Art Therapy for DepressionThe Journey from Darkness to LightArt therapy for depression has great healing power. We are creative beings, and our need to express and share both our pain and our healing is an essential part of our humanity. Artistic "talent" or experience is not necessary (and can even be an obstacle) for art therapy. Whether free -form journaling, making music, or creating a work of art -- it is the Process, not the end product that matters. It is "art" if you call it "art." Nobody else has any authority to criticize or evaluate your creative process, or the end result - unless you invite them to do so. The mind's judgment and analysis have no place in the spontaneous expression of the heart and soul.
"The Man in the Box" I painted this during a very lonely depressing summer when I was 15 years old. I think it really conveyed my feelings of despair, hopelessness and teenage angst. I spent a couple of weeks in my basement working on this painting, absorbed in the details of the image, and when I was done, my depression was gone. It was very liberating to allow myself to get completely into the process and feeling, and expression of this image. This was my first "art therapy" experience, and a valuable lesson in self-acceptance.
My favorite visionary artist - Nicholas Roerich (1874 - 1947), a Russian born Mystic, Humanitarian, Artist, Writer, and Philosopher...
Visions of Transformation - Embracing Darkness and LightGot a Powerful Artisitic Image to Share?Do you have a personal photo, painting or other image to share? Post it on this site! Your piece of art can have it's own page, along with your very own description, poem, or story about it. You write the content as you like, and upload the image - easy. It will have a permanent home on the site. Inspire others by sharing your journey out of depression through artistic expression. What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
freedom
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Healing
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How Did I Get Here?
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Disconnect
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Eternal Bliss
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Torn
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I welcome any submissions of art images that you would care to post on the site. Each accepted image will have it's own page on this website. My hope is that eventually this section of the website will be filled with an evocative collection of artwork that may provide solace, hope and inspiration for others to find healing through their artistic expression. You can use the form above for your submissions.
Guided Meditations for Depression, Anxiety and Stress
Learn more about
depression and what you can do about it.
If you are interested in consultation, psychotherapy, meditation instruction, or art therapy for depression: Contact Ben Schwarcz, MFT
Art Therapy for Depression. Copyright 2004-2010. Ben Schwarcz, MFT.
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