Art as Medicine

By Angela Larmer, RN, Psychotherapist

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.

In a recent episode of my podcast Ask Angela, I spoke with Caren Gagne and Pat Stamp—two artists who use creativity in their own healing journeys and in the work they do with others. We explored how art supports people through grief, anxiety, and trauma—not by offering solutions, but by creating space to feel, explore, and process. It’s not about making something perfect; it’s about letting something honest come through.

At The Rooted Heart, we often bring creative elements into individual and group therapy. These practices allow people to reconnect with themselves in a safe, embodied way. When words aren’t enough, art becomes the language.

If you’re feeling stuck or disconnected, it might be a sign that you’re ready for change. Art can help you slow down and begin to hear your own voice again. You are your own best advocate and advisor—sometimes all you need is space to listen.

To hear more about how creativity can support healing, listen to the “Art as Medicine” episode of Ask Angela. It’s a grounded, heartfelt conversation about what becomes possible when we make space for creative expression in our lives.