You are allowed to outgrow the version of yourself that was created to survive.
Sometimes healing isn’t about becoming a better version of yourself.
It’s about letting go of the version of you that learned to:
Keep everyone happy to avoid conflict.
Feel responsible for other people’s emotions.
Put family expectations before your own needs.
Feel guilty for having boundaries.
Stay small to avoid making others uncomfortable.
Avoid difficult emotions because they never felt safe to express them.
Maintain relationships that no longer reflect who you are.
When you grow up in an emotionally unhealthy family environment, certain behaviours become survival strategies. You learn to adapt, accommodate, anticipate and suppress parts of yourself. But what once protected you may eventually prevent you from living authentically.
Healing involves recognising that you no longer have to live according to the rules you were given as a child.
You are allowed to change. You are allowed to disappoint people. You are allowed to have different values. You are allowed to choose relationships that nourish you. You are allowed to become someone your family may not recognise.
Outgrowing old patterns isn’t betrayal. It’s growth.
What is one thing you are giving yourself permission to outgrow?
A group of courageous souls came together in my first online art therapy group ‘Meet your authentic self’ — exploring creativity, connection, and self-discovery through the gentle power of art therapy.
They created and reflected in ways that helped them peel back the layers of “shoulds” and “expectations,” making space for the truest parts of themselves to shine. They pushed through any uncertainty they were feeling and bravely shared their honest emotions and how they viewed themselves throughout this therapeutic experience and in general.
Group art therapy offers significant benefits, including improved mental health outcomes, enhanced social connections, and increased self-esteem. It provides a safe space for individuals to explore emotions, develop coping mechanisms, and build a sense of community.
Benefits of Group Art Therapy:
Emotional Expression and Processing: Art therapy provides a non-verbal outlet for expressing and processing emotions, which can be particularly helpful for individuals who struggle with verbal communication or have experienced trauma.
Social Connection and Support: Group settings foster a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and providing a supportive network for emotional healing.
Increased Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness: Creative activities can lead to self-discovery, enhancing self-esteem and promoting a more positive self-image.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress: Engaging in art therapy can be calming and relaxing, helping to reduce anxiety and stress levels.
Development of Coping Mechanisms: Art therapy techniques can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms for managing difficult emotions and situations.
Improved Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Collaborative art projects and group interactions can enhance communication and build stronger relationships among participants.
Enhanced Creativity and Self-Expression: Art therapy encourages individuals to explore their creative potential and express themselves in new and meaningful ways.
I’m so grateful for each participant’s openness and presence. Thank you for trusting me on this journey! Here’s to carrying these insights forward — and to continuing to meet yourselves with curiosity, compassion, and courage.
If you are interested in joining future online art therapy groups, or one to one art therapy sessions, please leave a comment below!
You can of course join me from anywhere in the world and I am happy to accommodate your time zone as much as this is possible. I am currently in the CEST time zone.
