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Art Therapy for core beliefs?

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Art Therapy for core beliefs?

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 31

Thanks! Actually the comic has been really sad (getting toward the final conflict now and I feel bad for the depressed character), so I'm gonna take a little intermission that actually kind of parodies the seriousness of it for a moment. Usually my comics are silly, but I tend to make one big dramatic one a year, sometimes based on my own hurdles in life. It definitely helps to draw on that parallel (pun perhaps intended ;) ).

I think I'll remember what I've learned from the comic because I regularly make references to things like my stories, in general. I'm used to looking back on them. Like I'll be typing to my diary and be like, "I just feel like in that one episode where the one character said this..."

I'm not sure how I'll stop neglecting my projects in the future. That's a major problem for me right now, feeling like I don't have room in my life for them anymore, so I think it's something that'll be looked upon while doing the program.

I've found that singing songs can help with expression, too.

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 217

Wow, hugely inspiring K13! What a great idea with the comics! I am definitely inspired and have started to think of artistic ways in which I could express myself.

Thanks for this.

Strength

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 2606

Hi K13,

It sounds like you have definitely found your niche with drawing comics. If this allows you to express what you are experiencing and feeling, it is a great outlet for you. It is really interesting to read about how drawing this latest comic strip has been helping you in numerous ways. I can assure you that sharing this with your fellow members will inspire others to pursue their artistic interests.

How can you make sure you remember what you have learned about yourself from drawing these comics? How will you ensure that you avoid neglecting your projects?

Members, how will you incorporate art therapy into your life?

Samantha, Health Educator

13 years ago 0 +0 / -0 31

I don't know if this has to do with core beliefs, but you could say I'm doing art therapy right now. I've been drawing comics about all my life, and I recently started this one where this character from my comic about an alien super hero team gets sick with depression, and it gets to the point where the metaphors I get for the way I feel when I'm depressed become literal for the character in this storyline. For instance, I kind of feel a bit like I'm turning into a monster when my depression is bad, something different than what I normally am, and this literally happens to the character, toward the second half. Like he starts losing control over himself as that other side takes over.

A lot comes from doing this. I'm really artistic so making a comic like this helps me to get things out, other than just relating how I feel through words. Like I kind of express my feelings through that character, without having to reflect too much on my specific circumstances. It also even kind of gives me a glimpse of what it might be like for other people around me to see me depressed, which I wasn't really expecting. It's very dramatic right now because I'm still in the middle of the plotline, but I expect it might make me feel better or hopeful once I finally get to the happy ending in the comic. And I love making art that really expresses something I'm feeling strongly, because that's what turns out best. As much as I don't like the "dramatic" times in my life, sometimes that's when I make the best art. And it gives me something to feel excited about when I'm making something awesome.

So yeah, definitely recommend it if you're on the artsy side, especially. It really can be expressive and even enlightening, though it can be pretty hard to want to make art when you're feeling low. A lot of my projects have gone neglected for a while now.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 32

Hi Cvdeb,

Nice use of 'monkey mind'. I always smile when I hear that. I think of this little monkey in a tree eating fruit and just hooting and howling away. Ha ha.

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 102

Yes! Especially stream of consciousness writing. No punctuations, no censoring-- just writing the flow of your mind. The interesting thing about this form is that not only will you get stuff out, but after some time, you'll notice patterns. It works a lot like dream therapy. It just seems to work at a different level. The CBT daily tracker works much the same-- finding patterns.

And I've also read that you can use it in a different way-- the artist's way is a great book about developing our creative side. Stream of consciousness writing is encouraged everyday, but in that book, it's suggested that you don't read it. Just toss it. It's a tool meant to clear our minds of all of our chatter so that we can focus in. I like that approach too. Clears out the monkey mind that never seems to stop chattering.

Cool A! Thanks for checking in.

Deb

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 32

I like this idea. You could probably even consider writing in a journal as a form of art therapy. Writing is an art, isn't it. Any of these things help to quiet the mind by getting things out. It works for me :)

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 102

I've used art therapy a lot with my clients. My understanding of it isn't based as much on CBT, but on connecting with hidden (or not so hidden) experiences, and feelings about those experiences.......which then lead to core beliefs (which we may or may not be aware of). It's a great tool (much like dream therapy) of getting deeper into things with a client without "rationally" processing. There seems to be a lot that we process with the right side of our brain that is hard for our left side to articulate. The right side is accessed when engaged in any artistic process, and can tell us a lot about ourselves (and even more with the help of a professional).

That's my understanding of it anyway. I personally think it's very useful and I hope this response was helpful! :)

Deb

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 224

Hello Kat,

Art can indeed have therapeutic properties in itself. Just drawing or painting can be quite relaxing and some studies have shown that it almost puts people in a meditative state of mind!

I think what the article was trying to get at when it was talking about how art therapy can change core beliefs is related to CBT, to cognitive behavioural therapy.

Think of it this way: you can draw or paint or sculpt a negative core belief, it doesn't have to be a pretty representation, you won't be judged for your artistic capabilities, but just creating something that represets this belief for yourself. Then you can create a piece of art that represents how this core belief can be turned into a positive one. This is a great visual representation and reminder of what you are trying to achieve!

Give it a try and let us know if it works for you.

Members, have you used art therapy before?

Luciana, Bilingual Health Educator

14 years ago 0 +0 / -0 113

I didn't really know where to post this, but I decided that maybe Lifestyle will do. I was reading an article in the local paper about Art Therapy (this reminded me of you Diva!). It was talking about how art can be used no only because it's therapeutic and relaxing, but also it can be used to change some of our internal beliefs (imagine this! The first thought that popped in my mind are core beliefs). It did not get into too much detail about this, this line was just a side note to the article, as it mostly focused on the relaxing benefits of doing art.

But it got me thinking, how can we use art to change core beliefs?

Any thoughts?

Kat

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Art Therapy for core beliefs?