For the purpose of full disclosure, I am not trained as an art therapist. However, I did take some art courses in college in addition to my required psychology and counseling courses. I have included an art gallery below that is a better representation of my work. I do believe arts and crafts are a wonderful avenue in coping with chronic illnesses.
Arts and crafts are a wonderful tool that can be used for self-expression, self-esteem building, and managing our ever changing lives.
What is an Art Therapy Journal?
Art therapy journals are just like regular journals; but instead of using just words to express your feelings, you use art and words or just art to express yourself.
What if you are not an artist?
Don’t worry, you don’t have to be an artist to create an art journal. This journal is for you and you can choose if you want to share it or not.
How do I create an Art Therapy Journal?
Tools Needed:
Journal (preferably without lines ( ex. sketch book from a craft store)
Variety of art mediums; crayons, colored pencils, acrylic paint, finger paint, pencils, pens, or just whatever type of art medium you enjoy using.
Scissors (optional)
Glue (optional)
Now, what?
Ok, now it’s time carve out 10 mins. each day for you to create your own art journal. Use the journal prompts below or create your own:
Journal Prompts
Draw with color pencils or crayons daily, how you feel that day.
Draw how you see yourself today.
Draw the person you would like to be tomorrow.
Make a collage of things that bring you joy.
Make a collage of things or people you feel grateful to have in your life.
Express your gratitude for things or people in your life using various art mediums (ex. Color pencils, crayons, markers, acrylic paints, etc.)
Paint or draw how you feel in the present moment.
Draw or paint your ideas of paradise by using only abstract ideas.
Draw or paint your ideas of paradise.
Draw a calming place you can go to in your mind.
Make a collage of inspiring quotes.
Draw what you liked doing as a child.
Create a self portrait of your inner child, then write what your “child” needs to hear from you at this current time in your life.
*This website may include affiliate links, so I may receive commission from it, with no extra charge to you. No, financial information is ever shared with this page or to me personally. The link given takes you directly to the company. These purchases help support this website. So, thank you so much for your support.