Creative Therapy
People often find it difficult to communicate their problems, if they are aware of what the actual problem is. The creative process allows the therapist to utilise a range of techniques (sand play, intuitive art, bubble maps, poetry etc) to delve into different aspects of a person’s life without confrontation. It can help the individual to see deeper patterns, behaviours and problems whilst guiding them towards balance (where do you feel you are vs where do you want to be; where are you putting your focus; what is important to you; how do you just let go?)
What are Creative Therapies?
Music/sound, dance/movement, visual arts, sculpture, drama, sand play and expressive writing can all form part of the creative therapist’s toolkit.
A session may include a structured activity designed to focus on a particular issue, or it may be an activity designed to help build trust, confidence and communication between the client and the therapist.
For each individual and each session, the therapist will choose the activity which they believe is best suited.
What are the benefits?
Creative therapies have been shown to assist with:
- Reducing stress
- Alleviating depression and anxiety
- Reducing boredom
- Improving sleep
- Improving memory
- Developing a sense of purpose
- Creating a sense of community / connectedness
- Finding enjoyment
- Allowing self-expression
- Learning something new
- Developing creativity
- Feeling like you have succeeded
- Having fun
- Allowing expression of thoughts and feelings
- Challenging and developing manual dexterity
What if I don’t like it?
Feeling slightly uncomfortable can be okay. Some therapy activities can be uncomfortable while you are working through them. If you do not like the activity or direction, or are not yet ready to deal with something, you can let us know and we can change direction.
If, after a few sessions, you do not feel like the counsellor/therapist is someone that you can connect with, Journey has a number of other counsellors that you may be able to move to.
If, after a few sessions, you do not feel like the counsellor/therapist is someone that you can connect with, Journey has a number of other counsellors that you may be able to move to.
Do you do ‘normal’ counselling?
Creative therapies are a tool to assist with communication. If you prefer, we can sit and talk or we can talk while we are creating.