access the root causes of your struggles. Through creative processes, you can gain more access to your natural insights, develop self-awareness, and cultivate a more compassionate relationship with yourself. By definition, expressive arts therapy is a form of therapy that uses visual arts, music, poetry, and other creative tools to support healing.
If you love to create, express, and find beauty in the world around you, expressive art therapy might be just what you’re looking for.
In our sessions, we will use tools like intuitive drawing, inner parts collage, letter writing, arts journaling, free movement, and music to unleash your creative muse and help you break free from long-standing patterns. In essence, we will use these artistic tools along with other forms of therapy, to help you better express the inexpressible.
The Artist in Us All
“I’m Not an Artist”
I often hear clients say, “I am not an artist,” but this is far from the truth. The truth is, that we are all artists with vast creative impulses. An art therapy approach recognizes your inborn ability to create and use your imaginative nature to heal. Part of the gift of working this way is the opportunity to connect to and claim your natural creative power.
“It Sounds Woo Woo”
Expressive Arts Therapy might seem unconventional compared to traditional talk therapy. However, its effectiveness lies in its ability to bypass the limitations of verbal communication and engage with deeper parts of the psyche. This method has been used for millennia across cultures for healing and connection.
Process Not Product
In our sessions, we’ll focus on the journey of creativity and self-discovery, rather than aiming for a perfect final product. As you dive into the expressive arts process, I’ll guide you to enjoy the act of creating and expressing yourself without worrying about the outcome. This approach helps you become more mindful and attuned to your true nature, freeing you from external expectations.
Art emerges from within, and as you connect with your inner artist, you’ll discover deeper insights about yourself. This journey of self-discovery can lead to transformative growth. By exploring freely, you’ll find what truly brings you joy and fulfillment.
How Expressive Arts Therapy Can Heal Trauma
Art therapy for trauma recovery is truly powerful. The expressive arts have immense healing powers as they move beyond the limited-thinking brain to access the unconscious material that lies below the surface. When a traumatic event occurs, the brain detects the danger and stores this information as a threat in the limbic, emotional part of the brain. Upon re-experiencing trauma triggers, the brain signals threat, inducing symptoms like vigilance, chest tightness, breathing difficulty, negative thoughts, and anxiety.
The creative arts support trauma processing by helping you connect to the non-verbal, visual, and sensory information stored in the limbic system. By engaging in your creative process, you can work with issues that reside beyond language to heal them at the core. Trauma may disconnect you from your senses; art forms help you reconnect. Working with these tools can restore a safe connection to your body sensations and emotions.
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Expressive Arts Therapy & The Brain
In Expressive Arts Therapy, you use your whole brain and bodily senses in the creative process. When you create and make art, you connect with the right hemisphere of the brain—the creative brain. As you ignite this side of the brain, you gain access to feelings, emotions, and memories that aren’t easily expressed verbally.
These creative tools help you access the nonverbal language of creativity, allowing you to express emotions not easily accessible through thought or conversation. Through this process, you may gain insights, awareness, and solutions, finding that issues that bothered you for years begin to untangle.
Discover Your Creative Potential with Expert Guidance
As a creative at heart, beauty is a core value of mine. I believe beauty takes many shapes and forms. I genuinely believe that beauty and creativity are fundamental aspects of the human experience, and that everyone has an innate drive to create and express themselves. We are all creative. We were born to create.
My approach to Expressive Arts Therapy is deeply personal and rooted in this belief. I combine traditional therapeutic techniques with arts therapy tools to create a holistic and personalized experience. My extensive experience allows me to guide clients through their creative journeys with empathy and expertise.
I have helped hundreds of clients reconnect with their inner creativity, process trauma, and gain new insights through Expressive Arts Therapy and art therapy for trauma healing. Many clients have shared feeling more grounded, joyful, and in touch with their true selves after doing in this work.
In their words:
“When I first met with Luna, I struggled to discover my creative and artistic side. I thought I had lost the ability to do art: drawing, painting, or writing. She provided me with creativity prompts and a non-judgemental, safe space, where I was able to embrace my creativity, and allow myself to be present the moment, enjoying the journey of self-discovery. No pressure for deadlines or trying to please anyone but my own inner voice. It feels really good to find that!” – B.P
Q & A
What materials do I need for Expressive Arts Therapy?
If you’re joining me in person, no need to worry about materials—I provide everything you’ll need. For online sessions, starting with basic supplies like paper, colored pencils, markers, or crayons is a great way to begin. If you feel inspired, you can also explore additional materials like watercolors, clay, or digital tools as we progress.
Do I need to have artistic skills?
How often should I attend sessions?
Can Expressive Arts Therapy help with specific issues like anxiety or trauma?
Yes, it can! Expressive Arts Therapy is incredibly effective for a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and more. By engaging in creative processes, you’ll be able to access and express emotions in a powerful way that traditional talk therapy might not reach.
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy. Simply book a free consultation to discuss your needs and how Expressive Arts Therapy can support your healing journey.
