cfc74a89

Living with Chronic Pain: How Creative Arts Therapies Support Healing

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:53:36 GMT

How Creative Arts Therapies Support Healing

When I was 13 years old, I received a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. My hands and other joints were swollen and painful. Some activities were limited by this in my teens. In my 20s and 30s I had art teachers and mentors that encouraged me to use my hands to keep them healthy and strong. I continued to pursue the activities I enjoyed, singing, making art and an education in art therapy. Through these practices, in spite of the chronic pain I continue to move forward.

Now, 66 years later, still living with pain, I am exploring these practices more intentionally.

Living with chronic pain is not just a physical experience—it’s emotional, psychological, and often isolating. Pain can reshape identity, limit daily functioning, and create cycles of frustration, grief, and fatigue that are difficult to put into words.

I have found that modern medicine only scratches the surface of the pain. I needed something that could help me in all aspects of my life.

Chronic Pain Is More Than a Physical Condition

Chronic pain affects the nervous system, but it also impacts mood, relationships, and self-perception. Over time, people may experience:

Emotional distress (anxiety, depression)
Disconnection from the body
Loss of identity or purpose
Reduced sense of control

Pain becomes not just something you have, but something that shapes how you live.

So, how do I want to live?

So often, chronic pain narrows life. It teaches you what you can’t do, where your limits are, how much energy you don’t have.

I want to reframe this. I ask myself, what can I do now to live the life I want?

What brings even a moment of relief or connection?

What feels nourishing, even in a limited way?

What parts of myself are still here, still wanting expression?

In the creative arts therapy movement, movement is often used to help us connect to our bodies, to ground, and to be present.

I often start a client’s session with some kind of grounding exercises and body awareness coupled with self-compassion. Gentle yoga or Tai Chi works well for this.

From here, we can move into art making to help process our thoughts and emotions, working through the impact the chronic pain brings to our lives.

If you are living with chronic pain, please follow this blog for some more creative art practices that may help you live the life you want to live.

Thank you for reading.

Where do you find yourself as we enter a new year?

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 22:40:40 GMT

Are you struggling with a sense of stuckness, resistance, or maybe an inability to change?

You know you want to create change in your life, but so far nothing seems to work.

You appear to be fine; you go to work every day and spend time with friends and family. You meet all your obligations, but still a kind of a blaa feeling that lingers.

Healing comes when we show up for ourselves. When we sit with our discomfort and explore with curiosity and creativity what needs to be done in our lives.

This is where SouCollage® comes in. SouCollage is a creative and transformative process in which you create your own personal deck of collaged cards using your intuition and imagination. Through this creative process, you learn about yourself, your values, your strengths, and your vulnerabilities. You learn who your support systems are and who your guides are, whether they're people in your life or any other characters you are familiar with who help you gain wisdom.

Anyone can do SouCollage®. It begins as a simple, creative, fun activity that can suddenly surprise and awaken you.

Creating your own cards with deep personal meaning can help you with life questions. All you need is a good pair of scissors, precut mat board cards, and images.

Through the process, you're digging deep into your own wisdom and learning how to make changes and heal through this practice.

Art Therapy Studio of Reno is offering a 4-hour workshop on February 28 ^th , 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The fee is $80, and all materials are included.

What Is Art Therapy? How Creativity Supports Healing and Emotional Well-Being

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 22:43:31 GMT

Welcome to Art Therapy Studio of Reno

Hi, I’m Paulette, the founder of Art Therapy Studio of Reno. I became an art therapist because I’ve seen firsthand how creativity can open doors to healing, especially when talking about things that feel hard or exhausting. You don’t need to be “artistic” to work with me. My role is to offer a safe, supportive space where you can slow down, explore what’s going on inside, and use art as a way to express, process, and better understand your experiences. I believe healing happens in relationships and at your own pace, and I feel honored to walk alongside people as they reconnect with themselves and move toward greater clarity and well-being.

What Is Art Therapy?

