Art for Change · Principle 1 of 5
Expressing Yourself Through Art
Expert interview with Karin von Daler · 8:39 min · in English
About the principle
Expressing yourself through art matters for wellbeing because art offers a way to process emotions, make meaning and feel connected to other people. It is not about being ”good” at painting, writing or playing music – the act of creating in itself can have a powerful effect on our mental and emotional life.
Emotions find a language. Some experiences are hard to put into ordinary words. Art can make it possible to express grief, joy, anger, hope or confusion through images, music, movement or story.
Stress and restlessness can ease. When people work creatively, attention often gathers in the present moment. That can bring calm and work rather like meditation.
Identity and self-worth are strengthened. Making something yourself can create a sense of mastery and authenticity: ”This is my expression.”
Extract from the book Art for Change – Creativity in Working with Trauma and Mental Health.
Exercises
- How does your body feel right now? Give it a colour
- Draw the body and mark tension and calm
- Move or dance to release tension
- Use fabric or objects to give feelings form
- Listen to music that creates a sense of safety
Guidance for the therapist
Watch for signs of overwhelm. Always invite pauses and choice. Focus on the process rather than the result, and support the client in staying curious about their own sensations and experiences without pressing for explanations.
Questions for reflection
- What do you notice in your body right now, compared to when we began?
- Is there a place in your body you would like to return to when something becomes too much?
- What movement or sensation will you take with you from here?
About Karin von Daler
A licensed psychologist, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) and artist with more than 30 years of international experience in trauma-informed, creative psychotherapy. She holds an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy from CIIS in San Francisco, practises in Copenhagen, and developed the method Creative Mindfulness, described in several international professional works.
In the interview, Karin answers: ”Why and how using arts as a therapist with clients can be helpful”