Art Therapy

Many relaxation methods are incorporating art therapy into their practices. The reasoning behind this application of art is that when you express yourself on a piece of paper or with a sculpture, the use of words doesn't get in the way. When you are creating something outside of yourself, you aren't going to have 'bad' or negative word associations that can sometimes hinder what you truly want to express. And in that case, you will be able to express more in a piece of art, even if you can not explain it.

Art therapy can consistent of a number of mediums as relaxation methods. You might want to try sculpting or painting to begin and then try out other art methods as you continue to learn. What's great about this form of relaxation is that you don't have to be 'good' at making art in order for it to work. You just need to be open to expressing anything that comes into your mind and then letting it become a piece of the art that you create.

If you want to take art therapy a step further, you will want to seek out the advice and guidance of a registered art therapist in order to have them help you with interpreting what you have created. Often, getting a third party view on what you have created can help you see new things and new meanings in your expression. You can also be with the therapist as you create the piece of art and then talk about what you are feeling as you are creating it.

Art therapy has helped many patients with post traumatic stress disorder as well as other psychological illnesses. In creating something beautiful from pain, you can begin to see that hope is still a possibility.

If you would like help deciding which of our relaxation training services might be best for you, please contact The 4th R on 020-8974-8974, or read about how the Functional Relaxation System can help you.