Essential Art Therapy Exercises
Happy Bibliotherapy Thursday! This week’s pick is Essential Art Therapy Exercises: Effective Techniques to Manage Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD by Leah Guzman. Whether you’re a lifelong artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, this is the perfect book if you find yourself needing a creative outlet.
As a Board-Certified Art Therapist, Guzman created a variety of exercises aimed to increase personal insight, self-expression, mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. As I am someone who was never blessed with a natural talent for drawing anything more complicated than a stick figure, I’ve been particularly impressed by the different mediums of art included. The book is divided into sections such as “Painting and Drawing,” “Digital and Photos,” “Sculpting and Textiles,” “Writing,” and “Collages.” Each activity includes instructions, a materials list, an estimate of time needed for the activity, and discussion questions. I love either suggesting an activity or encouraging clients to look through and pick out something that looks interesting to them, then discussing whatever thoughts or emotions the experience sparked at our next session. This can also be something you do on your own or with a loved one, whether that means just creating something or delving a little more in-depth by journaling or discussing your insights afterwards.
You can find Essential Art Therapy Exercises in print and e-book at these retailers:
Morning Light doesn’t receive compensation for sharing book recommendations, nor do we receive a commission if you choose to buy the book. We just love them and think some of our clients may find them useful!