The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant emotional impact on many, especially young adults. From feelings of isolation and anxiety to grief and uncertainty about the future, many are still grappling with the mental health toll of the past few years. As an art therapist working with this population, I’ve seen firsthand how creative expression can support emotional healing during this challenging time.
One particularly powerful approach to processing these emotions is Art Therapy, a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression as a way to explore and process feelings in a safe, non-verbal manner. Now more than ever, it’s important to find methods that can support us in nurturing our emotional well-being and recovering from the challenges of the pandemic.
How Art Therapy Can Help You Heal
Art Therapy offers a unique opportunity to express emotions that might be difficult to articulate through words. By engaging in the creative process—whether it's drawing, painting, sculpting, or using other mediums—individuals can connect with their inner experiences in a way that feels less direct but incredibly powerful.
Working one-on-one with an art therapist means having the guidance of a professional who can help you understand the emotions and thoughts that surface during your creative process. In a session, you might start by talking briefly about how you’re feeling or what’s been weighing on your mind, but much of the session will focus on your engagement with the art materials. As you create, the therapist might gently guide you to explore certain images, colors, or themes that arise in your work. There’s no pressure to create something “beautiful” or “perfect”—the focus is entirely on what the process of creation brings up for you emotionally.
For example, a young adult struggling with post-pandemic social anxiety might be asked to use colors and shapes to express how they feel in social situations. Through the act of creating, they may realize that certain colors represent their feelings of fear or tension. With the therapist’s support, they can begin to unpack these feelings and explore ways to cope with them. The therapist might then help them identify coping strategies that can be symbolized by different shapes or colors, turning the art-making process into a tool for emotional regulation.
Post-Pandemic Emotions: What You May Be Feeling
As we collectively try to return to a sense of "normalcy," many people find themselves grappling with a complex range of emotions. You might be feeling:
Grief over lost time, missed opportunities, or the loss of loved ones.
Anxiety about re-entering social environments or adjusting to a new routine.
Isolation from the prolonged separation from friends and family.
Uncertainty about the future and what lies ahead.
These emotions can often feel overwhelming, and they may be difficult to process on your own. Art Therapy creates a safe space to confront and explore these feelings without having to dive into them head-on. The creative process allows you to express what might otherwise remain unspoken, giving you a sense of relief and understanding.
The One-on-One Experience with an Art Therapist
Working one-on-one with an art therapist offers a personalized, supportive space where your emotions and experiences are validated and explored at your own pace. Each session is tailored to meet your unique emotional needs and comfort level. Here’s what you might expect during a one-on-one art therapy session:
Initial Conversation: The session typically begins with a brief conversation where you and your therapist talk about what’s on your mind. Whether it's an anxious thought, a specific stressor, or just a general feeling of being overwhelmed, this dialogue sets the tone for your creative exploration.
Creative Process: Next, you’ll be invited to engage with various art materials. There’s no "right" or "wrong" way to do this. You may use paints, markers, clay, or other mediums to express what you’re feeling. Your therapist might suggest themes or ideas to explore, but you’re encouraged to let your instincts guide you.
Reflection and Exploration: After you create, your therapist will help you reflect on what you made and the emotions or thoughts that arose during the process. This is where the deeper work often happens—unpacking the meanings behind what you created and connecting them to your emotional life.
Emotional Integration: Over time, as you engage in these creative processes, you’ll begin to integrate your emotions and experiences in a healthier, more constructive way. The art-making process becomes a form of emotional release and self-understanding that can carry over into your daily life.
Benefits of Art Therapy: What the Research Says
Research has consistently shown that art therapy can be highly effective in treating a variety of emotional challenges, including anxiety and depression. One study found that art therapy significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms in college students (Puig, Lee, Goodwin, & Sherrard, 2020). Another study demonstrated that it was especially beneficial for young women dealing with trauma and emotional distress (Smeijsters & Cleven, 2006).
Post-pandemic, art therapy has become even more relevant as it helps individuals process the collective grief, trauma, and emotional exhaustion that many have experienced. Whether you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one, dealing with heightened social anxiety, or simply feeling uncertain about the future, art therapy offers a non-verbal outlet for processing these heavy emotions in a safe and supportive way.
Other Forms of Creative Expression
In addition to art therapy, other forms of creative expression—such as dance, music, and writing—can also be powerful tools for emotional healing. The act of creating, whether through movement, sound, or words, can help individuals access emotions that might be difficult to express verbally.
However, working with a trained art therapist adds a layer of professional support that helps guide the therapeutic process. A therapist can help you reflect on your creative work, offering insights and coping strategies that might not arise in more independent forms of creative expression.
Moving Forward
If you're struggling with post-pandemic emotions, whether it's grief, anxiety, or a sense of isolation, consider exploring Art Therapy as a tool for emotional recovery. Working one-on-one with a qualified therapist can provide the guidance and support you need to navigate your feelings and begin the process of healing. Remember, healing takes time, and engaging in creative expression can offer both relief and insight as you move forward.
Learn more about art therapy sessions for young adults [here].
Attiya Awadallah, LCAT, ATR-BC, is a licensed psychotherapist and creative arts therapist specializing in treating anxiety, depression, and complex trauma, with a focus on young adults navigating school, career, and life transitions. At Lenora: Art Therapy and Counseling, Attiya helps clients embrace their identities, manage stress, and develop resilience.
If you’re interested in learning more about therapy services or booking a session, visit www.lenoratherapy.com or contact Attiya directly at lenoratherapy@gmail.com.
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