What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of therapy that incorporates the use of art as a means of self-expression, exploration, and healing. It is a creative process that can be used to enhance psychological well-being, improve cognitive and motor skills, and reduce stress and anxiety. In recent years, art therapy has become increasingly popular as a complementary therapy to traditional forms of treatment, and can be done both in person and from home.

One of the main benefits of art therapy is that it can help individuals to express and process emotions that may be difficult to put into words. Through the creative process, individuals can tap into their inner feelings and experiences, and externalize them in a tangible way. This can be especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, or who struggle with anxiety or depression.

Art therapy can also be used to improve cognitive and motor skills. For example, drawing, painting, and other artistic activities can help to improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and attention to detail. Additionally, engaging in creative activities can stimulate the brain and promote the growth of new neural connections, which can help to improve cognitive function.

There are many different activities that can be done as part of art therapy, and many of them can be done from home. Here are just a few examples:

1. Drawing or painting: Drawing and painting are classic art therapy activities that can be done with minimal supplies. All you need is some paper and a few basic art supplies, like pencils, markers, or watercolors. Drawing and painting can be used to explore emotions, express thoughts and feelings, and promote relaxation and stress relief.

2. Collage: Collage is another popular art therapy activity that can be done with just a few supplies. All you need is some paper, glue, and a few magazines or other materials to cut and paste. Collage can be used to explore themes like identity, self-esteem, and relationships.

3. Sculpture: Sculpture can be a more hands-on art therapy activity that can be done with clay, playdough, or other modeling materials. Sculpture can be used to explore feelings of anger or frustration, or to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

4. Music therapy: Music therapy is a type of art therapy that uses music to promote emotional and physical healing. This can include activities like playing an instrument, singing, or listening to music. Music therapy can be especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma or who struggle with anxiety.

5. Writing: Writing can be another powerful tool for art therapy. Whether it's writing in a journal, writing poetry or short stories, or writing letters to yourself or others, writing can help to process emotions and promote self-reflection.

In conclusion, art therapy is a powerful tool for promoting emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being. There are many different activities that can be done as part of art therapy, and many of them can be done from home with just a few basic supplies. Whether you are looking to reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function, or simply explore your inner self, art therapy is a valuable tool that can help you to achieve your goals.

If you are interested in learning more about art therapy, I invite you to explore my Youtube Channel. You can find free Art Therapy workshops!

Also, if you are looking for personal support through your art activities, I offer one-on-one session. Follow the link for more details : ART THERAPY SESSIONS

Painting to heal

I'd like to start with the premise that my goal here is not to victimize myself, but I still need to tell you my story as transparently as possible in order to get to the conclusion. So, here's how art somehow saved my life...

I will never forget the year 2017-2018. These were very dark years for me and my mental health was seriously affected by the external circumstances of life including two deaths of my loved ones, a miscarriage, but also by a series of bad decisions, especially in my romantic relationships and ideas of uncalculated scope that earned me a bankruptcy.

As a result of these life trials, months passed and 2019 showed up. My condition deteriorated over time. I still had a big black cloud on my head. My doctor told me that I was in depression and the prescription followed.

Despite my efforts to improve my psychological state, negativity had taken hold of me and I found myself in an endless whirlwind. I was drifting away from all my loved ones and breaking off relationships that were too mentally demanding for me to maintain.

In short, I found myself in a chasm and I did not know how to get out of it. The anti-depressants did not really help, my confidante (my grandmother Ghislaine) was no longer of this world, I did not have enough money to seek psychological help and I did not ask for support from my friends or family by fear of judgment. I won't hide it from you, I've had dark thoughts more than once and getting up in the morning was a chore every time.

Back in time... It is now November 11, 2019 and I am collapsed on my sofa crying, alone, lost and it was at this precise moment that I realized that if I wanted to get out of my situation, I had to fight my dark thoughts. And what better way to counter negativity? Love.

I decided that I was going to learn to love myself and most importantly, do what I love.

I remembered my dream as a little girl: to become an artist. That's when, instead of focusing on my thoughts and feeling sorry for myself, I started listening to my inner child and exploring my creativity.

I had old canvases and paint hidden in a closet, so I dare to take them out, put on music and let myself go.

I was not well equipped, so my hands were my brushes and my table my easel.

This whole creative journey, in tune with myself, was the best therapy to heal my wounds.

I can't explain how Art is therapeutic is for me. As soon as I get started, my thoughts stop and there is only me and my canvas. Through the fluid movements I create on the canvas, my emotions fade. I sometimes see myself dancing and the most revealing is when I look at myself and see the sparkle in my eyes.

I am convinced that we are all a source of creativity! Don't you feel more alive when you try something new? When you travel? When you express your ideas and aspirations?

In all its forms, creativity is in my opinion necessary for the healing of everyone. Whether through meditation, music, sports, art, design, writing, photography.? It could literally be anything you are passionated about.

We all have this creative power. The greatest proof lies in the power to give life.

I write these lines and tell my story in order to inspire as many people as possible to awaken their creativity. I invite you, to take the first step towards your healing process by practicing what makes you feel good.

Jessica Lemieux

Aka the artist behind the artworks signed SKEYES 👁

https://www.instagram.com/skeyes.art/