Art Hypnotherapy

Art, in its various mediums, is a great therapeutic outlet. Many creative and artistic mediums engage the hands in being crafty; drawing, writing, painting, sculpting, pottery, resin crafting, glassmaking, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and playing an instrument are all examples of artistic and creative mediums that busy the hands and mind. Art therapy is another form of Hypnotherapy because we induce natural states of self-hypnosis while we are creating our art.

Keeping our hands busy with artistic and creative crafts, but even mundane tasks such as washing dishes and folding laundry, or outdoor hobbies such as gardening, has been scientifically proven to relax the mind and body. These activities are known to put individuals into what is called a "flow state", also known as "being in the zone", or as Hypnotherapists call it, self-hypnosis. We go into our natural Alpha (meditative, daydream state) and Theta (hypnosis state) brainwave states when we are deeply relaxed and focused on what we're doing or creating. It is a calm, peaceful state where we can tune into our unconscious thoughts and feelings as we produce our crafts.

Our subconscious mind doesn't use words, but images. We dream in visuals. Our dreams are a way for our subconscious to communicate to us, which is why our dreams often don't make sense to our conscious-waking mind. The subconscious uses imagery and symbolism to convey and interpret messages and meaning. This is another reason art is one of the most powerful therapeutic outlets, and it is a healing modality that comes naturally to us as humans are creative beings. One doesn't need a therapist to guide them or help them through using the arts as a healing tool, however, working with a certified and or clinical therapist trained in art therapies and creative modalities might be helpful to some people.

As a Hypnotherapist, the way I use art with my clients, is not the same way a traditionally licensed Art Therapist with a Masters degree uses it, as a traditional "Art Therapist" is treating or curing a patient using art as their therapeutic modality. In hypnotherapy, we are not treating or curing personality disorders, mood/emotional disorders, or mental illness. Hypnotherapists will put clients in a state of hypnosis to access the subconscious programming, and to communicate with the subconscious. When we use art in hypnotherapy, we use art (imagery and symbols) as a communication tool, instead of words, which is how our subconscious communicates.

I call this process Art Hypnotherapy, since I'm aware that "Art Therapy" is a protected term, reserved for licensed therapists with Masters degrees. It's important for clients and patients to understand the difference and when they're in need of psychotherapy vs vocational and avocational self-improvement, self-exploration, as well as exploration and understanding of your subconscious programming.

Art and crafting has always been and still is the most effective form of therapy for me, as a creative person. I write poetry, screenplays, books and have tons of journals full of thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I paint. I go into nature with my camera and take photographs. I make all sorts of things out of resin. Creating is as natural as breathing to some of us. Creating can be someone's private place; their happy, peaceful place where no one else is invited. It is where one can turn all the negative, ugly, painful, icky thoughts or feelings into something new and beautiful. It is an act of transformation; from something painful, beauty is born. The arts provide a way of turning pain into purpose, beyond mere self-expression.

I will soon be adding Art Hypnotherapy sessions to my services; one-on-one and group sessions. In the meantime, I've added some of my own Art Hypnotherapy creations from my upcoming Faeriecraft brand (launching in 2026), which are for sale in the Mind Magic Store.

The following is a brief excerpt from my up coming soon-to-be released book, Mind Magic: Understanding Your Subconscious Superpowers:

"Sublimation is probably the primary defense mechanism of all artists and musicians; the people who take their emotions and turn them into a song, a story, a painting, etc. It’s an acceptable, and sometimes abstract, way of dealing with intense emotions and experiences. When shared with others, it can speak to them on a subconscious level, on a soul level, which makes them feel less alone and validates their own feelings, and experiences."