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How to Use Art with Guided Imagery

Art therapy is the combination of art and psychology, and encourages coping and expression of issues through artistic means. Guided imagery is a perfect inspiration for artists and those using art as therapy, because it can help you tap into your own subconscious through challenging and symbolic stories. Whatever your media -- crayons, markers, paints or pencil and paper -- using guided imagery can help decrease stress and refocus a person during times of chaos. As an art therapist, I often used guided stories with my clients and for my own self growth. Here are a few stories to inspire you to pick up a pencil or paintbrush and get creative.

Things You'll Need

  • Art media of your choice; paints, markers, colored pencils or crayons.
  • Paper
  • A quiet space
  • Work table or tablet
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Instructions

  1. How to Use Art with Guided Imagery

    • 1

      Gather your art materials and read over the following guided stories.

    • 2

      Close your eyes and think about the story you have selected.

    • 3

      Take a deep breath and begin creating without self-censoring or criticizing your work.

    • 4

      Once the image is complete, consider what your drawing says to you and what questions it may answer.

    Guided Stories to Get You Started.

    • 5

      A tortoise shell reflects the beauty of nature, as well as an image of the life of the soul beneath it. If a tortoise has had struggle and hardship, it will show on his shell. If he has been happy and safe, that will also show. If you have a shell, what would it look like?

    • 6

      You are confronted by a hall of doors. Each door is more magnificent than the one before it. One door has your name on it. What does the door look like?

    • 7

      You find yourself in an open field under a full moon. Everything around you is colored by the midnight darkness. Suddenly a shower of lights falls around you, and you are in the middle of a field of falling stars. You are unhurt, but mesmerized. What do you see?

    • 8

      You are an anchor. To what are you tied? What do you look like?

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