Creative self-expression is the process of accessing one’s intuition and imagination to convey inner experiences and emotions through artistic or expressive activities.

Creative self-expression often involves using visual art, music, movement, or writing as non-verbal outlets for processing complex feelings. These practices can be powerful modes to help symbolize and ultimately transform unhealthy or stuck parts of the self, or difficult emotions that we haven’t been able to shift with traditional cognitive or talking techniques. In fact, play and creativity are major influencers in the development of coping skills in children. Research shows that engaging in art therapy improves group cohesion and self-esteem, and lowers anxiety and that creative expression engages neural pathways involved in healing, resilience, and emotional regulation. No special artistic ability or experience is necessary to garnish the benefits of creative self-expression.