One of the most important aspects of healing with art is starting. It sounds easy but if those first steps aren’t right, it probably won’t happen.


The commitment to try is primary. More than likely there is trauma exhaustion and failed attempts to heal. Keep trying is your new mantra. Failure is okay, the success is… you tried. Figuring out what works and doesn’t is foundational to who and what you need. Rest, a new environment, conversation, a walk or book will be the link for the next attempt to try….commit to healing.
Establish a habit. Find 5 minutes, 15 minute, or 1 hour a day/week to start. Commit that time for your healing process and let nothing stop you. Establish this, because it is the most important step for success. Tell your friends and family what you are doing and make sure they understand it will benefit them if you feel better.
Create a safe place. Find a spot where there is privacy and you will not be disturbed. A table where artwork can stay out will help. Viewing work in progress provides insights and inspiration for the next step. It’s easy to ignore and avoid trying when work has to be packed and unpacked. Fill this safe place with objects and images that give you comfort and peace. Music, hot tea and a safe-place meditation, prayer or positive affirmation can help get into the mindset of healing. Protect this safe place internally and externally as it will become your best go to place when triggers abound.
Basic art supplies: box of crayons or oil pastels, watercolors, varied sizes of brushes, paper/sketchbook, acrylic paints, Sculpey (polymer clay) or clay, old magazines, glue and scissors. You don’t have to buy everything at once or spend much for results.
The art healing process is rooted in your intuitive senses. Trust your gut and listen to what you feel and are tempted to create. Go with that flow and if one material or design isn’t working, try something else. If watercolors feel uncontrollable, try clay or crayons, or cut pictures out of magazines. All work should be saved, dated and put in a portfolio (folder)….even the ugly ones you hate. Later in the process you will appreciate seeing how far you have come and EVERY WORK has its purpose and message.
 
Two ideas to start with:
1) Collage: Cut out magazine pictures and words (optional) that you like or speak to you and make a collage of ‘what is the problem’ or any other statement you feel.  

2)  Daily Check-in: Pick 2 colors of crayons and a piece of paper. For 3 minutes play with the crayons and express how you feel at that moment with scribbles or images. Then, turn the paper over, and for 3 minutes free write. Look back at your picture and see what related to your writing. Highlight the power words and do another picture related to those words. This exercise is very helpful to ground and feel the pulse of the moment.
                                  
Remember, all works are saying something; intuition and listening will help you hear and see it. Try to do this daily as it is a wonderful way to establish a habit and connect within.
                                                                                                                
 
 

A picture says a 1000 words, especially when it comes to emotions. Emotions operate through the senses, so to be able to hear them best use sensory tools like art, music, aromas, tastes and touch. Once these feelings are 'heard' they are released, which can be intense but a relief.
Words can be incorporated also before, during and after to compliment the process but don't let your thoughts lead you away from hearing your emotions.