Art Therapy and Neurodivergence

Creative energy as with all things in life, follows a natural cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Neurodivergence is a natural and evolutionary trait that benefits the entire species. With our hyper connected brains, highly empathetic and attuned nervous systems, neurodivergent (ND) people are in tune with our environment and the natural cycles of life. Being passionate and hyperfocused, it is even more important for us to listen to our bodies and know when it is time to rest.

Art is a way of being that engages more than the spoken and the tangible. It is embodied, in both the process and art product embodying inherent layers of meaning and significance. It is no wonder that many ND people are drawn to art therapy. We are able to appreciate the embodied and intuitive, and express ourselves through more than verbal ways. In a society that often values conformity over diversity, ND people often face prejudice. Learning to be more self aware, loving ourselves and being authentic, is a productive and healthy way forward, instead of burning out trying to be everyone else. It also helps a lot to be understood by a ND mental health professional, instead of having your natural traits pathologised for not fitting the norm.

Working with fellow NDs has taught me so much and I've been doing a fair share of self reflection. Shifting my focus to prioritise my clients, helping out with a local ND community, as well as my own physical recovery, social media updates have taken a back seat.

As I resurfaced from the deep-dive of rest and reflection, the image of two goldfish rose to consciousness while preparing for my group session. A symbol for the end of sensitive and dreamy Pisces season, and welcoming the trailblazing Ram of the zodiac.