Mental Health Medicine is not just about taking a drug to ease your emotional  pain.  As a matter of fact, dulling your senses doesn't alleviate the problem, it only masks it. More than likely, the issues causing you heartache and distress will return.  So it is better to face your problems head on.  I hope that the methods I am going to talk about in my next series will help you to help yourself.

First up, is a self-healing technique called Art Therapy, this includes painting, sculpting, dance and eurythmics which is a combination of speaking, music and motion. This alternative remedy is most often used in conjunction with psychotherapy because it taps into your subconscious allowing you to express yourself in a creative way, without the use of words.

Have you ever looked at a painting that evoked strong emotion causing you to feel sadness, or give you a sense of peace and serenity?  Artists have the unique ability to use shapes and color combinations to do just that. A mental health therapist uses art as a method to enable you to express your inner feelings such as depression, grief, addiction, stress, anxiety and more. You don't necessarily need artistic talent or a therapist to benefit from this creative activity. It can be done in the privacy of your home.  You would be amazed at how much better you feel after releasing your emotions through artwork, sculpting, dance,etc.

When you allow your creative juices to flow, your mind becomes stimulated and you open yourself up to self-healing. These alternative modalities stop your thoughts from racing because you are focused on something other than your problems, they enhance your imagination, and help to release pent up tension. Interestingly, the colors you use in paint therapy have psychological meaning for example; red stands for passion, energy,etc., blue for tranquility, yellow for happiness, white for purity, black for sadness, grief, anger, or fear.

 Working with clay is an effective way to get in touch with your emotions.

• Make a ball with clay by kneading it with your hands.
• Without looking at it pay attention to the way it feels, its softness, and  texture.
• Allow your imagination to run freely and make any shape that you want.
• After you are finished with your sculpture, pay attention to how it makes you feel, what does it remind you of? Is it something that relates to what is on your mind?
• Your finished piece tells something about your emotional outlook. Try to look at it with an open mind. For instance, a large strong looking sculpture may indicate strength and stability. Is the shape pleasing to you, or do you want to crush it and start all over again? Do you see yourself in it? Is it an indication about something that you would like to achieve or change in your life?

So, you see that without even realizing it, you have completed something that has helped your mind, body and soul.

There are many more mediums that you can work with such as charcoal, water colors, oils, finger paint, etc. to see which ones suit you the best. Remember, you should do what is the least threatening and most comfortable for you.


You can use art therapy to get in touch with your feelings, but be aware of the fact that extreme psychological difficulties are best alleviated when you see a certified mental health therapist or counselor.  The statements on my blog are not intended to take the place of advice from your health care professional.


Look for the rest of my mental health series about Self Healing techniques in the  Creative Arts where I will be talking about the following topics: music therapy,  drum therapy, sound therapy,  and dance therapy.



The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers,
     Pittsburgh, PA.