Mental health healing doesn’t always begin with words sometimes, it starts with a color, a line, or a quiet moment of stillness.

Talk Mental Health Indonesia (TMH.ID), in collaboration with Miracle Psychology, hosted a deeply moving and inspiring Art Therapy Session at the Creative Hub Yayasan Jiwa Pulih Bahagia, located in Prenggan, Palbapang, Bantul, Yogyakarta.

Set in a warm, peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature and art, the session became a safe space for participants to reconnect with themselves, express emotions they could not verbalize, and experience healing through creativity. The program was facilitated by Diah Purwita Rini, a compassionate and insightful psychologist from Miracle Psychology, whose presence guided the session with empathy and expertise.

A Thoughtfully Designed Session for Emotional Exploration

The session was thoughtfully structured into several therapeutic stages, each with a unique focus and emotional purpose:

1. Meditation to Recall Personal Memories

Participants began their journey with a grounding meditation. With eyes closed and guided breathing, they were invited to travel inward  to recall significant life moments, buried emotions, or unprocessed memories. This calm reflection prepared their minds and hearts to begin the deeper work of expression.

2. Sharing What Came Up

Following the meditation, participants were encouraged to share what surfaced feelings of grief, joy, fear, confusion, or even bodily sensations. The group environment fostered empathy and non-judgmental listening, helping each person feel seen and heard.

3. Expressing Through Art

With brushes, markers, and open hearts, participants were then invited to create. This was not about artistic skill, this was about emotional release. On paper, they poured their stories, their pain, and their hopes using colors, textures, and symbols. For many, this was a liberating experience.

4. Understanding the Meaning Behind the Artwork

Once the drawings were complete, participants reflected on their creations. What did the image mean? Why those colors? What story was their artwork trying to tell? Sharing this process not only deepened self-awareness but also fostered connection and validation from others in the group.

5. Final Meditation for Self-Acceptance

The session concluded with a second meditation, this time focusing on self-acceptance. In this space, participants were gently encouraged to embrace their full selves, including the parts that feel broken, confused, or vulnerable. It was a moment of closure, peace, and emotional integration.

Why Art Therapy?

Art therapy is more than just painting, doodling, or getting creative — it’s a structured therapeutic approach that helps people express, process, and transform their emotions through art. Often used alongside other mental health strategies, art therapy creates a bridge between the conscious and subconscious mind — making it especially powerful for those who struggle to articulate their feelings.

When words fall short, art steps in.
Here’s why art therapy is such a powerful tool for healing:

1. It gives voice to unspoken thoughts and emotions

Many people carry emotional weight they can’t easily express — whether it’s sadness, grief, anger, fear, or even joy. Art therapy creates space for those emotions to surface safely. Through colors, textures, and symbols, participants can say things they didn’t know how to put into words.

2. It creates a safe space to process difficult experiences

For individuals who have gone through trauma, loss, or emotional hardship, directly confronting those memories can be overwhelming. Art offers a gentle way to approach and process those experiences — without reliving them in a triggering way.

3. It leads to unexpected self-discovery

Art often reveals patterns, beliefs, or feelings that we weren’t even aware we held. This can lead to profound personal insight. The act of explaining one’s artwork — “Why did I draw this? Why that color?” — helps unlock new understanding of the self.

4. It helps build emotional resilience

Art therapy encourages emotional flexibility: the ability to sit with discomfort, explore it, and move forward. This process strengthens emotional muscles and improves coping skills over time.

5. It calms the nervous system

Engaging in repetitive, creative activity (like painting or drawing) can put the brain into a meditative state. It slows the heartbeat, lowers cortisol levels, and brings the body into a more relaxed and centered condition — a natural antidote to anxiety and stress.

6. It creates a non-judgmental, connected environment

One of the most healing parts of group art therapy is the realization: I’m not alone. Seeing others bravely express their emotions helps reduce shame and builds community. When supported by a trained professional like Diah Purwita Rini, the experience becomes not only therapeutic but deeply empowering.

The Power of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a recognized mental health intervention that blends creativity with psychology. It is especially helpful for those who find it difficult to express their feelings through words or traditional talk therapy.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Emotional Release: Art provides a safe outlet to express feelings that are too overwhelming to verbalize.
  
• Self-Discovery: Creating art helps individuals uncover hidden emotions and patterns in their thoughts.
  
• Stress Reduction: The act of creating can be meditative and calming, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
  
• Connection: Group sessions like this allow for shared healing, reminding participants they are not alone.
  
• Empowerment: Finishing an artwork can boost confidence and self-worth, especially when it symbolizes resilience.
  

In this session, these benefits came alive. Laughter mingled with tears. Silence coexisted with expression. And by the end, every participant walked away with a piece of art that held deep personal meaning.

Come Visit the Creative Hub!

If you are in Yogyakarta or nearby, we warmly invite you to visit the Creative Hub at Yayasan Jiwa Pulih Bahagia in Bantul. It is more than just a venue. It’s a space of hope, creativity, and community. Whether you want to explore mental health resources, join a future workshop, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings, this hub welcomes you!

What Should We Create Next?

This is just the beginning. We want to hear from you:
What kind of healing or mental health event would you like to experience next?

Feel free to drop us a message or connect with us through social media. Healing is a journey we take together!