Infographic: The difference between creative therapy, recreational creativity and therapeutic creativity

Creative Therapies – Qualified Therapist:

Examples:

Art Therapy: A qualified art therapist uses various art forms like painting, drawing, or sculpture to help individuals express themselves.

Music Therapy: A trained music therapist utilizes music and rhythm to address the emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.

Drama Therapy: Incorporating theater and dramatic activities, a qualified drama therapist assists individuals in exploring and addressing emotional and psychological challenges.

When might this approach be used/recommended/referred?

Creative therapies are recommended for individuals facing mental health issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, or individuals seeking personal growth and self-discovery.

It is often used in conjunction with traditional therapeutic approaches for a more holistic treatment.

Therapeutic Creativity – Without a Therapeutic Qualified Clinical Relationship:

Examples:

Journaling: Individuals engage in expressive writing as a form of self-reflection and emotional processing without direct therapeutic guidance.

Photography for Personal Expression: Taking and reflecting on photographs as a personal creative outlet without formal therapeutic guidance.

Creative Writing Workshops: Participating in creative writing activities for personal expression and exploration without a formal therapeutic setting.

When might this approach be used/recommended/referred?

Therapeutic creativity without a qualified therapist might be recommended for individuals who prefer a more self-directed approach to personal expression.

It can be beneficial for stress relief, self-reflection, and personal growth.

Recreational Creativity:

Examples:

Paint and Sip Events: Social painting events where individuals create art in a relaxed, recreational setting.

Crafting Groups: Joining groups for activities like knitting, sewing, or other crafts for enjoyment and socializing.

Community Art Projects: Participating in community-based art projects for enjoyment and collaboration.

When might this approach be used/recommended/referred?

Recreational creativity is recommended for individuals looking for leisure and social engagement.

It can be used as a stress-relief activity and for community building.

It's important to note that while recreational creativity can be a positive and enjoyable activity, it may not replace therapeutic interventions for individuals with specific mental health needs. Qualified therapists provide structured support and guidance in addressing psychological and emotional challenges through creative modalities.