More than Words — The Therapeutic Benefits of Creative Expression

And Signs Your Therapist Is Not a Good Fit

December 23, 2023

By Joe Graham | December 23, 2023

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The surge in DIY art projects like sketching, clay pot decoration, and family portraits is more than just a product of lockdown-induced free time.

Engaging in art is therapeutic, offering psychological benefits by reducing distress and enhancing mental health.

Creative expression, whether through performance arts like dance, music, drama, or visual arts such as drawing, painting, and sculpture, fosters healing and well-being.

Other creative outlets include baking, embroidery, knitting, jewelry making, gardening, origami, storytelling, and scrapbooking.

Finding a therapist involves navigating hurdles like cost, schedule, insurance, and therapist availability.

Compatibility is crucial too, as the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in effective therapy, according to Jenna Brownfield, PhD, a psychologist specializing in queer and trans clients.

Therapy involves sharing intimate details with a stranger, notes Raafat Girgis, MD, a psychiatrist. It's vital to choose a therapist with relevant experience and whom you're comfortable with.

Continuing with a poorly matched therapist can hinder progress. Mental health professionals advise recognizing signs of both ineffective and healthy therapist-client relationships.

2023 saw a diverse range of horror films, from "Saw X," which revisited the origins of the Jigsaw killer, to "M3GAN," a PG-13 killer doll movie that became a box office hit.

"Sick," co-written by "Scream" creator Kevin Williamson, offered a low-budget, streaming-friendly slasher set in the COVID era.

"The Wrath of Becky" featured Lulu Wilson as a teenage assassin in a violent, genre-mixing sequel, with Seann William Scott as the antagonist.

These films, with their unique approaches and themes, made significant impacts in the horror genre.

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