The Therapeutic Benefits of
Jewelry Making

Ok, so you're thinking, ya right, jewelry making and therapy?! I don't see the connection. Maybe not - but then again, maybe you don't need therapy. Or better yet, maybe you do, so that's a subject you'd like to avoid all together.

Most of us at some point in our lives probably need therapy. Most of us also probably would never admit that to anyone, much less see a THERAPIST. Especially therapists who are supposed to have all the answers, right? WRONG - they just help people find their own answers and sort out all of the garbage that gets in the way of discovering those answers.

Sometimes we can't do that for ourselves without the right atmosphere to do all the sorting. Then comes the discovery or insight that eventually provides the answers. Of course, sometimes we aren't looking for answers but just someone to express ourselves to - someone to provide an ear, an outlet. Garbage piles up unless we empty it every once in awhile. Ok, so get to the point, right?

What I'm trying to say is that jewelry making offers a host of skills that can be applied every day. For example, creativity is something that we all possess, but many of us won't explore our creative side because of some innate insecurity or childhood pain that we haven't been able to let go.

Children are born to create. It all comes from within. At what point do they suddenly feel they can no longer express themselves this way? Was it something someone said? Was it that someone laughed at something they created? Did they not get any positive feedback about their creations? Did someone somehow cause them to believe there is a right way and wrong way to create?

Whatever block may have caused a child to stop creating is the same block that keeps adults from their creative nature. But creativity isn't gone forever. It is still in there somewhere. That child is still wounded.

Many people think being creative or "artistic" is about being able to draw. A lot of folks subdue their creativity because they "can't" draw. Well, drawing and art aren't synonymous, but even if they were, anyone who can put a mark on a piece of paper can draw. Doesn't mean you'd ever sell anything you draw, but it doesn't mean you "can't".

Which brings me to the therapy part. Creating jewelry pieces with all the unlimited colors, variations, and options can open up that creative outlet within. When explored, your creativity can bring much healing. It's a way to go inside and sort through all the garbage.

Whether you create with background noise or in a quiet environment, you have to go within to produce the final piece. You might change the pattern many times before you are satisfied with the end result.

Kinda like the process we go through in making any decision. When our lives become hectic and stressful, it becomes more difficult to find that quiet inner place to sort through the garbage. Jewelry making forces you to slow down, think, and be alone with yourself. It gives you an opportunity to let your creative nature come alive.

And the best thing is that there's no right or wrong. Whatever unique piece you come up with is A-okay. Even if no one else likes it, it wasn't for them anyway. It was your own expression.

I find when I am kinda blue or have a lot on my mind, my pieces contain a lot of dark colors. But when I am upbeat and things are going pretty good, I tend to use more color. What I've learned from this is that if I force myself to use more color - even when that's not my mood - my mood will improve.

It's kind of a cognitive therapy applied to art therapy. It is amazing how one can become so bead crazy, but when those colors and designs provide healing and growth, one can hardly resist.

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