So I decided to pic up a sketch journal that I like and start doing my own personal art therapy. I was wondering if anyone else does this, and if so what kinds of things do you do in it? Draw, paint, collage, etc?

And how do you come up with topics/ideas/prompts for what to do. I have 2 pages done in mine, and I've found it very freeing to do, but I find it difficult to come up with prompts on what kind of subject matter to do.

[Fresia]

I have started to do this again too. It is freeing, isn't it?! I like to draw with pencil or charcoal, more than collages or paints as it is easier to take with me places. For inspiration/subject: sometimes I do things in the environment/objects, people, recreate things from memory that I saw, patterns or designs, or just images that come to my mind. I will also try my hand at doing mandalas; or if want something simple, finding the mandala patterns, and simply coloring for a mindful distraction. There are a lot of free mandala patterns online.

One exercise I learned was to try to create an image of the mood that in, and what it would look like you could see it in that moment; or collecting collages of images that show the mood in or if want to feel differently/better, what images would that mood look like to help feel better.

No matter the subject, have fun with it and enjoy!!

[Perna]

I buy the large, unlined artist sketch books and use them for "regular" journals too; keep one beside my computer and take notes, journal, draw, make lists, diagrams, pictures (of things I might want to make or situations so I understand them clearer), etc.

Using one as a regular journal, I may illustrate a dream or just allow the unlinedness to free me and write in all different directions or cross-reference stuff with arrows, whatever feels good or right to me.

[lphin1983]

And how do you come up with topics/ideas/prompts for what to do. I have 2 pages done in mine, and I've found it very freeing to do, but I find it difficult to come up with prompts on what kind of subject matter to do

[waynec]

Originally Posted by Aanga

So I decided to pic up a sketch journal that I like and start doing my own personal art therapy. I was wondering if anyone else does this, and if so what kinds of things do you do in it? Draw, paint, collage, etc?

And how do you come up with topics/ideas/prompts for what to do. I have 2 pages done in mine, and I've found it very freeing to do, but I find it difficult to come up with prompts on what kind of subject matter to do.

i journal 1-2 pages when i arise while taking a hot bath. just THE ARTIST'S WAY type, some specific some random thoughts, some rants, specific affirmations. i write 5-6 gratitudes in my graditude journal before turning out the light at bedtime.
i suppose my art therapy is graphic work (which seems to have dried up) and building plastic and wood models. when i get really stressed and anxious (which is still mild and not daily) i do jigsaw puzzles. i usually have classical music on in the background.