As the world gets more and more saturated with information which forces us to constantly use our intellect – leading to overwhelm, stress and anxiety; the arts call on a different side of us, one that can counterbalance this overuse. Art Therapy brings back flexibility, fluidity, helps us destress, soften and connect with our heart, not just the head. Why the arts? Because our ability to express in images what cannot put into words is innate, we know it and do it effortlessly as children but forget it as we become adults. This forgetting or losing touch with our inner world leads to a drying up and disconnect from ourselves. Reconnecting to our creativity and learning how to express through colours and gestures can restore and rejuvenate us. It doesn’t require any talent or experience. Not only is Art Therapy a health giving practice but also a preventative one.

If you tend to think a lot, over intellectualise and solve everything with your mental forces then art therapy can bring relief and a way to connect back with other ways of knowing. If you do not feel comfortable talking about your issues but feel the need for expression and release then it is for you. If art intrigues you and you want to learn more about yourself through it then it is for you.

This form of Art Therapy helps in balancing our thinking, feeling and actions and discovering a more harmonious way of operating. It builds a bridge between the head and the heart. By guiding us to trust the wisdom of the heart it helps us develop a sense of acceptance for the way things are, resilience to stay in the unknown and the courage to work on developing neglected sides of ourselves.

Everyone is creative and artistic even if they do not know it or think otherwise. No experience or talent is necessary for Art Therapy. The class is guided and as you work with the simple watercolours based technique, slowly understanding and new skills are gained. The process of art therapy is centerstage and more important than the outcome, even though the results might be a pleasant surprise .

I offer a free trial class for you to experience an art therapy session. I begin with a chat to understand your requirements and give you a prompt to paint after which we have a brief discussion to see if the medium feels right for you. Together we chart a path for you. Read more here artandtherapyloft.com

Whether you are interested in self development or have therapeutic needs, Art Therapy has a lot to offer. Connect with me to set up a trial and I take the time to answer all your questions once you have experienced one session.