Art Project Ideas to Aid in Recovery
But there are some issues that are universal. Many adults struggle with things like unresolved loss, life transitions, identity development, and conflict in relationships. And there are some art therapy activities that work well with these common issues. That’s why I put together this collection of art therapy activities for adults. These art therapy activities provide a helpful springboard for your work with adults. People struggling with addiction can benefit greatly from art therapy.
- Role-play may be used in interventions designed to enhance self-awareness, strengthen a sense of identity, and enhance relationships.
- First, it is discussed in groups how to create a collage on a given topic.
- Making your own thank-you cards by painting, drawing or embellishing a stack of blank cards will make a lasting impact on you and recipient.
- For the following decade, she stopped creating art altogether and kept drinking.
Draw your dreams to the sound of music on the silhouette of a butterfly. On one wing, depict the content of your nightmare, and on the other wing, the content of your pleasant dreams. The purpose of such art therapy exercises is to study night fears, to find an inner resource. Draw an illustration for your favorite fairy tale.
The University of Hong Kong, Centre of Behavioral Health, Hong Kong
Negative, judgmental thoughts can cloud the mind, creating a harsh environment in an individual’s head and hindering recovery. Creating a collage of “words to live by” helps these individuals identify who they are and understand the core values they want to live by. A “words to live by” collage can be created individually or in a group setting. As with many metropolitan areas, homelessness is a major concern in New York City. An estimated 35% of people who have stayed in NYC Department of Homeless Services shelters have a serious mental health issue; the number is higher among those who live on the streets.
The client has control over the art-making process and the art will take them where they need to go. While working with adults, you will https://ecosoberhouse.com/ likely come across a wide variety of issues. From anxiety to PTSD, to grief to substance use, therapy with adults covers a broad range.
Drawing A Life Timeline
Once they are finished, explore what they have created. Ask them how their meaning has shifted and how their new frame will serve them. She found respite in her heroin use, and fully escaped the only way she knew how. This method of escape pulled in much-needed supports for her and her family.
From there, awareness of their emotional reactions enables one to control them better and regulate them when they emerge. This process can be excruciating, art therapy ideas for adults in recovery which feeds into pessimism and can cause difficulty managing triggers. In my experience, it’s most helpful to leave some parts of the activity open-ended.
Recovery, Mindfulness, and Distraction
On the prepared stencils, draw the emotions of those masks that you usually wear. This exercise helps you develop empathy skills, listen to yourself, tell your story on behalf of each mask. What is the feminine and masculine art therapy ideas. This is one of the simplest therapeutic art activities. First, it is discussed in groups how to create a collage on a given topic.
- Many adults struggle with things like unresolved loss, life transitions, identity development, and conflict in relationships.
- Once your client has finished, run through some open-ended processing questions to explore their meaning.
- By spending a few minutes to focus on an art project, people will gain a sense of accomplishment and perhaps some insight into their thoughts and feelings.
- Art is just one of the powerful tools you can use to improve your recovery journey and prepare to move forward into a life free from substance use.
