Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY LARNA HOWELL, BAYSIDE ART THERAPY
Art therapy is an amazing mode of expression when used to encourage positivity and create a sense of inspiration and ‘flourishing’ within. With its ability to provide a safe and creative space for clients to explore and express their inner worlds, thoughts and ideas in a deep and profound way, without the pressure of needing to verbally or linguistically describe or dig deep into things, art therapy is there for us all.
While most of us probably know what art therapy is, what exactly does ‘flourishing’ mean? Psychologist Martin Seligman describes flourishing as a representation of the highest level of psychological wellbeing, encompassing aspects such as positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. If you are familiar with the game The Sims, flourishing would be akin to the state of ‘inspiration’, you know, with all the sparkly stuff around us.
As art therapy clients engage in a state of flow while creating art pieces, they are able to relax and simply create. The reflection of the finished art work can bring a sense of success and accomplishment, showing clients that, ‘Yes They Can’, and ‘Yes They Did’.
Art therapy workshops are an amazing way to build relationships between people, creating a feeling of support and engagement, and is a great way to help in building a community and sense of belonging. Using the ideas of positive psychology, focusing on achievements and positive virtues, the sense of self is uplifted. With clients focusing on things they can do and have done, and all the things right with their world, and with this the sense of flourishing is sparked and fuelled.
Art therapy also helps to add meaning and connection with experiences, adding a sense of control over a world and a feeling of acceptance and even gratitude. So even when delving into the depths of pain or trauma, or any other ‘negative’ experiences or emotions, clients are able to release and let go, to express and explore and to come to terms with where they are at in life and how they can move forward. All of these positive actions contribute to a feeling of purpose, meaning and fulfillment, leading to the state of flourishing.
So, let’s all get our art smocks on and get our fingers dirty while we engage in some art, and get sparkly and inspired!
