Art as Therapy - Zentangles

Prior to working at Looking Glass Counseling, one of the staff at the day program I worked at introduced me to the practice and art-making style of Zentangles. What made this approach special to me was that it was introduced by the program’s Peer Specialist, a colleague who self-identified with having mental illness while valuing the recovery model we were both working at. Whether in group therapy sessions when accessing the day program or an employee helping our group practice render meaningful care, a common tool that was used in the group space or meeting room to foster focus and relaxation was Zentangles.

What’s a Zentangle? According to Zentangle.com, Zentangle art is non-representational and unplanned drawing of stringing together simple, repeatable patterns (tangles) within a defined space using basic shapes such as dots, lines and curves. There are no mistakes - only new patterns and opportunities to create something different.

The website linked gives videos and resources on how to make a Zentangle. In this post, I’d like to review a few benefits of trying this approach in case you are unsure if it is worth giving a try. Some of these benefits I’ve seen my colleague or clients gleaned in this process include:

• Stress and anxiety management/relief: As one gets focused into the creative process of drawing, doodling or (in this case) Zentangles, the flow found in drawing with simple lines, curves and filling in’s can help regulate intense feelings that can commonly feel distracting to dysregulating. Adding music, aroma therapy and/or a comfortable creative environment can be a great distraction tool to relieve acute, uncomfortable feelings.

• Enhancing self-compassion: This creative process, like many others, has the ability to produce stress and/or expectations. When one steps into a Zentangle experience, a prime guide post offered is to be self-compassionate and kind to yourself. Similar to expressive arts therapy, there are no mistakes…only new opportunities and ideas yet to be explored. Because Zentangles commonly do not have a prescribed appearance outside of recommended drawing strokes, the image can take on a limitless palette of options.

• Increased creativity and mental flexibility: Lastly, this outlet can lead a maker to explore new, unexpected ideas that facilitate spontaneity, fun and ease that is akin to wellness. An accidental line can be reinforced as an opportunity to be curious and playful which can lead to the noted flexibility people flourish in.

This resource is very easy to find online and there are numerous media resources available. All you need is a pen and paper and you can be on your way to Zentangles - one of many art for wellness practices!

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Lou Lim, LMHC, REAT is a licensed mental health counselor and registered expressive arts therapist (REAT) with a master's degree in Expressive Therapy and Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. He is a member of the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association and on the committee for REAT credentialing. He has 13 years of experience in counseling and expressive therapy working with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, and retirees.

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