Art and mindfulness

Caregiving can be emotionally charged. That is why art-making can be a very useful outlet for caregivers' emotional release. Being aware of their emotions and feelings, caregivers could come to terms with their many emotional states while caring for others.

"The creative process of art-making can help caregivers work towards a positive caregiving journey," says art therapist, Karen Koh. "By being aware of their emotions, caregivers can reflect on their feelings and find ways to improve or maintain their mental health.

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 wellbeing. It allows people to convey their concerns and points of views visually, rather than through words which may be difficult.

The art therapist supports the participants' process of finding meaning through art-making and creative expressions. Participants find ways to understand their artwork by reflecting on their creations and the process. This relationship between the client, therapist and artwork is a key feature of art therapy.

An Art Therapist in Profile

• Karen Koh, 30
• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Singapore Institute of Management
• Master of Arts (Art Therapy), LASALLE College of the Arts
• Been an art therapist for over two years and has worked with many across various age groups including seniors with dementia, youths-at-risk and children from underprivileged families.
• Registered with the Art Therapists' Association Singapore (ATAS) & ANZATA (The Professional Association for Arts Therapy in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore)

All you need

• A comfortable space you feel safe in
• Blank paper in A4 size
• Crayons or coloured-pencils

Preparation:

• Relax and close your eyes
• Think about your role as a caregiver
• Recall how the experiences of your caregiving process made you feel
• Remember the emotions you felt and the thoughts you had during those times
• Now you are ready to begin your art activity!

Action

Start by drawing a circle on the blank paper. Recall the emotions and feelings you experienced as a caregiver.

Now fill the circle with different colours for each emotion or feeling.

You could also draw images or symbols for the different emotions and feelings.

After, you could give your artwork a title. Voila, your "Wheel of Emotions" is completed!

Reflect

• Look at your artwork with your emotions in visuals.
• Reflect and write down what these colours and your images or symbols mean to you.
• You can use these artworks to keep track of your emotional wellbeing during your caregiving journey.
• If you think you need support from a trained art therapist to process the difficult emotions and feelings that arise, you can visit the Art Therapists' Association Singapore (ATAS) at http://www.atas.org.sg for the list of registered art therapists practising in Singapore.