This article is Part II of a two-part series on pain and art therapy, following Art Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Pain Management. Weaving, has a rhythm to it, something steady, predictable, and calming. The repetition of movement is almost meditative, gently nudging the mind away from pain and into a more peaceful state.

As AI continues to evolve, its applications in therapeutic settings will too. These tools hold promise as a way to complement and enhance existing therapies. With thoughtful guidance and a focus on individual strengths, AI can help make healing more accessible, meaningful, and empowering.

When recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the mostly widely used intervention, but for some people, talk therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when cognitive fatigue, memory challenges, and emotional frustration are part of the picture. Could creative expression help?

While trauma-focussed cognitive behavioural therapies (TF-CBTs) are gold standard for treating PTSD, I'm really curious about the integration of art therapy with TF-CBTs. Particularly as a way to overcome the early and significant drop out from TF-CBTs.

Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, often involve intense and persistent emotional highs and lows that can feel impossible to control. DBT-informed art therapy offers a way to channel those intense feelings into something creative and therapeutic.

In 2019, I facilitated an expressive journaling group at the WA AIDS Council (WAAC) for people living with HIV. While art-making was central, what stood out was the connection, laughter, and shared strength that emerged each week. This blog reflects on the value of creative spaces in chronic illness support, where humour, expression, and peer understanding matter just as much as the page itself.

While tolerance to stress is individual, situations such as Lockdown can be challenging for most of us. There are lots of effective ways to relieve stress, exercise, yoga, music, and time outdoors, all offer stress-relieving potential. But arts and crafts offer some unique advantages and engaging in creative self-expression, is a powerful mindfulness tool.