Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy uses many different forms of art making processes and a collaborative approach to help people creatively express themselves. Through a collaborative creative process with their counsellor people can tell their stories, express emotions, play, and have fun (Create Institute, 2023). Participating in art making as therapy can help people to, “discover insights about [themselves]…enrich their daily lives, or experience personal change. It is a way to make sense of that which is painful, to create personal meaning, to enhance wellness, and to become whole” (The Art Therapy Sourcebook, Cathy A. Malchiodi, 2007, Introduction, p. x).
At the CHCN our client Jeff M. and counsellor, Pamela (Pam) Chapman, MSW, RSW have embarked on a journey in expressive arts therapy by co-creating poetry.
Creating the poem “Exercise in Serenity” involved experimenting with yawns, bear growls, making windy sounds and breathing. The poem “Bringing Peace to Yourself” emerged through the exploration of what happens to your body and the emotions when you take a breath, stretch and stay with your breath.
Engaging in expressive arts therapy, says Jeff, “allows you to open up, feel a sense of relief, and get your thoughts out so you don’t have as much stress on your mind. It is easier to get creative with a second mind working alongside you.”
Exercise in Serenity
Neck releasing tension
Wave of relaxation in my body and toes
Feels so nice
Releasing that tension in my back
Hands slightly raised above my shoulders
Just about to give someone a bear hug
Moving my arms in
I love bear hugs
Freeing
Feeling energized
Was falling asleep
Feeling bright and clear
Better than I have felt on any other given day.
Bringing Peace to Yourself
A tingle in my belly
Not in a bad way
Feeling better
A tingle in my knees
Feeling silly in a good way
Weird and different
Ha-a-a-a-a-a-
Reminding me of martial arts
A release of energy
A Peter Gabriel Song
Letting it out
Feeling strong
A burst of energy
The yawn
Covering my mouth
Going on to a second, one on the way
Relaxing
Strangely content
Feeling free and not restricted
