Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or missed experiences and opportunities, letting go of things can be difficult. When going through change and transition, you may find yourself experiencing feelings of grief, sadness, anxiety, or anger. Today’s activity draws on the experiential process of letting go of things you are ready to move forward from.

Before you get started, try to find a quiet environment with minimal distractions to help you focus on the creative process. I would also encourage you to put your phone on silent and consider playing some soothing music in the background. As a reminder, no artistic background or skill is needed and there is no right or wrong way to make art. Let go of judgments, be mindful of what emerges during the activity, and enjoy the process

Materials*:

• Different sheets of paper (Can be different colors, textures, scraps, etc.)
• Pen, marker, or another writing utensil
• Glue or some type of adhesive
• Drawing or painting supplies of your choice

*Please adjust or substitute materials with similar supplies available to you.

Art Prompt:

1. Choose a few sheets of paper, one of which you will write on. *Be prepared that you will be tearing up that piece of writing.
2. Spend a few minutes writing about something that you are ready to move forward from (e.g. negative thoughts, a past relationship, etc.). Feel free to journal in detail or simply jot down words.
3. Now, tear up that page of writing and use the torn pieces to incorporate into a new work of art. You can use the additional pieces of paper or other drawing and painting supplies to assemble the pieces into a new image.

Reflection:

Once finished, take 10-15 minutes to do some reflection on the exercise using the questions provided or write down any other thoughts that came up at this time.

• What was it like to go through this artistic process and the various steps of this activity?
• What title or short description would you give to your piece of art?
• What feelings emerge as you try to let go of something, process something from the past, or try to see things in a new way?

Go forward to Art Therapy: Week Three

Activity from Creativity in Therapy blog by Carolyn Mehlomakulu (2019)