Expressive Arts Therapy

Have you every been told that you’re really self-aware? Or maybe you’re just really good at talking analyzing your emotions?

While being self-aware is helpful, many of us use it as a tool to further distract us from the real work- actually feeling our feelings. This means that that emotion you’ve been analyzing- the one that you’ve been throwing all the coping skills and self-care activities at- is asking for something different from you. It may be asking to just be felt. Embraced, even.

Person using expressive art therapy for anxiety and trauma, covered in paint

So, what even is Expressive Arts Therapy?

I describe Expressive Arts Therapy to my clients as, “using expression and creativity to process and move through our emotional experiences.”

Now, there are plenty more layers to Expressive Arts Therapy, but this may be the initial, most important facet. It provides us with a space to express ourselves- our whole selves- to fully process and feel our experiences, thoughts, worries, fears… Have you ever been in therapy and struggled to fully convey how you’re feeling? The emotions and feelings are there, but you can’t talk about it because the words just aren’t there? It’s possible you would have benefitted from working through those emotions in different ways that weren’t just talking- like art making, movement, or rhythm.

Have you ever felt frustrated…

Because you know, you truly understood something- “I shouldn’t be anxious because I know it’s going to turn out okay.” “I understand why that had to happen and that I don’t need to feel upset.” “I know longer believe that xyz is a sin, and that I shouldn’t be ashamed.”- but for some reason you still feel it. You still feel anxious or upset or ashamed?

That’s because you’ve done the hard work of understanding a situation, learning about your emotions, or addressing old beliefs. But, the next step of actually feeling and expressing those emotions to their fullest extent has yet to be done.

We can’t just “think away” our emotions.

So, when it comes to trauma or other emotionally difficult situations, expression becomes so much more important! Talk therapy generally addresses the part of our brain responsible for analyzing and cognitively processing a trauma. This is an important component to healing, but it shouldn’t be the end. Expressive Arts Therapy can step in to help you address the part of your brain where your emotions are stored.

Nature and Art Therapy sculpture using found materials for anxiety and trauma

If you’re ready to start to move through and beyond your emotional hurts, then I’d love to talk with you. Click below to schedule a free 15 minute consultation, where you’re able to ask more questions and we can make sure we’d be a good fit!

I can’t wait to talk with you.

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FAQs

  • ALL are! Painting, writing, clay, collaging, mask making. Making or listening to music. Dancing and moving our bodies. If it’s a creative way for you to express yourself, chances are it falls under the umbrella of “expressive arts therapy”.

  • I hear you. I’ve felt the same way! You’ll never see my art being sold or displayed at galleries. But, that isn’t the point of expressive arts therapy. We care more about the process- you as the client being able to try out different forms of art in order to feel and express your emotions more. My goal is for you to be able to express yourself, regardless of what the final outcome looks like.

  • That’s okay! You’ll never be pressured to work with a material. My only job is to let you know what is available to you or what might be helpful for you at a certain time. You get to say yes or no or “maybe later…” to any suggestion.

I am certified in Expressive Arts Therapy through the Northwest Creative & Expressive Arts Institute.

I am currently working with a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist supervisor.