Do you have big emotions or past traumas to work through but can’t seem to find the words to express what you’re feeling?
I know for me, some days I’m anxious, upset, irritable, yet have no idea why.
That’s where art journaling comes in!
These art journal ideas for inner child work provides a healing creative outlet to visually explore aspects of yourself on a deeper & artistic level.
What is therapeutic art journaling?
Therapeutic art journaling is a form of creative self care that includes mixed media, words & images on a page to work through past experiences .
Think of it as your “visual diary” that allows you to dive deeper into a richer fuller understanding of yourself, memories, & insights.
How does art journaling help with mental health?
Art journaling has a tons of benefits that positively influence our mental health!
For example:
- Mindfulness
- Creativity
- Increased energy
- Productivity
- Reduced stress & anxiety
Explore Contrasting Emotions
Materials:
- colored pencils
Instructions:
- Turn a page in your art journal into 4 separate sections
- In each section depict these contrasting emotions: sad, angry, peaceful, & optimistic
- Make sure to depict each emotion as differently as possible ( varying in lines, colors, forms, patterns, etc.)
- Reflect on each depicted emotion & what each one brings up for you
Examine Your Dreams
( best done right in the morning)
Materials:
- Colored pencils
- Markets
- Paints
Instructions:
- Draw about a recent dream you had, using varying colors, textures, & illustrations to represent the dreams overall elements
- If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: What emotions did I feel? What thoughts did I have during dream?
Freedom & Adventure
Materials:
- Glue
- Scissors
- Old pile of magazines / printed out images
Instructions:
- What time freedom mean for you? How about adventure?
- Cut out images in magazines, old books, cards, etc. & make a collage of your idea of what being free looks like for you
Healing Letters / Postcard
- Materials:
Materials:
- Pens / Colored Pencils / Markers
Instructions:
- Think about a situation with someone that feels “unfinished”
- If you could say everything that’s on your mind, what would you say to them?
- Visually design your healing letter with images, colors, & words to represent all your feelings about the situation