Exploring the Self Through Art Therapy

There are moments when we feel as if our feelings spiral out of control, leaving us trapped in our own bubble of confusion. There are certain moments where we feel lost, as though we are just wandering without any direction, unsure of how to process our emotions or how to make sense of our thoughts. Our feelings may become chaotic, leaving us isolated in a blurry haze of uncertainty, struggling to make sense of it all. During these specific moments, we just want to shut off our brains and disappear.

We all go through this, but we must find a way to overcome it at the same time. Personally, I often turn to the power of art to help me break free from my bubble of uncertainty. Art therapy is an excellent way to step out of this haze, reconnect with yourself and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

The world of art offers a vast array of creative outlets to explore. My favourite art form is crocheting, the rhythmic and repetitive movements involved induce a calming, almost meditative state. As I focus on each stitch, my mind has space to process thoughts and emotions, leading to a sense of peace.

Mandala art, for example, is incredibly soothing and meditative, helping to quiet the mind and bring a sense of peace and balance. Another fun and innovative technique is dropping watercolour paint onto paper and using a straw to blow it around, creating spontaneous and mesmerizing patterns. This simple yet effective method can be a playful way to release stress while allowing your creativity to flow freely. Each art form brings its own form of comfort, healing, and self-expression.

Another excellent form is clay sculpting, which can be both grounding and calming. The tactile experience of shaping the clay with your hands offers a sense of control and creativity, allowing you to mould and create in a way that feels. In addition to these forms, there are many other creative outlets, and the most effective one truly depends on the individual. What works for one person may not be the best fit for another, so it's about finding the art form that resonates most and offers the greatest sense of healing and expression.

Art therapy is actually a quite profound tool for self-discovery, offering a unique way to explore emotions, thoughts and experiences. When I engage in creative expression, sometimes I notice that my art acts as a mirror to my subconscious, often revealing feelings or patterns I didn’t fully realise were there. Art therapy is something that lets you tap into layers of emotions that might otherwise remain hidden or difficult to articulate with words, using colours, shapes and symbols.

The absolute beauty of art is that it has the ability to let us express feelings that we may not yet have the words or even be aware of. It feels quite liberating to create something without any expectations, simply letting your emotions flow into your artwork. Later, when we reflect on our own work, we might uncover deeper meanings, such as unresolved emotions or hidden strengths we might not know.

Art therapy is a very personal journey of self-exploration, that offers unexpected discoveries, allows us to just be free, express ourselves in ways we thought would not be possible and allows us to reconnect with our inner self. Each piece of art will become a chapter in our ongoing story, providing us with a better insight into our emotional landscape and leading to a path of healing.