Connections through an Art Therapy Lens.
I have always been very interested in the role of creativity in developing relationship connections, improving quality of life and wellbeing, and as a means of limitless personal expression, exploration and self-discovery.
Expanded upon from the home page, the concept of ‘connections’ initially informed my major thesis writing and became the genesis of my workshop-course for the Toronto Art Therapy Institute, ‘Connections: Creatively Connecting to Life as We Age’.
“The loss of connection with ourselves can manifest in any number of physical and mental health conditions. So healing, then, is reconnecting, becoming whole again. That’s the origin of the word “healing.”
Create.
Connection to the art develops as an individual explores, creates, makes choices and feels a sense of control, productivity and accomplishment - inherent rewards of the creative process.
“The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.”
The creative process and engaging art-making experience highlight and emphasize the many layers of meaningful connections that can occur;
• through the act of creation, discovery and spontaneous expression,
• through the evolution and ongoing development of personal mark-making and symbolic representation,
• through the sharing of a visual language and unique personal narrative,
• and through the tactile and tangible exploration of thoughts, ideas, materials and process …
Connect.
Connection to the self deepens through this active process of individual creation and reflection, and often through the validating and supportive framework of art therapy and supported art-making.
“Art helps us see connections and brings a more coherent meaning to our world.”
Connection within the therapeutic context continues to evolve through the development of a supportive alliance between two individuals that results in a meaningful relationship.
Through this validating relationship and active involvement within the sensory and creative process (imagining, creating, processing, reflecting and sharing) an individual’s quality of life is supported and enhanced.
When the therapist demonstrates faith in an individual’s resourcefulness, the individual, in turn, will perceive and then positively internalize this support and understanding.
Collaborate.
Connection within collaboration occurs through a shared creative experience whether individual, group or community-based, and whether engaged in the art experience as a maker or witness.
“Art by its nature contains information pertaining to one’s sense of self, place, and community; thus, its use can help facilitate feelings of inter-connectedness.”
Through this meaningful collaborative connection, the wealth and richness of an individual’s creativity and inner resources are revealed, explored, and shared within the safety and containment of this therapy space.
These transformative shared experiences often develop further connections for individuals to their creations, self, artist-identity, and the support and interplay of others and the community around them.
