- Dr. Bonnie Nish

We all have heard the idiom, “we all walk to the beat of our own drums.” It holds true in so many ways. Put a hundred people in a room, show them the same scene, and you’ll likely get a hundred different reactions. Each person sees the world through a unique lens shaped by their experiences, culture, and personal history.

This is especially important to remember when entering a therapeutic or workshop space. Two people might show up with the same issue, but because of their individual stories, the journey—and the outcome—can look very different. How we learn, how we process, how we express ourselves—all of it is deeply personal.

What Is Expressive Arts?

Expressive Arts Therapy embraces this uniqueness. It offers a safe, supportive space to explore through various creative forms—painting, sculpture, movement, music, writing, poetry, and more. No prior art experience is needed. The goal isn't to create something “perfect” or “beautiful,” but to be in the process, to play, to experiment. Under the guidance of a trained practitioner, using different art forms can help a person uncover new insights, meanings, and emotions.

There are no expectations for a finished product. Moving between art forms— from painting to movement, or from writing to music—can open up surprising revelations. It is about the process, not the product.

Workshops: Where Individual and Collective Meet

Expressive Arts workshops are a dynamic mix of individual reflection and community connection. One might begin working alone, then shift to partnering with someone, and finally share in a group setting. This flow from solo to shared experience often brings a profound sense of connection. Being witnessed—and witnessing others—in a creative process reminds us that we are not alone. In these shared spaces, something truly magical can happen.

A Final Thought

Although poet and scholar Dr. Carl Leggo was speaking about writing, his insight applies beautifully to the entire expressive arts process:

“Writing does not enable the writer to hammer down secure truth; writing enables the writer to explore possibilities of meaning. Writing is not self-expression; writing is self-construction.”
— Leggo (2006, p. 72)

Whether in a private session or a group workshop, Expressive Arts invites you to explore who you are—not by defining yourself, but by discovering what arises in the creative process.

So why not try it? Come to a session or a workshop. Be curious. Play. Explore. See what emerges.

https://creativehealingvancouver.com/

To Learn more about expressive arts, take a look at the videos and links below!

Four Expressive Arts Exercises

What is Expressive Arts Therapy? An Introduction by Cathy A. Malchiodi, PhD

Expressive Arts Therapy: 15 Creative Activities and Techniques

https://www.psychotherapy.net/article/expressive-art-therapy

Stay tuned as BWP explores the offering of future expressive arts opportunities!

Reference
Leggo, C. (2006). End of the line: A poet’s postmodern musings on writing. English Teaching: Practice and Critique, 5(2), 69–92.