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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
The green and yellow text boxes are included with art
journal pages and have for some specific tips.
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
viewed as having emotional disorders and Use Gesso as a primer. . .it usually comes in
not as being a defective subset of the human white or black. Applied to the paper surface makes the pa-
race. A diagnosis is to identify and lend per a little stiffer before painting on it. It prevents paint
understandingit does not have to be a from soaking into the paper, it adds texture, and makes a
label or define a person. great surface for collaging. Use a paint brush or sponge to
Guilt and shame should continue being apply a thin coating but its messy so put some newspaper
looked at and discussed to reduce stigma for under the page and on the table. Be sure it dries and put
sheets of waxed paper between pages. After pages dry, lay
Each person has their own heavy books on top to help flatten the pages.
story and their own journey to travel and Carry a notebook or small sketchbook
learn from. Each must be respected and with you wherever you go. Make to-
honored. Medication alone is not enough do lists when inspired. Write down
to change lives. Recovery is a holistic thoughts, memories when the ideas
process that requires work in all areas of come because short-term memory is
our lives, including physical health. The fleeting. Make sketches and doodles
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) while sitting in waiting rooms or on
reassures us that recovery is possible, the bus its a good distraction for
and for many it is probable. impatient feelings.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
Receiving any diagnosis does not individuals, families, communities, and society.
define us. With holistic or wrap-around services, Recovery from mental health issues is entirely possible,
the individual chooses his or her path towards but it does not happen overnightit is a continuous
health and recovery. effort to change and/or improve thoughts, activities,
Recovery is a continuing process, and each person beliefs, and behaviors. Individual human creativity is
has 24 hours a day to work on something to complex and can be appreciated for its merit,
improve their health, wellness, and potential. innovation, imagination, and effort.
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
This journal was made ACKNOWLEDGE your or your loved ones mental
using scrapbook paper, cut into 12 in. x health issues. Get out of (dismissal of, or refusal to
9 in. Pieces, folded, then sets of two believe in something) and be willing to look at what you need
were hand-stitched together. The to deal with).
spine was glued and a piece of card- How serious are your symptoms . . . your thinking and
board was folded into a cover. Pages behaviors?
were layered with tissue, craft and Consider putting together a Wellness Plan and look at various
scrapbook paper (Matte medium is ter- options for treatment.
rific for layering light-weight papers, Try not to be judgmental of yourself, your loved one, or the
but heavier paper may need tacky professionals.
white glue to stay down.) Grieve any of your losses: of your previous life and activities;
The pictures are from an old childrens a previous personality (for example, from loud to quiet) for
book. Paper towel that has been used yourself or your loved one.
to dab up paint is great for layering Become willing to try some new things.
also. Accent with permanent gel pens Become open-minded to suggestions from your peers, advice
and markers they come in various from professionals, and observations from people who see
colors including silver and gold. you on a regular basis.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative lives that include striving for personal meaning and
endeavors, and the independence, income and enhanced quality of life through active efforts in the
resources to participate in society; and above domains (e.g., relationships, work), regardless
Community: relationships and social networks of whether symptoms are present or not (APA,
that provide support, friendship, love, and hope. 2009). A person-based approach to treatment that is
(SAMHSA, 2011) sensitive to consumer-defined goals will recognize the
An American Psychological Association policy stated,
A wealth of data now indicate that the majority of Pause take a break breathe deeply.
people with serious mental illness eventually improve There are just some days when life feels over-
significantly over time, and can have independent whelming and there seems to be just too much that
needs to be dealt with. Try not to compare your
Try to be open to the process. progress with how someone else is doing; each
After preparing the pages, gather up your paper person is different with varying behaviors, needs,
scraps and loosely arrange them and see if you knowledge, experience, and skills. If you have any
like the color patterns and balance that develops. questions, write them down and ask someone. Keep
I like to reinforce page spreads be adding paper a forward momentum and let go of what cant be
or tape down the center. Borders can be added fixed. Accept help from others and remember to
using markers, tape, or strips of paper. Stay in Today.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
There are some common elements of Recovery is based in respect to be treated with
recovery for hope, inspiration, and achieving respect, to treat others with respect, and to
successes. These include: respect cultural and lifestyle differences.
Hanging on to hope and optimism. It is holistic having whole-life solutions that
Making commitments and taking care of involve the mental, physical, emotional, and
responsibilities. spiritual parts of us. Services and supports are
integrated and coordinated in a well-rounded
Practicing self-direction asking for information,
Wellness Plan.
looking at various options, and choosing which
methods to put into your plan. need to pay attention to a range of psychological
Relationships are important having a stable factors for positive outcomes.
home/place to live, involvement in social networks Recovery involves finding and using support in the
and activities, using peer support, feeling included community. Each person may have their own world-
and connected in a community of people. view of what recovery means, and each type of
Empowerment realizing there are many recovery community has their own definitions.
pathways. Seek information, become informed , These include various medical views; trauma and
and define your own individual goals. rehabilitation recovery; alcoholism and addiction
Identify your personal strengths and advantages. recoveryand within each, there may be further
variations.
