THE ART AS THERAPY GROUP
The Celtic Wheel of the Year marks eight seasonal celebrations which were very important to the agriculture of our ancestors, who depended on the seasonal changes to dictate when to plow, sow, harvest, and rest. Each one marked an occasion for the townsfolk to gather and share, whether it was honouring the darker reflective times of winter or celebrating the abundance of spring and summer or the bounty of the harvest in autumn. The communal nature of these gatherings would have certainly have fostered connection and mutual support, as the community collectively prepared for the challenges and joys that each season brought with them. Perhaps due to a lack of such traditions in the modern world, so many of us struggle to adapt emotionally to the changing seasons these days, with over 2 million people diagnosed with Seasonal Effective Disorder per year.
This creative therapy group offers a sanctuary away from the busy pace of life while exploring the seasons of the Celtic Wheel. We offer a safe, reflective space where you can explore your changing emotions along with the changing seasons. No experience is needed, and you don't have to be good at art to take part. Each session, you'll be invited to explore art while reflecting on an emotion linked to the current season, each of us sharing how it resonates with our life in the present moment. Following this, we'll create individual artworks to express these emotions, exploring the hidden symbolic clues and metaphors from the subconscious that emerge in each other's creations and wind the session down with a peaceful guided meditation into the creative realm of the imagination. By blending personal reflection, creative expression, and collective insight, we adapt with the changing seasons, while fostering emotional growth and resilience within ourselves.
What's more, we have an exciting project on the horizon planned for 2025 to encourage a global outreach of our Creative Therapy work! If funding allows, we're hoping to expand our creative journey even more by joining forces with our poetry group to collaborate on the creation of a creative journal, which will be launched alongside any artworks you feel comfortable sharing for an exhibition and book release in November.
HEALTH BENEFITS
ART FOR WELLBEING
GROUP THERAPY
GUIDED MEDITATION
A meta-analysis published in The Arts in Psychotherapy found that art therapy resulted in a 37% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety (Haeyen et al., 2018). Additionally, a study from the American Journal of Public Health highlighted that engaging in creative activities like painting or drawing improves mental well-being, reduces stress levels, and fosters resilience, with participants reporting a 41% increase in positive emotions (Stuckey & Nobel, 2010). Moreover, art therapy supports trauma recovery by helping individuals express difficult emotions and process experiences in a safe, non-verbal way (NIH News in Health).
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry revealed that participants in group therapy experienced a 45% reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety over 12 weeks (Kobak et al., 2020). Another study from The Lancet Psychiatry reported that 80% of clients felt less isolated after joining a support group, highlighting its positive impact on social connectedness and emotional support (Bower, 2021). Group therapy also fosters interpersonal learning and empathy, leading to improved self-esteem and coping mechanisms, which enhances overall mental well-being (NIH News in Health)
A study published in Psychological Medicine showed that participants who practiced guided imagery experienced a 33% reduction in stress and anxiety after just four weeks (Stetter & Kupper, 2002). Additionally, research from Frontiers in Psychology found that visual meditation practices enhanced emotional regulation and reduced symptoms of depression by 40%, promoting relaxation and mindfulness (Zeidan et al., 2014). Guided imagery also aids in improving focus and mental clarity, contributing to a greater sense of well-being and stress management.
HOW DO I SIGN UP ?
When & Where:
This group meets every Monday at 12.30 midday inside St Johns Church Wellbeing Cafe. Art materials are provided but please bring along your own A5 sketchbook to work in.
Cost:
This support group is free if you live in Glastonbury and earn under £25k or £10 per workshop for those who earn over £25k a year, as part of an honesty scheme, which helps us to keep affording the free spaces for those on a low income.
Join now:
Please fill out our referral form to sign up below: