Healing with Expressive Arts: When Words Aren’t Enough
When words fall short, it can feel frustrating and isolating. You may know something is stirring inside, but struggle to put it into language—or feel like talking about it just isn’t enough. In those moments, creativity can offer another way forward. In this post, Lizzie Oekerman, LPC-Associate (supervised by Kerry Williamson, MA, LPC-S, LMFT-S, CST), shares how she integrates expressive arts—using art, music, movement, and writing as creative tools—into counseling to support healing and self-discovery for children, teens, and adults alike.
Sometimes words just don’t feel like enough. You may struggle to find the right way to describe something, or the words you do find don’t quite capture the depth of what you’re experiencing. At other times, it can feel impossible to get what’s in your head out into the open. When words aren’t enough, expressive arts can become another language of healing.
I am not a certified expressive arts therapist, but I often incorporate creativity - through art, music, writing, or movement - into my counseling sessions. For many clients, these tools offer new ways to process emotions, explore identity, and discover strengths.
Expressive arts invite clients of all ages to use movement, music, art, drama, or writing in the counseling process. It isn’t about making art that belongs in a museum. Instead, it’s about creating space for growth, self-understanding, and healing in ways that go beyond talking.
I am not a certified expressive arts therapist, but I often incorporate creativity - through art, music, writing, or movement - into my counseling sessions. For many clients, these tools offer new ways to process emotions, explore identity, and discover strengths.
Expressive arts invite clients of all ages to use movement, music, art, drama, or writing in the counseling process. It isn’t about making art that belongs in a museum. Instead, it’s about creating space for growth, self-understanding, and healing in ways that go beyond talking.
Tools Beyond Words
Finding the “right thing to say” can sometimes feel overwhelming—or leave us feeling stuck. Expressive arts offer different tools for speaking the language of healing. This might look like:
- Drawing, painting, or making a collage
- Listening to music, creating a playlist, or reflecting on meaningful lyrics
- Stretching, moving, or dancing
- Journaling, writing poetry, telling a story, or writing a letter you may never send
- Practicing real-life situations through roleplay or using dolls in play
Art Isn’t Just for Kids
Expressive arts aren’t “arts and crafts” just for children—they’re for everyone.
- Children may not have the words to describe their feelings, but drawing them out can help give their emotions a voice.
- Teens may resist “just talking” in a session, but often open up when asked about their favorite song, or when sharing a poem or story they’ve written.
- Adults may feel stuck in old patterns, and creative expression can help bypass logic to uncover hidden strengths and emotions.
- Older adults may reconnect with creativity, rediscover joy, remember meaningful moments, or find purpose through art.
Using the Tools
Just like traditional talk therapy, the heart of expressive arts lies in what comes up through the process. You won’t be handed supplies and left alone—your counselor will help guide, reflect, and explore the meaning behind what you create.
The focus isn’t on “good” or “bad” art. You won’t be judged on your painting, handwriting, or dance skills. What matters is being open to trying something new. Expressive arts can help build coping skills, provide a safe outlet for emotions, foster greater self-awareness, and even bring moments of playfulness and joy in the midst of difficulty.
The focus isn’t on “good” or “bad” art. You won’t be judged on your painting, handwriting, or dance skills. What matters is being open to trying something new. Expressive arts can help build coping skills, provide a safe outlet for emotions, foster greater self-awareness, and even bring moments of playfulness and joy in the midst of difficulty.
Moving Beyond Words
Expressive arts open the door to creativity, curiosity, and self-discovery. Whether you’re a child finding ways to express big feelings, a teen learning to cope with anxiety, or an adult seeking new ways to heal and grow, creative expression can offer another pathway forward.
If you’re curious about how expressive arts might support your journey, I would love to walk with you. I incorporate expressive arts into counseling with children, teens, adults, and couples at our North Austin and Georgetown locations. Together, we can discover the healing language that works best for you.
If you’re curious about how expressive arts might support your journey, I would love to walk with you. I incorporate expressive arts into counseling with children, teens, adults, and couples at our North Austin and Georgetown locations. Together, we can discover the healing language that works best for you.
Lizzie works with older children (age 10 and up), teens, adults, and couples as they navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, addiction, and life transitions. She incorporates creativity and expressive arts into her work and is especially passionate about supporting clients through identity development, relational struggles, and seasons of change. If you would like to meet with Lizzie or another ALCS counselor, please contact our office.
Posted in Blogs by Lizzie