POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH: Improving one’s sense of wellbeing using art, creative writing, photography and blogging – my journey written by ©Karen Robinson. Please click here for my latest blog news!

No.77 ‘ Step 8 – Group photo taken at our Art Therapy Session – last day! – Altered Book’ by Karen Robinson created during Art Therapy Sessions 2016 NB All images are protected by copyright laws

INTRODUCTION

My early art therapy journey had been a solo experience up until 2014, meaning without any outside influences or company. It had been a very personal endeavour and one that at first was just for me. Over recent years though, I began to share some of my art work through group exhibitions which has been enlightening and revealing. It was through these exhibitions that I learned about the power of art as a form of self-expression; a way to empower a person with a visual voice, when words are too had to find.

In 2014 and than again in 2015 and 2016 – I was fortunately asked, if I would like to join an art therapy group with Mind Australia as a participant. The small group was especially for those who were carers for another in their lives. The sessions were designed to offer individuals a way to express themselves through art and also give them an opportunity to meet new people; to share thoughts, emotions and life experiences within an imaginative and creative space.

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT ART THERAPY

During the course of these Art Therapy Group Sessions I found them to be very interesting, challenging and enlightening. What I learned was that Art therapy can be a surprising process within a group session. It is an incredible way of learning about one’s self and about others, in a safe and supportive environment. It can reveal pain, sorrow, joy and laughter.

ART THERAPY 2016 – “ALTERED BOOK PROJECT”

During 2016 the art therapy group worked on a single project which had participants work on a ‘altered book’ project. I wrote a comprehensive blog about this project and can be found by clicking on the link below:

Please click here to read the back story for Art & Creative Writing Group Therapy – Early 2016
Titled: “Altered Book Project” by Karen Robinson

SLIDESHOW SHOWING THE PROCESS USED TO MAKE THE “ALTERED BOOK”

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CONCLUSION

Looking back from where I began in 2014 to now, I am so grateful for all that I have been able to learn about myself and learn about how to take care of me, so in turn I can take care of those whom are nearest and dearest to me…

My Art Therapy and Creative Writing Therapy Sessions have now come to an end with Mind Australia. I have been so fortunate to have had this opportunity to be part of these two therapy groups and have been able to meet an amazing group of people whom I have grown to admire and respect. But is time for me now to leave the security of this group to take on new adventures. Thank you Gillian Scaduto for extending to me the invitation to do art therapy and creative writing with Mind Australia and thank you to our two facilitators Vicky Nicholls and Judy Bird whom have been just so supportive within their facilitation roles. I will not forget my time with you all…