There is a cyclical and sometimes tedious nature that exists in the practice of sewing. For some, this pattern of repetition may feel soothing while others can feel redundant. Adults struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder live their life through cycles of repetition whether it is manifested through recurrent thoughts, obsessions, or behaviors, and compulsions, a continuous battle to repeat over and over. In art therapy we utilize materials to explore, challenge, assess, and redefine how we view thoughts and behaviors. The cyclical pattern of stitching and sewing, while it may seem tedious, can be illustrative and narrative, or functional while promoting a sense of mastery, or it can be soothing and rhythmic. When we think of this pattern of invasive thoughts, feelings, compulsions, and obsessions is there a way to emphasize and redefine repetition within the process of artistic exploration and creation? Story cloths have the potential to be narrative and symbol in their design but require a lot of planning and cognition within the process. Art therapist, Sarah Tippit specializes in treating individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, writes, (2018) “this is the first step in the process of helping the brain “habituate” to the thoughts, and becoming less “reactive” to them. In this context, art-making can help a client to begin to express a horrible thought, he cannot yet verbalize, thus helping treatment to progress.” We are asking our clients to problem-solve, make decisions, and plan how they want to convey how they are thinking, feeling, and acting. Tapping into this cognitive level of the expressive therapies continuum can be powerful in transforming the way we think of repetition and thoughts.
Tippit, S. (2018, October 08). The Role of Art Therapy in OCD Treatment. Retrieved December 10, 2020, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-role-of-art-therapy-in-ocd-treatment/