What is Art Therapy?  How can it benefit people suffering from trauma, anxiety or PTSD?

From my research and listening to qualified Art Therapists I came up with the following description.  It is a process that uses art exercises to enable a person to explore their feelings (pain, anger, frustration, hurt etc) through techniques using drawing, painting, sculpting and making, or even just doodling and scribbling. These artistic expressions allow individuals to freely explore and work through various emotions and express them in a non structured way. Along with music and many other types of activities it  can provide a venue for healing, understanding and eventual restoration.


This type of therapy aims to unlock an individuals perceived identify because of some type of trauma they have experienced and therefore cannot express verbally or by other means like writing it down on paper. They need another avenue.  In essence 'therapy' through the creative art process entails being given a congenial space and a caring 'therapist' to help them express their emotions, thoughts and feelings without being judged. It can help people to look at things in a lateral way instead of the usual default thinking process which is mostly methodical and rational. Often referred to as linear thinking which is characterised by patterns and consistency. But Lateral thinking is intuitive and spontaneous. It focuses on the effectiveness of reaching or obtaining solutions by changing one’s ideas through restructuring, testing, experimenting and exploring. Lateral thinking allows many aspects of one's character to be challenged through a series of creative art exercises.


I believe that each person is created in the image of God. Our distinct individuality, biological differences, like our eyes, hands, fingers etc. are special in each person. Along with one’s character and personality we reflect and portray the dynamic revelation that we are 'fearfully and wonderfully' made human beings. The 'creative spark' is in every human being; active or dormant. Sometimes however due to unforeseen life challenges, it becomes dormant or has been ‘numbed’ due to some type of trauma or deep emotional upheaval. It can manifest physically, mentally and spiritually often causing the loss of ‘self’; being unable to face ones trauma without severe repercussions. These traumatic and often tormenting events can result in depression and anxiety which often results in withdrawing from relationships and 'normal' living.  One is simply not able to  reconnect with people, places, events or even God. Another avenue is required. 


Could a programme that would facilitate healing and restoration through creative and practical art sessions be the answer for some? Perhaps looking at my own exprience would demonstrate that this is indeed possible.

As an artist/crafts person with many years teaching experience I suffered a breakdown a few years ago. During the depths of this disorienting time I lost connection with family, friends and colleagues, resulting in partial separation. Strangely however, this separation  needed to happen in order to bring about a mental transition.


The therapeutic art activities I engaged in began to repair my mind, body and soul. Through actively engaging in creative art projects I gained renewed hope, trust and love from my Father in heaven who I believe directed me to regain  a sense of hope peace and self acceptance. Eventually there was a powerful restoration.


First, however, I had to face many difficulties and challenges like so many with PTSD. A new horizon opened up, when a friend sent a paint set and drawing pad to encourage me to return to the joy, I always had, engaging in creative art projects. It was a game changer; gradually the desire to express myself through drawing began to heal my 'numbed' heart and brain. I could now express thoughts, emotions, ideas; both negative and positive, while drawing/making/sculpting or just doodling freely listening to some favourite music.  Slowly I began to do one minute sketches depicting my mood and feelings.  I even began to draw people, the nurses and patients around me in a 'caricature' format - much to their amusement! Each day I was encouraged by nurses and fellow patients to continue drawing thereby allowing my brokenness to begin healing. The blessing of peace and calmness replaced agitation and restlessness. A new chapter of my life began to unfold.


Helping Others

Once fully restored, I reflected and pondered upon my desire to help others who have suffered from trauma, pain and brokenness. Could I integrate and implement, through various arts and craft projects, a way to encourage change; give hope? Perhaps, I mused, by talking and sharing my own experience with trauma and brokenness, I could offer varying art exercises that could make a difference? I could endeavour to empower individuals to enter, (as I did) a new chapter in their lives through courses that allow a free non judgemental space for them to express themselves. 

Inspiration 

My ideas and passion for such a project were finally confirmed when I had the opportunity to hear an emotional but inspirational personal story from a retired Commander in the IDF at an army base where I was packing medical supplies for wounded soldiers. His story was deeply moving and concluded with an impassioned plea for any of us hearers (about 30 of us) to utilize any skills that could help traumatized soldiers and their families.  I was struck by the need to think out of the box.  I’m not a psychologist or trained counsellor but I have experience as a teacher/administrator and an artist. I have a passion to impart ‘creative art tools’ to help inspire people. They need love, care and a new focus, together with inspirational ideas, offering practical creative solutions to help them move forward to a path of wholeness and restoration.


Creative Healing Methods

What could a day with Chaya look like? 

The materials/projects listed below could help facilitate the re-shaping and re-aligning of an individual suffering from the effects of any kind of trauma.  These creative methods have been proven to be effective and in some cases life changing. 

  • Clay – The incredible texture of clay! You can manipulate it, roll it, stretch it, even smash it!  By allowing your hands and fingers to ‘squish’ the clay and form it into whatever you want, you can channel your thoughts and feelings right into the clay. By freely engaging in this pliable and earthy substance you will surprise yourself...it will naturally reveal aspects of emotions and thoughts that may be buried in your inner being. Clay is a wonderful medium for expressing so many emotions, like anger, sorrow, pain, and grief. It can also birth new inspirations, unlock creativity and give one an unexplained joy.
  • Paper Mache - a wonderful medium for self expression, by ripping, tearing or cutting paper and gluing pieces to a mould of some kind, it truly allows a practical easy hands on experience producing a satisfying creative result. From using a simple bowl (as a mould) to make a utilitarian object, or experimenting by making a simple armature out of wire, an animal or person etc. and layering it with strips of torn or cut newsaper can produce a realistic expression of your creativity  (see pictures under the 'HEALING THROUGH ART' tab located in 'RECENT WORKS'.
  • Mosaics - using colourful mosaic tiles this, medium requires no previous skills just some direction and encouragement. Once can work freely creating as you go or draw a design and use the colourful mosaic tiles to produce a finished pattern. One can put mosaics on a blank tray, box or other medium like a wooden base to make a mosaic plaque. Once the glued mosaic tiles are dry, the fun of grouting and polishing the finished mosaic will give a tremendous sense of achievment and a lasting object.
  • Embroidery – It’s so easy to ‘sew a stitch’ and create a picture using thread and other mediums. You will surprise yourself with the ability to express unknown creative skills using stitches! Allow this activity to explore your inner self in a calm supportive space creating something by letting the needle and thread wander freely!
  • Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain – experience the ability to turn off the analytical, logical and often over active Left side of one’s brain by engaging with the creative and luminous Right side of ones brain. We will explore, through simple exercises how to make that ’shift’. It will revolutionise how you think, feel and react to drawing, The shift invloves seeing 'with the eye' and not 'through the eye' that is observation vs. guessing or 'thinking'  that you know how something looks! 
  • Colour Theory How does colour affect us emotionally and aesthetically? Our earth is full of colour. Our creator spread colour everywhere! We will explore the impact on our senses and emotions examining the incredible nuances that colour plays in every sphere of our lives.
  • Practical Projects When one needs a mental and emotional change one of the best avenues is to actively try to make/restore or fix something. It can be a small object or big, depending on space. My ‘go to’ practical project is upholstery. When I was still recovering from emotional trauma I decided to take on a large project, renovating a big antique sofa. (see pics under RECENT WORKS/REPAIR AND RESTORATION). It was a challenge but the reward amazing. It resulted in a renewed confidence and unexpected joy. It was all part of my healing and restoration. A similar project could be part of your journey to recovery.