Finding Healing Through Therapeutic Art and Yoga: My Journey

by Natasha Whelan September 18, 2024

I wanted to take a moment to share a little about my personal journey over the past year. It’s been a time of exploring new skills, reshaping my life, and discovering new ways to bring more joy into my daily routine. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding.

In a world where we are constantly bombarded by social media, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, feeling inadequate next to the polished highlights we see online. But life, with all its imperfections, holds immense potential for growth, healing, and transformation.

Finding Comfort in Creativity and Movement

After the passing of my sister, I found deep comfort and clarity through two powerful practices—therapeutic art and yoga. These practices became a source of healing for me and inspired me to train as a certified therapeutic art practitioner. The healing potential I’ve experienced firsthand is something I deeply believe in, and I’m passionate about sharing it with others.

How Therapeutic Art Can Help

Therapeutic art is a gentle yet transformative process. It’s about creating without focusing on the outcome, allowing the creative journey to unfold naturally. There’s no "right" or "wrong" way to make art. Everyone has an inner artist, and no prior experience is necessary. Here are some of the benefits I’ve personally seen and experienced:

Stress Reduction: It helps bring a sense of calm and grounding, allowing you to let go of daily tension.
Boosts Confidence: By giving you a way to express emotions without words, it helps validate feelings and build self-esteem.
Mood Elevation: Exploring colours, textures, and forms can have a powerful effect on your emotional state.
Self-Discovery: The creative process often reveals insights about yourself, offering a path to greater self-understanding.
Cognitive Engagement: Engaging both sides of the brain, therapeutic art can improve problem-solving and memory.

What is Therapeutic Art?

Therapeutic art focuses on the process rather than the outcome. Whether you’re painting, working with clay, or making a collage, the act of creating helps release emotions and build a deeper connection with yourself. It’s about tapping into your natural creativity, not aiming for perfection.

What to Expect in a Session

Each session is designed to give you the freedom to create at your own pace. I’ll guide you with prompts and introduce you to a variety of materials such as paint, pencils, clay, and collage. The goal is to explore and enjoy the process rather than aiming for a specific result.

Do you need art experience?
Absolutely not! You don’t need to have any prior drawing or art experience to participate. In fact, many of those who feel they "can’t draw" often find the greatest breakthroughs in these sessions.
How long does each session last and what is the cost?
While a single one-hour session is a great introduction, I recommend committing to four sessions (one per week) to fully explore and build on each experience. This allows you to get more from the process and see lasting benefits.
- 1 session: 135 BDS
- 4 sessions: 480 BDS
Do you need to bring materials?
All materials are provided for in-person sessions except for a sketch pad. For online sessions, you’ll need to supply your own materials, and I’ll guide you on what to use.
Where are the sessions held?
You can join me at my studio at Windsor Plantation, St George, or opt for online sessions if that’s more convenient for you.
Is this therapy?
While therapeutic art can complement your healing journey, it’s not a replacement for therapy. It’s an additional tool to help you navigate emotions, stress, and personal growth.

Who Can Benefit?

Therapeutic art and yoga can benefit anyone, especially those seeking creative healing, self-expression, or a deeper connection with themselves. Whether you’re dealing with stress, emotional challenges, or just want to explore your creative side, these sessions can offer something meaningful.

If this resonates with you or someone you know, I’d love to connect and chat further. Let’s explore how these practices can support your own journey of healing and self-discovery.

With love,
Natasha x