Art Therapy and Anxiety: Confidence Through Creativity
It’s no secret that art-making is a helpful tool when dealing with anxiety. Just take a stroll through any bookstore or online retailer; the plethora of Anxiety-Reducing Adult Coloring Books on the market will tell you that. And they’re popular for good reason — creative expression is shown to reduce stress-related hormones in your body.
But here’s the irony: many people (especially adults) feel anxious about the idea of engaging in art therapy.
What to Expect from an Art Therapy Session
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy, facilitated by licensed or certified art therapists. It sounds pretty straightforward: it integrates creative expression with mental health counseling, yet many people, especially adults, find it hard to picture what an actual session looks like.
I’m Cassidy, a Philly-based art therapist and counselor, and I am here to talk about what actually happens in a typical art therapy session.
How ADHD Impacts Relationships
Living with ADHD is hard. I’m messy, forgetful, and I’m always losing things. I’m sensitive, impulsive, and moody. I remember everyone’s birthday, but only when it’s too late to send a gift. I stay up too late hyperfocused on a project, then oversleep because I forgot to set my alarm. I forget to eat all day, then get ravenous and hangry, usually taking it out on my partner. Loving someone with ADHD is hard, too. Whether you have ADHD or love someone who does, relationships can be a challenge.
Why Men Struggle in Silence (and how we can all help)
Throughout history, men have been told to “be tough” and “man up” when it comes to facing challenges. While society has become more aware of harmful gender stereotypes throughout recent history, the underlying messaging still exists for men today, especially when it comes to mental health challenges. Many men struggle in silence, feel the need to suppress their emotions, or feel unable to express their mental health concerns — but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Healing from Childhood Trauma as an Adult
Many adults who come to therapy for childhood trauma ask, “Is it ever possible to fully heal?”
The answer is yes, everyone can fully heal from trauma with the right amount of support, effort, and patience. Although what happened cannot be undone, those who have experienced childhood trauma can and do heal and live fulfilling, happy lives. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting or undoing the past, but it does mean that trauma no longer controls your present or future.