Finding Myself in Art – Online group

The information on this page is for an ACC sensitive claims approved online group.  Your counsellor or psychologist can help you access the group if you have an approved claim.

Finding Myself in Art gives participants the chance to engage in creative processes to explore and deepen their understanding of their current sense of self and identity. Gain insights that could shape your future aspirations and sense of direction. Delve into the complexities of ‘who am I’, as you gather valuable perspectives to enhance personal growth and self-awareness.

Each week you will begin with a thought-provoking reflective writing prompt relevant to the session’s theme to support the upcoming art activities from a place of introspection. Then select from your preferred art materials to complete art activities that focus on themes such as self-perception, identity symbolism, roles and values exploration, and envisioning future selves.

Each session there will also be the optional opportunity to share experiences, reflections, or artwork with the group, fostering connections and providing mutual support.

Potential Benefits

1. Enhance self awareness: build a deeper and more cohesive understanding of your identity, values, and personal narratives
2. Strengthen self-concept: gain a clearer understanding of how you understand yourself, develop a sense of your unique self-worth and value, gain an increase clarity of your aspirations
3. Increase hope for the future by exploring and embracing facets of yourself
4. Develop skills that foster personal growth and well-being.

What materials will I need?

Here is a list of possible materials that you may consider having with you as a group participant with us.

The bare basics you need are:

• papers
• drawing materials such as
  • pens
  • pencils
  • colour pencils
  • crayons
  • markers

You can get through the whole group with just this if that’s all you have!

The next level includes:

• old newspapers, magazines (try an op shop for these!) Start collecting junk mail, old books, wrapping paper, different kinds of papers and colours, magazines of all different kinds (eg national geographic and gardening, not just women’s magazines) and anything with colours and images.
• glue stick/ glue
• a pair of scissors
• plasticine/ modeling clay

Beyond these, you may want to explore using some other materials such as paint, mixed media materials, 3-dimensional materials, fibers, fabrics, etc. However, let us be clear, you do not NEED to get anything more than these.

It is completely your choice if you want to buy/use anything more.

• Think about what you are comfortable using.
• Gather any recycled materials from home
• find nature items such as dried leaves, feathers, seed pods, etc
• Have a look at what you / your whanau / your kids or mokos currently have
• Think about things you want to try using
• Consider your current budget if you wish to buy. There are budget friendly options eg
  • The Warehouse
  • $2 shop
  • an Emporium
  • Kmart

What participants have said about this group