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
Therefore, in the wider recovery community, we all emotional, mental, and spiritual development.
can try to support and respect each other on our Recovery from addiction is a transformative process
unique recovery journeys. Recovery requires and is also a continuing journey rather than a
individuals to work hard using many methods which destination. Hurting, wounded, and confused people
often include therapy, medication, hospitalization, need to work daily for health and well-being, and
and/or peer support. staying connected to peers is a helpful support.
It is important to choose a recovery group that fits
for yourehab support groups, a therapy group, a
Addiction to alcohol or illicit substances is destructive 12-Step group (Higher Power focused), or secular
and interferes with an individuals physical, support meetings. These all have differing messages,
so whichever you choose, stay with their specific
Page spreads may have a color- methods for recovery.
theme running through it. Colored tape or paint If you dont hear
can help bring pages together. Cut around encouragement to make
pictures. Doodle with dark or white markers. positive life changes, but
I love layering with gesso and tissue papermany instead hear about detailed
of these are so thin, you can see some of the layer drug usage or complaining
beneath it. find another meeting.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
Many people in various recovery groups are dually- growth to move beyond the symptoms, disability, and
diagnosed with substance abuse and mental health stigma of having a mental illness or being an addict,
issues. Recovery from addictions and mental but during the process of change, individuals often
disorders is a lengthy process of change, but it can feel empowered and the resultant self-acceptance heals
be accomplished just one day at a time. Change suffering and eases anxiety. For individuals with the
is found in taking actioneach individual must commonality of recovery from addictions or mental
make the decision to take action to improve their illness, peer-facilitated art groups can be another
physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. opportunity for a supportive, shared experience.
It can be a slow and difficult process of personal
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
look through in those times when the mood is dark, materials. Kelly Brown Luckett, an art therapist,
or a way to use a small block of time to express the described art journaling as a space for questions that
self creatively. The size makes it more accessible may not have answers, a place for thoughts that may
and portable than using a large canvas and the book otherwise not have a home, a safe container for
itself becomes an essential part of the process. This emotions so that they do not have to be loose in the
book can become an extension of the self, and it can world (Luckett, 2011). The activity becomes a
also be a place to play and experiment with art
Old childrens book are a great
FAMILY & KIDS Family, however you source for pictures, as are travel, outdoors, or
define that, is a life priority. These are the people health and wellness magazines from your doctors
who are part of your day-to-day life. Show you office. Some waiting rooms have multiple copies of
care and appreciate them; pay attention to their brochures and some booklets for patients to take
needs and interests; and spend time with them. home with them.
For extended family members, stay in reasonable Choose colors how you feel them . . . you dont need
contact with them. If any of these people are toxic to plan them. If something isnt working, add an-
for you, it may not be reasonable to maintain other layer. When collaging, change something
contact. SELF-CARE This involves basic hygiene about the picture or cut-out . . . add other pieces or
for body, mind, and spirit on a daily basis. draw over it.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
with art materials as well as to become Using a small sketch book with
an extension of the self. markers is great for doodling.
A lunch box or zippered case
(like a clear make-up bag) can
There are many thorough supplies lists hold quite a few things,
on the Internetcheck out Pinterest including a small art journal.
and make a search for art journal I use a 12-inch Craftsman tool
supplies and how to use them. There tote to take along to art groups.
is a comprehensive list in the back of
this book. Many artists have how-to
videos on their blog sites and Youtube. HEALTH, NUTRITION, & EXERCISE Taking care of the
body improves emotional and psychological health and well-being.
A suggested supplies list on is in
Recovery is about all aspects of our self our physical health, our
the back of this bookit suggests
spiritual life, and becoming emotionally whole.
good basics for layering mixed media
pages. Putting together a little kit to SELF-ACTUALIZATION Improvement in all these areas improves
take with you as you get out and about, our quality of life . . . to become empowered to achieve the things
depends on the type of art or writing we really want to do . . . to re-awaken old dreams or plan new ones
you enjoy. . . . to realize and use our talents and gifts.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
Finish off pages with paint daubs, Dont forget your own pep talks when
stickers, or doodles. Circles and lines are handy you feel blue. Sometimes progress is a couple
for filling in spots, connecting graphics, or applying steps forward and one or two steps back. Some
border decorations. days are just lousy and nothing seems to be going
right. What did you list in your Urgency Plan for
quotes from spiritual leaders, along with why they are the dark days? Read a book, try a new recipe, call
particularly meaningful. For some, contemplation can a friend, and hopefully spending some time with
be accomplished during the processthe repetitive your art journal. Hang in there and get back to
movements can be soothing which can help loosen action tomorrow. . .maybe the dark clouds will pass
up thinking. away. Remember, This too will pass.
