Creativity and the arts are therapeutic in many ways. When we are going through a difficult time in our lives, it is important for us to have outlets that allow us to explore and express ourselves. This can be done with many different avenues of the arts including dance, music, painting or writing just to name a few.
The Healing Power of Art
Do you remember the adult coloring craze of 2015? It may seem like a silly fad, but the benefits of coloring aren’t quite so childish. When we release our stress on paper and focus on something other than what is going on in our lives, it can rejuvenate us to continue with the struggles that we face.
There are many different ways to self-express that don’t involve coloring or art. Some people like to doodle, others enjoy writing in a journal and some find joy in cooking as an outlet for their emotions.
Why Creativity is Important in Recovery
Recovery is a complicated process. As such, it helps us to turn inwards and reflect. What’s often at the root of addictive behavior is pent-up, unresolved emotions and suppressed trauma. The result is wounded parts of us that can benefit from creative expression.
So why is creativity important in recovery? The main reason is that it gives us the opportunity to process our feelings without having them consume us entirely. It makes sense that if we can express ourselves through something creative then there will be less negative energy left to seep into our minds.
The Importance of Art in Recovery
Artistic expression isn’t just important for the individual, but it is also invaluable for family members and friends who are trying to better understand what someone close to them is going through. It can be very difficult for those that are outside of recovery systems to understand what is going on and why we are feeling the way that we do.
When someone in recovery creates art or even experiences the artistic expression of another they can communicate these feelings to those around them without having to spell it out or put into words exactly how they feel.
This allows everyone involved to be more open with each other, as well as gain a better understanding of why certain actions are happening, all of which can lead to better communication.
Creative Expression in Recovery
Sometimes people may not feel like they are good enough or that their creativity doesn’t measure up to others around them. This is why it’s important for us to understand that our art, and the way we express ourselves through a creative outlet, aren’t always going to be exactly like someone else’s.
It is our own and it comes from a very special place inside of us that we must honor and cherish— even if we don’t feel like we are capable of doing so at the moment.
Finding an Artistic Expression That Works for You in Recovery
Finding art or artistic expression that works for you can be liberating, and artistic expression and positive evaluation of one’s self are critical in addiction recovery. The use of creativity in the context of stress relief and healing can include the following forms of human expression and more:
- Visual art (drawing, painting, collage, etc.)
- Drama
- Writing and storytelling
- Clay works
- Singing, music, and movement
The arts can be a powerful coping tool in addiction recovery, but it is important to find what works best for you! Whatever it is that makes your soul sing and brings you peace—do not be afraid to embrace it.
These moments of clarity can help return us back into balance where we feel most at home and alive again. Artistic exploration during recovery is a wonderful way to find yourself and your voice again.
Workshops & Therapies Available
The Arts provide individuals an outlet to express themselves as another avenue for self-discovery. At Annandale Behavioral Health, we offer workshops in the arts to encourage emotional exploration through creative writing, music, art and improvisational theatre.
Clients are given the opportunity to feel a sense of accomplishment through the arts as well as find new communities of support. Groups include creative writing, art therapy, experiential therapy and improv therapy.
To learn more about how you can work with us to incorporate the arts in the beautiful hills of Pasadena, contact us at 855-778-8668. We can’t wait to start you on the path to a healthy, happy and more fulfilling life!
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Exp. 07/31/26
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