How does creativity help to heal?
Lately, in my sessions, I've been observing a recurring theme where clients delve deep into their creative imagination, embracing vivid visuals to confront the obstacles that hinder their progress. These barriers often manifest as protective layers acquired during various stages of their lives—be it infancy, childhood, or adolescence.
The ingenuity of the mind and body in devising such intricate defence mechanisms is remarkable, yet as time passes, these mechanisms can become outdated, impeding personal growth. What once served as a coping mechanism during childhood challenges may transform into an insurmountable barrier in adulthood, hindering career advancement, financial success, or fulfilling relationships. The process of unveiling these protective layers, engaging in dialogue with them, expressing gratitude for their past assistance, and then releasing them can be a profoundly transformative experience for clients. These visual representations of inner blocks can manifest in remarkably imaginative forms such as weather patterns, animals, kitchen tools, natural occurrences, and even fruits.
My own experience of using creative visualisation to heal.
As a practitioner, I am continuously engaged in my own self-work and have also utilized visualizations to identify and shed old beliefs and protective shields. Personally, I encountered a massive black rubber screen, reminiscent of a sturdy tyre, shielding me from unwelcome truths. Through mindful tapping and introspection, I acknowledged the screen's purpose, expressed appreciation for its past shielding, and then allowed it to dissolve—symbolically wheeled away from the "set." Drawing from my background in shoot production, the imagery of crew members smoothly moving the screen offstage felt oddly familiar yet profoundly liberating.
The exploration of these visual metaphors remains an endlessly captivating endeavour for both myself and my clients. The intricate interplay between the brain and body in safeguarding our well-being never ceases to intrigue me, and I am eager to unearth more layers of obstruction alongside my clients.