Art has long been a tool for expression, but it’s also a powerful form of regulation and healing. In my work as a therapist—and in my own personal growth—I’ve seen how creative practices can shift the way we connect to ourselves. For me, creative expression helps me be more mindful. It gives me a way to slow down, listen inward, and see things more clearly.

Why Connection to Self matters
By Angela Larmer

Disconnection from ourselves can show up in many ways—feeling numb, overwhelmed, anxious, irritable, or like we’re on autopilot. For some, it’s a response to chronic stress. For others, it’s linked to unresolved trauma, grief, loss, or major life transitions.

The first step in setting healthy boundaries is recognizing the internal signals that arise when a boundary is being crossed. These signals—feelings of discomfort, resentment, or frustration—are your mind and body’s way of alerting you to a potential violation of your needs or values. Reflecting on past experiences or imagining possible scenarios can help you identify these cues more clearly.

Being trauma-informed in therapy means understanding how deeply trauma can affect someone’s life and creating a space that feels safe, supportive, and empowering. It’s about working together to help clients heal without ever causing more harm.

At its heart, this approach starts with safety…