Participating in art and making things special satisfies
something within us. Setting aside a time and special
place for art work makes it a pleasurable opportunity
Many hospitals have art rooms for patients and a
for regular exploration of the soulthe inner,
few offer art journaling for people with cancer or
authentic self. Creative time is helpful for self-care.
other long-term illness. Anita Holford described
This creative time becomes a ritual, and benefits
how voluntary arts groups help patients to manage
physical and mental health recovery with improved
long-term illnesses. In Creative Opportunities for
quality of life and well-being in a holistic way.
Patients Wellbeing, she described how creative
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
identified five simple steps to maintaining You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control
positive mental health and well-being: your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will
1. connecting with the people around us, be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.
2. staying active with an enjoyable physical activity, ~Brian Tracy
3. continue learning,
4. giving to others, and CELEBRATE and help others celebrate.
5. taking notice of whats around us Enjoy, and be content with, what you have so you
(Holford, 2011). wont be envious of what otherss have.
Although we can recovery from seemingly hopeless
situations, continued supports may be critical for
continued mental heath for some. Others adopt
new living and coping skills and find after some
Although guided art therapy or individual work is years they no longer have unmanageable
important for honest self-expression, working in a symptoms.
creative group helps individuals to maintain focus
and perspective through peer support and dialogue. in expressing painful feelings, and have an emphasis
These groups help by instilling hope, offering social on altruism which can be a healing factor. If you are
interaction and support; show universality in similar a visual arts creative type, I recommend finding an
problems, worries, and fears; are helpful for catharsis open art group to join. Some community studios
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
have a pay-per-session rate which involve teaching community. In these groups, facilitators try to find
techniques. There may be open-studio, art support- ways to honor and celebrate each persons
type groups for people in various forms of recovery individuality within a group context. Instead of trying
(addiction, chronic illness, mental illness) through to get every member of the group to conform to one
non-profit groups. Voluntary art groups in the project, there are usually many options so each
community encourage socializing, which helps person can explore what theyre comfortable with.
marginalized individuals re-integrate into the NAMI offers expressive arts programs or open arts
SCRIBBLING is a great way to re- doodle. COLORING can have a calming effect.
lease emotions. Scribble as rough, fast, and an- Mandalas are a good choice for some soothing
grily as you need to you might even tear the coloring, and there are plentiful choices for man-
paper. Scribbling should be messy. Get whatever dalas and other coloring pages on the Internet
it is that is upsetting you out of you by scribbling do a Web search. You can also color your way into
it onto the page. DOODLING is about drawing little a certain mood by being careful about what color
shapes, stick people, long curving lines, zig zags, you choose. Some meanings of color in art: Black
circles, mazes, and patterns on your page. It evil, falsehood. Blue modesty, fidelity. Green
doesnt have to make any sense, its simply a hope, joy, youth, victory. Purple royalty. Red
chance to be in your creative energy and let it passion, anger. White purity, cleanness. Yellow
flow. Some people close their eyes to slowly jealousy, betrayal. Yours may be different.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
becomes a shared cultural experience. diverse populations who participate, for varied interests
Additional benefits of these groups include and hobbies, it can be empowering, and they offer an
being free or low-cost with donated supplies, opportunity
they are often in neighborhood community to keep on
centers, they are a way to socialize, there are learning.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
TO MAKE JOURNALS: Use note cards, cardstock or heavy scrapbooking paper, envelopes,
manila folders & sketch paper tape together & sew, or fold and staple, You can also use
composition books, purchased journals, or old hard cover books just remove at least of the
pages and Gesso for page preparation
A VARIETY OF PAPERS for layering: textured paper; colored tissue paper; lined & graph paper;
sheet music; waxed paper, aluminum foil, or gift-wrapping scraps; storybook or old book pages;
drawing, watercolor, construction, craft, or scrapbooking paper; maps; old calendars with
photos; magazine pages with lots of color; newspapers; paper towels; waxed paper; mandala
templates
MARKERS, etc: white out correction pen/tape, colored pens/sharpies, color pencils, watercolor
pencils, acrylic paints, brushes and cups for water, rulers, sparkle glues, gel medium
ADHESIVES: Colored masking tape, clear tape, PVC glues (tacky), permanent glue sticks,
staplers, colored duct tape, Gesso
For TEXTURIZING: printing tools like skewers, needlepoint canvas, chipboard letters, pre-cut or
hand-cut stencils, rubber stamps & ink, toothbrushes or pump-spray inks to make splatters,
sponges, etc.