Exploring the Healing Power of Creativity

Welcome! I’m excited to launch my very first blog post for my art therapy practice. Whether you’re new to the concept or have heard of art therapy before, this post will help you understand what art therapy is, how it works, and why it might be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Unlike traditional talk therapy, art therapy allows individuals to express thoughts and feelings that might be difficult to articulate with words. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, or other artistic activities, clients can explore their inner experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

Who Is an Art Therapist?

An art therapist is a mental health professional trained in both psychology and the creative process who uses artmaking—such as drawing, painting, or sculpting—as a way to help people express emotions, explore experiences, and support healing. Art therapy isn’t about making “good” or “perfect” art; it’s about using creativity as a tool for self-expression, stress relief, and personal growth. Art therapists often hold a master’s degree in art therapy and counseling. They work with children, teens, adults, couples, and groups in settings like schools, hospitals, treatment centers, and private practices. This approach can help people manage anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or addiction, while also fostering self-awareness and resilience.

How Does Art Therapy Work?

Art therapy sessions are guided by a trained and certified art therapist who helps clients use art materials and creative expression as a pathway to healing. You don’t need to be an artist or have any experience with art to benefit from art therapy. The focus is on the process of creation, not the end product.

During a session, you might be invited to create artwork based on a theme, emotion, or memory. The therapist may then help you reflect on your artwork, encouraging you to notice patterns, symbols, or feelings that arise. This process can bring insight, foster self-awareness, and provide coping strategies for various life challenges.

Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?

Art therapy is beneficial for people of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. It can support individuals dealing with:

· Anxiety or depression

· Trauma or loss

· Chronic illness or pain

· Stress management

· Relationship issues

· Personal growth and self-discovery

Why Choose Art Therapy?

Art therapy offers a unique way to access and express emotions, especially for those who find verbal communication challenging. It can be particularly helpful for processing complex feelings, building self-esteem, and encouraging mindfulness. The act of creating art can also be relaxing and enjoyable, providing a break from the pressures of daily life.

If you’re curious about art therapy, I invite you to reach out and learn more. My practice offers a welcoming space for everyone, regardless of artistic experience. Together, we’ll use creativity as a tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery.

Stay tuned for future blog posts, where I’ll share more about the benefits of art therapy, creative exercises you can try at home, and stories from the art therapy journey.

Thank you for joining me on this creative path!

What Is Art Therapy?

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:53:08 GMT

Exploring the Healing Power of Creativity

What Is Art Therapy?

Who Is Art Therapist?

How Does Art Therapy Work?

Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?

Art therapy is beneficial for people of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and seniors. It can support individuals dealing with:

Anxiety or depression
Trauma or loss
Chronic illness or pain
Stress management
Relationship issues
Personal growth and self-discovery

Why Choose Art Therapy?

Getting Started

Stay tuned for future blog posts, where I’ll share more about the benefits of art therapy, creative exercises you can try at home, and stories from the art therapy journey.

Thank you for joining me on this creative path!

Welcome! I’m excited to launch my very first blog post for my art therapy practice. Whether you’re new to the concept or have heard of art therapy before, this post will help you understand what art therapy is, how it works, and why it might be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

cfc74a89

Living with Chronic Pain: How Creative Arts Therapies Support Healing

How Creative Arts Therapies Support Healing

Chronic Pain Is More Than a Physical Condition

Where do you find yourself as we enter a new year?

Are you struggling with a sense of stuckness, resistance, or maybe an inability to change?

What Is Art Therapy? How Creativity Supports Healing and Emotional Well-Being

Welcome to Art Therapy Studio of Reno

﻿

What Is Art Therapy?

Exploring the Healing Power of Creativity

What Is Art Therapy?

Who Is an Art Therapist?

How Does Art Therapy Work?

Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?

Why Choose Art Therapy?

What Is Art Therapy?

Exploring the Healing Power of Creativity ﻿

What Is Art Therapy?

Who Is Art Therapist?

How Does Art Therapy Work?

Who Can Benefit from Art Therapy?

Why Choose Art Therapy?

Getting Started

Welcome! I’m excited to launch my very first blog post for my art therapy practice. Whether you’re new to the concept or have heard of art therapy before, this post will help you understand what art therapy is, how it works, and why it might be a powerful tool for personal growth and healing.

Exploring the Healing Power of Creativity