Art therapy combines art and psychology to help people discover their voice, even when words are hard to find. Working with an art therapist in a creative process allows individuals to connect with their inner selves, giving voice to thoughts that were previously hidden. This method provides a safe space to explore emotions and thoughts, grow self-awareness, and address unresolved emotional issues and past traumas. It’s a beautiful way to express oneself. There are different forms of art therapy, and guided Drawing is just one of the many ways people can express themselves.

What is Guided Drawing?

Guided Drawing, also known as bilateral drawing, is a creative process that involves using both hands to craft images with pastels, crayons, chalk, or paint. This therapeutic approach aims to unlock and release feelings and emotions stored within the body. During the session, clients close their eyes and engage in rhythmically repeated scribbles on large sheets of paper, allowing a unique form of expression. The central principle of Guided Drawing is not to depict anything specific but rather to be guided by one’s inner self.

The term ‘guided’ in this context refers to being self-guided rather than led by a therapist. The therapist’s role is that of a facilitator, providing support throughout the process. To initiate the session, the therapist may encourage the client to start with a particular shape, colour, line, or rhythm to initiate the creative flow. As the client becomes more at ease and attuned to sensory experiences, the therapist may transition to asking more open-ended questions. This helps the client delve deeper into their creative expression, fostering a better understanding of the emotions and thoughts that emerge during the therapeutic journey.

How Guided Drawing can help

Guided Drawing using rhythmic and repetitive patterns, offers a dedicated space for clients to release pain, emotions, and psychological symptoms. This therapeutic approach serves to express inner stress and delve into the root causes, emphasising the importance of listening to the inner voice for the body to regain balance.

Art therapy is known to be beneficial for a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, stress, focus issues, cancer, eating disorders, cognitive impairments, and relationship challenges. It provides valuable outcomes such as:

• Accessing experiences and emotions that words may struggle to convey.
• Achieving relaxation and stress reduction.
• Enhancing self-awareness and self-esteem.
• Facilitating healing from traumatic experiences.
• Effectively addressing behaviours and symptoms.
• Approaching problem-solving with a fresh perspective.
• Attaining a deeper understanding of one’s identity.

This therapeutic approach is especially helpful for individuals grappling with past traumas, offering a platform through Guided Art Therapy to fully release and process these emotions from the body.

By providing a nurturing space for self-expression and exploration, Guided Drawing offers not only relief from immediate symptoms but also a pathway to deeper self-understanding and healing. Art therapy has huge benefits, with many people claiming to feel a difference even after one session.

Heal yourself with us

Assisting others in their healing journey is a calling close to our heart!

Holistic Therapies Centre has recently opened in the beautiful Coolangatta area, alongside its sister brand, Holistic Massage Therapies, which has been in operation for 18 years. It’s a place for unique healing through Cymatic Resonance Therapy and Art Therapy where we combine art and psychology to help people discover their voice, even when words are hard to find. Give our friendly team a call for any questions or to book your next session with us.