A word from Sofie
Creativity for Wellbeing
You do not need to see a Creative Arts Therapist in order to experience some of the benefits of creative expression. All human beings are innately creative, with our creativity being a fundamental aspect of who we are. It is pivotal in our ability to express our unique sense of self within the world, whilst fostering relationships with others – both key determinants of mental wellness.
Creative expression is simply a process of engaging our bodies with materials. This is something we all do, every day. Materials can include those which we traditionally think of as ‘arts’ or ‘play’ based items, but they also include items that we engage with in our day to day living.When either ourselves or our children focus time in engaging with materials in a playful and supportive way, opportunities are created to:
Express and integrate familiar feelings without words
Regulate our bodies
Experience new sensations and feelings
Form new ideas or perceptions about ourselves or the world
Develop curiosity and awareness
Encourage oral literacy and the capacity for verbal expression
Foster feelings of empowerment and belonging
When creative play occurs between parents, children and siblings, opportunities to express and listen to feelings, perspectives and the lived experience of those whom we love is made possible. When we engage in creative play, the materials that we use are not as important as the need to feel comfortable or supported when using them. Additionally, when engaging in creative play to strengthen family relationships it is important to remember that it is the process of self expression and not the outcome or quality of the artistic expression that has the greatest impact on our own and our children’s wellbeing. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to create! Meeting each other with curiosity is a great way to support family connection and communication.
Weekly activities for parents and children may include engaging with materials that form part of a well loved hobby, such as a football, using cooking items to create something in the kitchen, or spending time in the garden or at the beach. Some specific creative activities that offer playful exploration, shared togetherness and quiet reflection have been listed below.
“Colour My Feelings”
Goal: Emotional awareness and communication
Materials: Paper, coloured pencils or markers
Activity:
1. Each family member chooses a colour to match how they feel today.
2. Fill a page using shapes, lines, or patterns in those colours.
3. Take turns sharing your picture by naming the feeling or describing what thecolours mean.
Reflection Prompt: “What colour do you want to feel more of this week?”
“Family Mandala”
Goal: Calm and connection through shared focus
Materials: Large paper (or taped-together sheets), crayons or markers
Activity:
1. Draw a big circle together.
2. Each person adds shapes, lines, or patterns inside — working from the centre outwards.
3. Move slowly and breathe while drawing.
Reflection Prompt: “What part of our mandala feels peaceful or balanced?”
“Calm Jar Creations”
Goal: Stress regulation and sensory grounding
Materials: Clear jars or bottles, warm water, glitter or sequins, a drop of dish soap orclear glue, optional food colouring
Activity:
1. Fill the jar almost to the top with warm water.
2. Add a small amount of glitter and glue or soap to slow the swirl.
3. Seal tightly and shake together — watch the glitter settle as you take slow breaths. Reflection Prompt: “What are you noticing about your jar?” “What does it feel like inside you as the glitter moves and settles?”
“Shared Story Collage”
Goal: Family communication and co-creation
Materials: Old magazines, scissors, glue, paper
Activity:
1. As a family, create a collage that tells a story about “us” — things we like, do, or dream about.
2. Each person adds their own pieces, then you can write a short title together.
Reflection Prompt: “What part of our story makes you feel proud or happy?”
These activities draw from:
Malchiodi, C. (2020). Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy: Brain, Body, and Imagination in theHealing Process.
Riley, S. (2016). Family Art Therapy: Foundations of Theory and Practice. Hinz, L. (2019). Expressive Therapies Continuum: A Framework for Using Art in Therapy.