What Is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on using a creative outlet as a part of therapeutic intervention. Expressive therapy can be any creative outlet you have. You don't need to be good at it to benefit from this therapy, you simply have to be open enough to let yourself explore a different outlet than usual forms of therapy. People who may have a difficult time interpreting or describing how they are feeling, or those who are not ready to talk will benefit from this therapy the most. The use of expressive arts can help people learn more about themselves and share what they are feeling, without feeling the pressure of needing to express themselves in words. This therapy is also very helpful for children who may not know how to express themselves with words yet.

What Can This Therapy Help With?

Art Therapy

Art therapy can be very helpful in visualising emotions or your state of mind, and representing it through colours, shapes and textures. You can use any medium you're comfortable with, weather its clay, paint, pencils or anything else. A more hands on and messy experience can let you feel free. What ever method makes you comfortable and better will work. No need to limit yourself to just one!

Music Therapy

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Music therapy is one of the most popular forms of self care in todays day. We all love a good karaoke night. Music is one of the best and fastest ways to destress and focus on something different for a bit. Through music it is easier to express yourself. Don't let your abilities hold you back, you don't need to be a musician for this therapy to work. Simply pick a form of music that will help you express what you are feeling inside and don't hold back!

Theatre Therapy

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Theatre therapy is something very close and personal to me. It can let you experience emotions to the fullest even if they dont match your personal head-space. Theatre helps you become more fluid, and get you out of your shoes and into those of a character completely different from you. Experiencing these emotions, or nava-rasas can be a therapeutic experience for many.

Dance Therapy

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Dance therapy involves using your body to express whats within. It includes two of the best therapeutic practices, physical activity and music. You don't need to be a professional, just turn on a tune and let your body go. Dancing alone or with someone can greatly help improve your state of mind. Dance can simply be a movement along with a tune or rhythm, it doesn't have to look pretty or make sense to be effective.

Writing Therapy

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Writing is a bit different from the other creative therapies, it focuses on using words to express yourself. However it is different from usual therapy as it allows you to put in time without external pressures, and write without anything prompting you to. This can be very therapeutic as you may not know what outcome writing will bring. Writing can be as simple as journaling everyday which can help sort out your thoughts. Writing could also be in the from of poetry or stories, which can help you express yourself in a slightly indirect way. 

How To Start Expressive Arts Therapy

Firstly you need to find a therapist, with professional training in arts therapy. "Heart It Out" has a team of therapists and health professionals who offer therapy sessions at an affordable price. We use innovative approaches to therapy, tailoring it to fit the individual's needs. If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, kindly contact https://heartitout.in/ to book a session with our psychotherapists.

Trust the process and give yourself time to get where you want to be. Therapy is something you simply cannot rush!