There’s something that calls us, as humans, to creating. The Greeks had a word for it: poiesis. It’s the root of the word poetry, and it describes the very human and natural process of stepping out of everyday expectations and reality, and into a world of imagination and creativity. This new world unhinges us and allows us to explore emotions and beliefs that talking and thinking alone can’t reach. The path to this strange new world? Creating.
For some people, traditional talk therapy just isn’t for them. That’s okay! There are many more ways to uncover what you’re feeling and thinking and grow past them into a life you want to live. Thriveworks Colorado Springs offers Expressive Arts Therapy as one such method.
What Is Expressive Arts Therapy?
Expressive Arts Therapy is simply a professional take on the process of transitioning into a different state of mind for the purpose of healing and growing. It’s so easy for our brains to get caught up in the day-to-day routine and worries, that we push our emotions and thoughts to the side. There, they can start to fester, growing into something dangerous.
Expressing yourself through art is one way to keep this from happening and to attack a negative thought if it’s already there. The counselors at Thriveworks Colorado Springs are trained in many different techniques so we can adapt to your personality and situation. There’s never a reason you have to stay in pain and suffering.
Expressive Arts Therapy is a very broad branch of counseling, and Thriveworks Colorado Springs is eager to explore it with you. Some of the more common practices in Expressive Arts Therapy include:
- Music Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Journaling
- Acting
- Storytelling/poetry
- Making life maps or videos
And much more! The key of Expressive Arts Therapy is that it reflects your unique process. The great thing about Expressive Arts Therapy is that you don’t have to have any prior skill or experience in the art you would like to practice. At Thriveworks Colorado Springs, this type of therapy is focused on the process, not the result. Afterall, it is through the process that you explore and discover aspects of yourself. The result is not nearly as important.
What Does an Expressive Arts Therapy Counseling Session Look Like?
That depends! What kind of creative process calls to you the most? What is going on in your life you would like to explore?
The counselors at Thriveworks Colorado Springs act as a guide, but never lead the process. We might give you instructions such as, “Paint something important to you.” Or, “Write about your ideal day.”
It’s important that our counselors establish trust with our clients before progressing forward with Expressive Arts. For example, we might start with journaling until you grow accustomed to our counselors and to the process of using creativity to fuel change. Then, we might move on to art or even drama.
Of course, even this is contingent on what you are comfortable with and need in your therapy session. Some people are ready to jump in with art or poetry, and others choose to stay in the lighter end of Expressive Arts such as journaling. (Lighter does not mean less effective of course! It is just a little more grounded in reality, which is what some people need and want.)
Expressive Arts Therapy has been proven to improve functioning in four distinct areas:
- Expression
- Imagination
- Active participation
- Mind-body connection.
In other words, it encourages you to become more aware to your internal and external experiences and make changes based on that. The skills you learn in Expressive Arts Therapy will carry far beyond the counseling room.
Is Expressive Arts Therapy For Me?
Expressive Arts Therapy has been used to treat everyone from children to adults for everything from low self-esteem to trauma to behavioral issues.
Thriveworks Colorado Springs believes there is never too small or big of a reason to see a counselor. If you are not at your healthiest, happiest self, it’s worth giving counseling a try!
A few examples of topics discussed in an Expressive Arts Therapy session with Thriveworks Colorado Springs include:
- ADHD
- Social Anxiety
- Depression
- Self-harm
- Suicidal Ideation
- Eating Disorders
- PTSD/Trauma
- Stress
- Chronic mental/physical illness
And many more! Expressive Arts is a way for you to take back control of your mind and body and do so in a way that you truly enjoy. Thriveworks Colorado Springs is excited to begin this journey with you.
Anger, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Stress, ADHD, +7 more 
