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When I talk about using creative approaches in therapy, I'm not talking about being able to draw, paint or make something beautiful. There are no artistic skills required and nothing you create is going to be judged.

In fact, you don't necessarily have to create anything at all.

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You might:

• notice an image in the room and tell me about it catching your attention

• pick up an object because it somehow fits with what you're trying to describe

• move a few figures around in the sand tray

• scribble while we're talking

• choose a colour

• build something with Lego.

Or you might simply have something in your hands while you think.

 

Sometimes you might know exactly why you've chosen something.

Sometimes you might look at it and think, “Hmm. I don't know why, but there's something about that.”

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Creativity in therapy isn't necessarily about making things.

It's about giving ourselves different ways to think, notice, explore and communicate when words aren't quite doing the job.

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And if I suggest trying something and you think, absolutely not? That's okay too.

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There isn't a right way to be creative in therapy. And you don't have to think of yourself as creative to give something a try.