Touchstones – The Benefits of Painting

We have recently begun running Touchstone sessions at Church on the Street, in Burnley, which gives visitors the chance to take a moment out of their day to sit, paint stones, and chat about whatever is on their minds if they want to. 

What is Touchstones?

Touchstones is a new project that we are implementing at JSA Psychotherapy. It focuses on the therapeutic and cathartic benefits of painting stones and talking. 

Although we also offer Creative Arts Therapy services, which have their own purpose and benefits, Touchstones is not so much a therapy, but a way to help relax and release anything on your mind while letting your creativity run wild.

How is Painting Good for the Mind?

Creative hobbies, such as painting, are an excellent way to improve your well-being.

Life can often be stressful and we all experience high levels of stress in our lives at times. Painting and other creative hobbies can help release some of the stress that can build within ourselves. 

The cathartic motion and creativity that comes from painting can help to relax your mind, allowing you to let go of all the stress you are holding in. It enables you to manage and regulate emotions, as well as handle psychological distress. 

Painting can also help you express the emotions you are feeling without having to say a word – something that can seem daunting to some people. In fact, painting has been used as a method of communication for thousands of years, dating all the way back to 40,000 years ago. 

Creative hobbies, like painting, also provides a community for those partaking in the activity. It can bring people together, create connections and provide a social activity – all of which prevents feelings of isolation.

Art and painting are about expression – there’s no right or wrong answer, or way to do it when it comes to painting. This can take the anxiety factor away from the activity, and help provide a relaxing atmosphere for those letting their creativity flow.  

If you would like to find out more about our Touchstones project, or get involved, contact us at office@jsapsycotherapy.com or call us on 01282 685345 – we are more than happy to have a chat!