Accepting What you Can't Control: How Watercolour Painting Can Help You Navigate Control in Art Therapy
- Remy
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Art therapy is an exceptional way to express, heal, and reflect. One exciting method within this therapeutic framework is watercolour painting. This approach not only encourages creative expression but also offers a powerful means for clients to explore their feelings of control. By applying the Expressive Therapies Continuum, we will explore how watercolour painting can enhance this journey.
The Expressive Therapies Continuum and Control
The Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) is a guideline that highlights the range of expressive mediums and their emotional and cognitive impacts. In art therapy, control plays a critical role in how individuals manage their emotional reactions and thoughts. Watercolour painting stands out because it combines structure with freedom, helping you examine your control in a safe environment.
Watercolours are inherently unpredictable. The paint’s fluid nature often reflects your own emotional state—sometimes calm, other times chaotic. For example, when you mix blue and yellow to make green, the final shade may surprise you. This spontaneous interaction not only helps you externalize your feelings but also encourages you to explore areas of your life where you have control and those where you do not. This creative process is a safe way to reflect on your sense of control and emotional state.
Exploring Control through Creative Expression
Watercolour painting in art therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore emotions related to control that are difficult to describe in words. For instance, you may approach the canvas with a plan but find that the paint behaves differently than expected because of watercolour's uncontrolable nature. When creating with watercolour you can control the colours you choose, the brushes you use, the imagery you atetmpt, but you cannot control how the colours bleed and blend, or how much water is absorbed onto your brush. This experience may prompt you to reflect on your approach to life. Do you find yourself trying to control every detail, or do you allow for some spontaneity?
This dialogue between you and the medium can help you understand your comfort zones. You might begin with a detailed idea for your painting, with a clear vision of colors and shapes. However, as you work, you might encounter moments of tension, or perhaps you will find joy in areas where you let go of expectations. This exploration can provide insights into how you manage control in various aspects of your daily life.
Practical Benefits of Watercolour in Art Therapy
Engaging in watercolour painting in art therapy offers not just introspection but also tangible benefits. The hands-on experience of blending colours can be incredibly soothing. The act of creating something new serves as a relieving technique during stressful moments when you feel you have lost control.
In therapy sessions, using watercolours often fosters discussions about personal boundaries and emotional triggers. By painting, you can visualize fears or uncertainties and practice the act of letting go. For example, if you paint a stormy sky but gradually allow it to transform into clearer skies, you’re not just creating art—you're learning how to navigate and shift your emotions, turning a tense moment into an opportunity for growth.
Embrace Your Journey Through Watercolour
Watercolour painting in art therapy is much more than a creative outlet; it is a pathway to explore your sense of control in a constructive yet free-flowing manner. Through this medium, you can navigate emotions, confront challenges, and learn to balance control with surrender in your life.
Whether you are a client in art therapy or someone interested in this approach, consider immersing yourself in the world of watercolours. By engaging with the Expressive Therapies Continuum, you may uncover deeper insights about yourself and embrace the beauty of self-acceptance.
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