Seeing Another Side of Jim Carrey
In 2017, Jim Carrey shared his art in the short documentary "I Needed Color," where he said, "Art was a way to heal a broken heart." I remember watching him paint with a serious face in a dimly lit room. His voice was calm and low, revealing the sentimental side of him that is so profoundly different from the vibrant, comedic persona we see on screen. He explained that he wasn’t planning on becoming a famous artist; it was about survival, self-expression, and finding peace amidst chaos.
He turned to painting and art as a form of emotional and spiritual healing during a challenging period in his life. After facing personal struggles, including depression and the loss of loved ones, Jim Carrey found solace in expressing himself through visual art. When I saw the video, I knew there was something truly profound about healing through art.
Now, I’m not saying you need a broken heart to attend an art therapy class, nor do you need to have a diagnosed mental health issue, but art therapy is gaining importance, especially when people are falling apart for so many reasons.
Throughout history and into recent years, many famous public figures have used art therapy, including Lady Gaga, Anthony Hopkins, Marilyn Monroe, Vincent Van Gogh, David Bowie, Johnny Depp, and Frida Kahlo.
What can Art Therapy do?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art-making as a means of communication, self-expression, and emotional healing. It combines creative techniques—like drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage—with therapeutic principles to improve mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. The creative process can reveal insights into one's feelings, experiences, and subconscious mind, and it is generally used for individuals of all ages to help them deal with stress, burnout, trauma recovery, grief, developmental disorders, and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Browsing through art therapy books, I noticed its practical applications span various aspects of life. Its benefits extend beyond mental health therapy and can be integrated into education, healthcare, and personal well-being. These books offer a mix of theory, practical exercises, and real-world applications, making them valuable resources for art therapists, art teachers, or anyone interested in using art for healing and self-expression.
There are books specifically written about using art therapy for children with autism, people with emotional regulation problems, survivors of sexual abuse, and individuals struggling with depression. Art therapy serves as a holistic and scientific method for helping people raise self-esteem and set achievable emotional goals.
Learning the Basics and Practicality of Art Therapy
I have always wondered how art therapists seem to work magic on people; they look like they can solve any problem in the world! So, when I stumbled upon an online Art Therapy course, I immediately decided to invest my time in learning this magic. It wasn’t a difficult decision because I’m already passionate about teaching and sharing my art knowledge with my students.
One of my main motivations for enrolling in the course was to prepare for the diverse needs of my students as an art teacher. Not every art learner paints purely out of personal interest; some might need a safe space to comfortably express their feelings through art. Most of us weren’t taught how to deal with negative emotions in school or at home, and this gap can be dangerous. Some people are highly sensitive to their surroundings, while others struggle with emotional regulation. Art therapy provides tools and strategies to address these challenges, offering a constant adaptation to the dynamic world of art education. I believe that by expanding my knowledge and deepening my purpose as an art teacher, I will be better equipped to offer various approaches to teaching and sharing.
Moreover, I truly recognize the power of art creation in coping with life’s unpleasant challenges or incidents. During periods when I felt demoralized by certain moods, painting became my go-to solution. Immersing myself in the world of color allowed me to focus without distraction. I painted a portrait of Jacky Cheung during a time when I was not in a happy or peaceful state, and I found myself less overwhelmed by negative emotions.
I also understand the profound feeling of losing a loved one. Grief is deeply personal and often overwhelming, and finding ways to process the emotions that accompany loss can be incredibly challenging. People experiencing grief need an emotional outlet and holistic healing. This is where art therapy plays a vital role, providing a non-verbal outlet for expressing grief and navigating the healing journey.
Who is Art Therapy For?
“You mean by applying some colours on the canvas, I will feel better?”
“I’m not artistic.”
“I don’t even know how to draw a tree.”
“What if the colors exhaust and frustrate me even more?”
People who have never painted in their life may not understand this, and some might even judge that therapy is for weak individuals. However, the reality is far from that.
Coping mechanisms for deep emotional pain or unmet needs often drive people to choose different paths. Some turn to substances like alcohol, gambling, or drugs, seeking temporary relief, but these often lead to more significant problems. In contrast, therapy provides a safe, long-term solution for healing and personal growth.
Therapy offers sustainable tools and strategies to cope with life’s challenges effectively. It helps individuals learn to express their emotions constructively and develop emotional intelligence. These are not signs of weakness—on the contrary, healing takes courage. It requires addressing root causes and building healthy coping skills.
Should Art Teacher learn Art Therapy Coaching?
Of course, but it’s not mandatory.
An art class focuses on developing artistic skills, whereas art therapy emphasizes the process of creation rather than the final product. They have different goals: the former aims to create a masterpiece, while the latter focuses on healing.
"If my students seem emotionally stable and are doing well, why should I bother?"
The truth is, art therapy isn’t just for therapists. It offers valuable insights and tools for art teachers to create a more supportive, impactful, and emotionally enriching classroom environment. By encouraging trust and fostering openness, an art classroom can become a safe space where students channel stress, reduce anxiety, and build emotional resilience through creative expression.
Some students may express their emotions, struggles, and personal stories through art without ever verbalizing them. If a student ever needs emotional support instead of technical art guidance, a teacher plays a crucial role in encouraging dialogue about their artwork, emotions, and experiences. Setting boundaries, promoting non-judgmental self-expression, and creating a supportive space are often more important than expecting perfect artwork.
Conclusion
My journey through learning art therapy coaching has been a deeply enriching experience, both professionally and personally. It has not only expanded my knowledge as an art teacher but also equipped me with valuable insights to better understand and support the need for art therapy. Art therapy goes beyond traditional teaching—it creates a space for healing, self-expression, and meaningful connection.
This is not just about teaching art; it’s about creating an environment where art becomes a bridge to emotional well-being, self-discovery, and resilience. As I move forward, I’m excited to integrate these lessons into my teaching practice and to continue growing as both an artist and an educator.
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