FOUND OBJECTS: flat board game pieces/cards, feathers, puzzle pieces, paper clips, aluminum
foil, candy wrappers, fabric, lace, ribbons, string, yarn, sequins, postage stamps
MISCELLANEOUS: burnishing tools, waxed paper, scissors, rulers, large inking pads for rubber
stamps, wet wipes, old shower curtains for table top protection
ticket stubs, receipts, maps, menus, photos, artwork, poetry, typed
or written lists, postcards, scraps of letters/notes, printed or photocopied photographs, etc.
crayons, coloring pages (templates), construction
paper, and scrapbooking supplies from a craft store can be helpful
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Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling E.T.C.
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E.T.C. Mental Health Recovery and Art Journaling
(2011). Retrieved October 21, 2012, from Art Therapy Alliance: http://www.arttherapyalliance.org
Elaine C. (2013, March). Retrieved from Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/ETCjournaling/
AATA. (2010). About Us. Retrieved from American Art Therapy Association:
http://www.americanarttherapyassociation.org/aata-aboutus.html
APA. (2009). Resolution on APA Endorsement of the Concept of Recovery for People with Serious Mental Illness.
Retrieved 2013, from American Psychological Association:
http://www.apa.org/about/policy/chapter-10b.aspx#endorsement
APA. (2012). About DMM-5. Retrieved from American Psychiatric Association:
http://www.dsm5.org/about/Pages/Default.aspx
Cambone, E. (2012). Art Making in Peer-Facilitated Groups is Health-Enhancing for People in Recovery.
Marylhurst University.
Holford, A. (2011, July). Creative opportunities for patients' wellbeing. Primary Health Care, 21,
16-20.
Luckett, K. (2011, June). Why art journal? Retrieved 2012, from Art Journaling as a Creative Process:
http://artjournaling.blogspot.com/p/why-art-journal.html
McLean, B. (2011). Creating your way to recovery. Retrieved from NAMI Advocate Magazine:
http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Advocate_Magazine/
E-Newsletter/20111/Creating_Your_Way_to_Recovery.htm
NAMI. (2012). Treatment and services. Retrieved from National Allicance on Mental Illness:
www.nami.org/
NIAD. (2013). National Institute of Art and Disabilities. Retrieved February 2, 2013, from NIAD Art
Center: http://niadart.org/about-niad-art-center/
SAMHSA. (2009). What is resilience. Retrieved from PBS: This Emotional Life:
http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topic/resilience/what-resilience
SAMHSA. (2011, December 22). A working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use
disorders. Retrieved from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/1112223420.aspx
Soneff, S. (2008). Art Journals & Creative Healing: Restoring the Spirit Through Self-Expression. Beverly,
MA: Quarry Books.
van Dernoot Lipsky, L., & Burk, C. (2009). Trauma Stewardship. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler.
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Daily Meditation / Affirmation /
Reflect on readings
These prompts can be used for a whole
Goals / To-do lists
journal, or for a page spread.
Family Traditions (the good, the bad,
A day-to-day journalwhats going on & the ugly)
TODAY? Special eventspast, present, & future
Gratitude listgiving thanks for the Just fun stuff: doodle, color, be silly
good things.
Favoritesquotes, song lyrics, poem(s)
Generic recovery sloganswhat
Lettersto yourself / letters to or
slogans help me?
from your children
12-steps of recoverywhere am I and
Travelcollected photos and
what have I learned?
memorabilia (ephemera)
Quotes from the AA or NA textbook
Mandala/medicine wheel/circle of life
My Family / My Friends
Transitions / Changes
Life Prioritieswhat and who are
Medicationtrack usage, and make art
most important?
to reflect side effects or feelings about
Significant life experiences medications.
Spiritual exploration process Health Diarytrack ups and downs of
Tracking personal growth chronic illness such as diabetes, cancer,
Tracking behavior patterns Hepatitis C, etc.
Feelingsdraw, paint, or collage them
Elaine Cambone graduated from Marylhurst University in Oregon, March 2013 with a
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary StudiesPreparatory Art-Therapy Concentration.
These were focused studies in psychology, art, and art therapy workshops.
Elaine worked as a Graphic Designer for 12 years, is a graphic artist as well as a hands-on
visual artist who enjoys working in mixed media. She is especially enthusiastic about art
journaling, which combines written language and visual language and is an ideal, creative
method for recording ones personal journey and for emotional self-care. She has a passion
to facilitate art workshops in varied locales or venues for adults with mental health issues, in
recovery from addictions, elders, and/or otherwise marginalized from society.
For two decades, Elaine has been a dedicated volunteer toward helping others learn, heal,
grow, take charge of their own lives, and become active members of their communities
through peer support, mentoring, group facilitation, leadership and teamwork, small
business, and non-profit boards.