Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
Unknown userMember
hi all, im not sure if this post is in the right area, anyway i had an appointment with my psychologist today and we some how ended up talking about therapies that were used on as a child and how i still use them today mainly art and craft therapy like origami, knitting and crochet, beading and colouring in as it still helps me find my calm she called it hobby therapy just wondering if anyone else has does a similar thing
In response to: hobby therapy
CherryBombSenior Contributor
Hi @Former-Member, I'm not sure if it's technically a therapy. I wonder if she using was using the terms like 'retail therapy'. Not 100% certain though. Anyone else have any thought/info about this?
In response to: hobby therapy
KurraSenior Contributor
In response to: hobby therapy
Unknown userMember
Hi @Former-Member@Kurra@CherryBomb
I would say that handcrafts like knitting, crochet & beading, also colouring would come under the the category of art therapies. This is a valid and effective part of treatment for a range of mental and physical conditions.
Dr Eric Cunningham Dax was a well known Melbourne psychiatrist who pioneered the use of art as a treatment modality for mental illness. There is a gallery in Melbourne dedicated to this work.
Expressing emotions, mental and physical internal states via creativity is often a safer and gentler way to do therapy. Sometimes the words do not come but one can draw a symbol or make a colour that expresses the internal state. It unlocks another language and part of the mind & heart that promotes healing.
Many famous artists had mental illness and yet produced amazing paintings or works of music that continue to move and inspire us. I wouldn't dismiss the power of "hobby" therapies.
Personally I love watercolour and waterlillies 🙂
Frog
In response to: hobby therapy
KurraSenior Contributor
In response to: hobby therapy
BlueBaySenior Contributor
Hi @Former-Member
When I was in a psych ward in July I started to take up knitting. I used to knit little things as a child but nothing big. But i started to knit a scarf. I found that while knitting i am calm, i feel in control and i enjoy what i am doing. So far i have knitted 3 scarves, and 3 knitted bags. I tried art therapy in hospital but didn't enjoy it as it was too triggering for me and i would leave crying.
I also enjoy colouring in.
In response to: hobby therapy
MezzaNew Contributor
In response to: hobby therapy
Denv12Senior Contributor
One hobby I used to have years ago when I was working and in good health,I used to love going out to the new display homes to look at the new homes by various builders and even transportable home builders too.I would look through their floorplans while I looked through each home.I'd take those brochures,etc home and built up a big collection of floorplans.I still have a collection of my favourite builders floorplans.Most of those builders closed down over the years for various reasons.Even whilst I was in a relationship I managed to continue my hobby.I miss those days. Years later I was able to buy books online that were floorplan books.Over 500 homes.I had 3 of those books. I gave them away recently.I loved that hobby with a passion. Did anyone else ever do that?
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
