Creativity in the therapy room
What is creativity in the therapy room and why can it be helpful?
As well as talking to a therapist there are lots of other ways of working in the therapy room. For example, guided meditations, art, drama, play, music and even using household objects like buttons can be used.
We can often be dominated by thought patterns we have had for a long time. By using creative ways of working, it can help unlock feelings and thoughts that we are not conscious of and create deeper impact. It can also help us to express thoughts and feelings non-verbally.
As children we all used to play and be creative, but as adults we have often lost touch with that side of ourselves. To pick up crayons as adults and be invited to draw a picture can initially bring up old, uncomfortable feelings from school of whether you were ‘good at drawing’. But art and being creative in therapy is not about ‘getting it right’. There are no wrong or right ways, it is not about creating a ‘good’ picture. Creativity is a vehicle that can helps us with self-exploration, emotional expression and access what is not in our conscious minds or what feels difficult to put into words.
It is rare that I would start with creative ways of working in the first few sessions and it is not for everyone, but it can be a useful thing to consider trying, especially if there is a sense of being stuck or not knowing. Creativity can be useful in all areas of our lives. Consider giving it ago, be that at home or in the therapy room.