HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE WITH ART THERAPY

Creating art is actually something natural to humans. We see children do it naturally and parents proudly display their toddler’s masterpieces of friendly dinosaurs and happy princesses on their refrigerators. For some reason, as adults we see and treat art differently.

We see it as something intellectual, difficult, requiring special training and talent.

Truth is, we are all natural born artists.

- Picasso

If we could tap into our natural artistic side, it could actually offer us solace, healing and recovery from traumatic experiences in the past and coping with challenging situations in the present. Ultimately, what it offers is hope for a better future. People do not have to stay stuck in unhappiness, loneliness, depression or anxiety.

If we could tap into our natural artistic side, it could actually offer us solace, healing and recovery from traumatic experiences in the past and coping with challenging situations in the present. Ultimately, what it offers is hope for a better future. People do not have to stay stuck in unhappiness, loneliness, depression or anxiety.

Art therapy is a tool for mental health recovery. It allows one to create something concrete to give a voice to their experiences and feelings.

When we are stuck and not able to express how we feel, art therapy is like a key that opens up the doors and allows us to look at what is inside us without fear or judgement.

People who have experienced the benefits of art therapy find themselves developing self-awareness and selfesteem. They see a change in their social skills. They start noticing a shift in how they manage their behaviour and symptoms. It is about giving the choice of having a different perspective of our problems instead of being stuck and not being able to move through difficult emotions.

In the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, Australia, there are several artists who dedicate themselves to this cause. And they are making a difference by giving support, tools and hope to so many.

Letitia from Life’s 4 Living has created a safe space where she combined her passion for art, nature and helping people.

Art stimulates the happy endorphins and dopamines which stimulate us to continue doing something we enjoy and have fun with. Life’s 4 Living is a person-focused, non-judgemental, safe and secure space to experiment, express and create.

Letitia is an NDIS and Aged Care provider who provides one on one sessions and group sessions, at their homes, in a centre or simply out in nature. To extend the help available, she has also turned to sessions on Zoom to be able to continue offering sessions.

lifes4living.com.au

www.facebook.com/letitiakimmorleyart

www.instagram.com/lifes4living

For Kim Staples, art is not just something she does for herself. In fact, it is a key part of her artist life to share it with youth groups, Alzheimer’s sufferers, people with special needs, disabilities and other challenging conditions.

Kim is an Australian artist, art tutor and art therapist.

Through her Art of Life, Kim is healing hearts through the arts using imagination, intuition, creativity and selfdiscovery. For Kim, artistic expression is the key to one’s soul. If we just let our art and creativity flow, there is much we can discover about ourselves.

www.facebook.com/Art-of-Life-Kim-Staples

It is a creative hub that is open to everyone, offering a wide variety of art workshops such as watercolour painting, chocolate workshops, felting classes, mosaics workshops etc.

Stu Doherty is someone who turned to art and found a new lease of life. Art became his refuge and his solution. The Wauchope Creative Hub is an artistic collective formed by Stu and his sister, Christine. The Wauchope Creative Hub is a place that is reaching deep into the community and encouraging people to access their creative nature.

www.facebook.com/Wauchopecreativehub

Ashley Whittington’s The Butterfly Effect project is aimed at promoting mindfulness for positive mental health. People get together to make origami butterflies while having positive conversations about mental health, resilience building, strength and connection.

Out There Design and Mosaic is committed to including indigenous culture and reconciliation.

www.theouttherecollective.com www.facebook.com/outtheredesignandmosaic/

ECLIPSE is a group for adults who have survived a suicide attempt. People meet and talk to others who have survived a suicide attempt. It is a safe space to learn new skills that can help participants manage their feelings and thoughts of suicide.

Change is possible, and in this non-judgemental atmosphere, people can find someone able to and willing to listen.

lifelinemidcoast.org.au/eclipse

Why not rummage through your cupboard for some old paints and markers? Even a paper and a pencil are enough to get you started on exploring your personal inner journey. Let your Inner Artist express itself.