When therapists and clients create and share their artworks using the same material, it becomes a means to foster a deep sense of empathy and develop closer relationships. This is especially true because the soil has properties that can be rubbed again to make a new shape and fixed if you notice any shape over and over again. In the case of ceramics, art therapy seems even more like art becoming therapy, just as its name suggests.
The choice to pursue art therapy originated from a desire to support individuals’ thoughts and emotions through a medium I am passionate about. Every individual possesses inherent creativity, and art therapy enables the expression of inner imagination into tangible, visual forms. This process transforms creative thought into a structured art form, allowing one to revisit and integrate memories while creating new, positively charged memories rooted in creativity.
Art therapy provides a structured approach for processing and externalizing the complex narratives entwined within one’s thoughts—a therapeutic process akin to repeatedly removing and organizing items within a drawer. By intentionally reflecting upon these memories through repeated visual re-examination, individuals can observe and process changes over time, environment, and perspective, much like reorganizing a drawer to better align with the present.
This repetitive engagement mirrors a clinical process of cognitive restructuring, facilitating the reorganization of fragmented thoughts into cohesive, updated representations that align with the current personal context. The multi-sensory engagement with art materials also aids in emotional processing, creating opportunities for emotional regulation by channeling and externalizing complex internal states. Through hands-on interaction with various materials, individuals reflect upon and express their inner emotional experiences, thus allowing new perspectives to form.
In clinical terminology, this process aligns with neuroplasticity, promoting the formation of new neural connections that help release entrenched memories and enable forward progression. Additionally, working with various art materials can foster different avenues for cognitive restructuring, allowing clients to manage inner emotions while achieving emotional regulation. Creating concrete art objects facilitates reflection and dialogue and enables individuals to engage with their inner selves objectively and dynamically, promoting growth and resilience.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Default_mode_network
Default Mode Network (DMN)
DMN is located in the middle of the brain, where the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC: located directly above our eyes), posterior cingulate cortex, and lateral temporal cortex are located. Seigel points out that DMN is involved in a wide array of processes, including self-awareness and empathy, lending it a foundational role in insight into one's inner self, a restful mode, and the inner mental lives of other individuals. During creative activity, it activates during daydreaming, mind-wondering, and detailed thoughts related to external task performance. Kolk, B. (2024) says that if the amygdala is the smoke detector in the brain, MPFC is a watchtower that offers a view of the scene from high. As long as you are not too upset, your frontal lobes can restore balance by helping you realize that you are responding to a false alarm and abort the stress response.
Observing neurotransmitter transmission through synapses and hormone movement will be genuinely fascinating. The fact that the brain undergoes structure and size changes is also astonishing. I have developed a keen interest in participating in brain imaging research. It has ignited my dream to dig deep into brain movements, create a targeted therapy program that effectively stimulates the brain, and ultimately make a meaningful impact.
The brain is captivating. It governs the body and astonished me with its self-regulation, influencing and undergoing changes across the brainstem, limbic area, and cortex regions. It is incredible how each part has unique anatomical role differences and collaborates through synapses, aiding memory retention, etc. It is truly remarkable. For instance, as Siegel highlights, mindfulness practices have been shown to stimulate the insula, thickening and strengthening its response, leading to heightened empathy.
The ability to visualize a client's brain activity using fMRI and diagnose precisely based on that is astounding. Understanding how specific therapy practices can change one's brain allows for measuring and balancing emotional responses to others. Critical thinking is paramount when evaluating Siegel's approach in The Developing Mind. Consider delving into a discussion about the strengths and weaknesses of his perspective, shifting the focus from the writing style to the conceptual framework. Analyzing the potential applications or limitations, especially concerning diverse populations, could offer a well-rounded critique. This critical examination adds depth to your analysis, encouraging a thoughtful exploration of the practical implications and broader relevance of Siegel's work in counseling and psychotherapy.
It is suitable for clients with delicate tastes, sensitive teenagers, or those who enjoy a meticulous job and are excited about the final product while taking time. Alternatively, children with ADHD or elderly people with impaired hand movements can touch clay as a medical tool and use it as a therapeutic tool to improve functionality instead of continuously using or displaying their artwork. Their work can be a ceramic work that shows their current situation and a temporary one they can remember in the future. In the same way, photography captures every stage of our growth; this work can remain an emotional memory of the time.
