In the therapy process, there are many ways to give expression to the soul. Through various creative and arts modalities, we can find entry into deep, perhaps unfamiliar places within us. We may “give voice” in new ways to experiences that are difficult to name and understand, to parts of us that we tend to avoid or have not consciously known. We let images and metaphors guide us to unconscious processes and new possibilities. As expression unfolds, we might recognize potential and connections that we could not see before. Moments of awe, wonder, and meaning may be discovered even in the midst of great difficulty.
Embodied and artistic processes have been aspects of healing and ritual across cultures since early human history. Through Jung’s development of the “active imagination” process, modern western psychology began to draw upon creative expression as well. Expressive arts therapy is now considered a trauma-sensitive approach, as it helps to integrate the verbal and nonverbal domains of experience.
Creative Expression In Life and in Therapy
Through creative expression and embodied practices, we tap into creative, intuitive, and embodied ways of knowing and being. We bring together the experiential and the reflective. For many, artistic forms (such as music, writing, painting) or embodied practices may be a part of their spirituality or prayer. Creative expression can help us relate with ourselves, others, and the world in new and revitalizing ways.
For those interested, some somatic/embodied and expressive arts modalities that may be incorporated into therapy include:
- Poetry
- Writing
- Journaling
- Bibliotherapy (reading of relevant books or texts)
- Visual art
- Movement (learn more about Authentic Movement here)
- Imagery
- Meditative practice
Your grief for what you’ve lost lifts a mirror
up to where you’re bravely working.
Expecting the worst, you look, and instead,
here’s the joyful face you’ve been wanting to see.
Your hand opens and closes and opens and closes.
If it were always a fist or always stretched open,
you would be paralyzed.
Your deepest presence is in every small contracting And expanding,
the two as beautifully balanced and coordinated
as birdwings.
– Rumi, “Birdwings”