Hello friends! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying some of the warmer weather we’ve been having! Today, I thought it would be fun to discuss one of my favorite tools for art therapy: Scribble drawings. Scribble drawings are a basic yet versatile technique used in art therapy to encourage self-expression, unlock unconscious thoughts, and reduce anxiety. This simple method requires a blank piece of paper, a writing utensil of your choice, and something to color or shade with. The individual will begin by creating random, unplanned lines on the paper. Sometimes, this is done with the eyes closed or using the non-dominant hand, allowing one to fully lose control over the scribbles. Once the paper is filled, the therapist and client will examine it together. Clients are encouraged to look at their scribbles and find shapes, images, or scenes within them. This process helps reveal underlying feelings, thoughts, or conflicts that might be difficult to communicate. The spontaneous scribbling allows unconscious material to surface, providing insight into what is really going on. Once the individual has identified said shapes, images, or scenes, they will then be encouraged to trace them or fill them in with color. 

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes scribbles are just scribbles. This technique does not always give us important information. Sometimes, it is just relaxing to make art with no boundaries or guidelines. Sometimes, that is all we need to relieve ourselves of anxiety and similar emotions. 

In art therapy, scribble drawings can serve as a non-threatening starting point, especially for clients who feel uncomfortable with their artistic abilities or talents. Since the process emphasizes spontaneity over aesthetics, it removes the pressure to “make art” and instead focuses on free expression. Therapists may guide clients to reflect on their scribbles by asking what they see, how the lines make them feel, or what story the image might tell. This can lead to meaningful discussions and insights, making the abstract tangible and providing new perspectives on emotional struggles. That’s all for today! I hope I’ve inspired you to go make some scribble drawings, even if just to relax and relieve some anxiety! Scribble away!