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A Guide for After an Art Therapy Session:
- Chloe
- Dec 7, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Gentle Ways to Ground, Reflect & Look After Yourself
by Chloe Sykes, Art Psychotherapist and Yoga Teacher
(Art Therapy in Manchester | Therapy in Manchester)*— Hey From Within*
There’s a moment after an art therapy session, especially online, where everything goes quiet. The artwork is still in front of you, your materials haven’t moved, and your thoughts linger back to what you made. Something inside you has shifted.
Clients often tell me this is the part they didn’t expect: the way the session stays with them afterwards. Art therapy, whether you join me online or at the art therapy studio in Manchester, tends to linger. The body continues processing. The artwork still feels “alive” somehow. Thoughts and feelings keep unfolding.
So instead of rushing back into emails, parenting, work, or the rest of your day, I often invite clients to create a gentle landing ritual. This is a soft return. It’s a moment to help your nervous system catch up with the emotional work you’ve just done.
Grounding Practices for Reflection
Below are grounding practices, reflections, and journaling prompts woven into a narrative, not a checklist. You can use them in whatever way feels right for you.
Tending to Your Artwork
(especially after online art therapy)
When a session ends, the room often feels different. Your materials hold the faint echo of what you explored: the pressure of a line, the colour you didn’t expect to pick, and the unfinished shapes that still feel charged.
Rather than tidying immediately, take a moment just to look. Not to analyse. Not to judge. Just… notice.
When you are ready to move, the small acts of rinsing a brush, stacking your pencils, or placing your artwork somewhere safe can act like a quiet ritual:
We’re slowing down now. You’re safe. You’re returning to your day.
This simple pause supports grounding, which is especially helpful in online art therapy. The transition from deep emotional work to everyday life can feel abrupt.
Returning to Your Breath
Sometimes, after a session, our breath becomes shallow without us noticing. A gentle inhale… and a longer exhale can help your body settle.
There’s nothing to fix here. No perfect breathing technique is needed.
Just an invitation to arrive back into your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest or belly—a small signal to your nervous system that you’re safe.
Orienting to Your Space
Whether you’re still sitting at your desk or stretching on the sofa, slowly taking in your surroundings can help ease the transition.
Look around the room. Let your senses meet what’s here: the colours, textures, and sounds. This isn’t grounding as a task; it’s grounding as a gentle return to the present moment.
Checking In With Yourself
Therapy doesn’t switch off when the session ends; it continues quietly.
You might ask yourself:
What am I feeling right now? What do I need next?
Sometimes the answer is simple: a glass of water, a stretch, or a moment of quiet. Sometimes it’s rest. Sometimes it’s moving your body after sitting with something difficult.
All of these responses are valid.
Stepping Back Into Your Environment
Noticing the space around you and your place in it can help emotions settle in the body. Some people find it helpful to:
Step outside for fresh air.
Feel their feet firmly on the floor.
Stretch their arms.
Gently shake out their hands.
Small physical movements can support integration after art therapy, especially when the session has involved big feelings.
If you're curious about how different emotions show up creatively, including anger, you may enjoy my blog: 👉 “*How Anger Shows Up in Art Psychotherapy”
Letting the Day Be Gentle
It’s completely normal for something from the session to linger: a feeling, a memory, or a piece of artwork that still feels “alive.”
This isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s often a sign that something important is unfolding.
I always tell clients: You don’t have to wrestle with it. You can simply note it down, tuck it into your journal or phone notes, and bring it with you next time.
After-Session Journaling Prompts
gentle suggestions if reflection feels helpful via my post therapy session journal pack
If You Need Support Between Sessions
I can’t offer emergency support outside session times. If something feels overwhelming or unsafe, please contact your local crisis services or urgent care options. It’s absolutely okay to reach out for additional support.
If you’re curious about working with me, creatively and at your pace, you can read more here:
Resources I Use in Practice (https://www.heyfromwithin.co.uk/resources)
Or visit my About and Contact pages at www.heyfromwithin.co.uk.
I offer Art Therapy in Manchester, Art Psychotherapy in Manchester for adults and children, and online therapy for adults across the UK.
Embracing the Process of Healing
Healing is not linear. It often involves ups and downs. Each session can bring new insights and challenges. Embrace this journey with compassion.
The Importance of Self-Care
Self-care is crucial. It’s not just about pampering yourself; it’s about nurturing your emotional and mental well-being. Find activities that resonate with you. This could be reading, walking, or engaging in a creative hobby.
Building a Support Network
Having a support network can make a significant difference. Surround yourself with people who understand and uplift you. Share your experiences and feelings with them. This connection can enhance your healing process.
Setting Boundaries
Learning to set boundaries is essential for your well-being. It allows you to protect your energy and focus on what truly matters. Communicate your needs clearly and assertively.
Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help you stay grounded. It encourages you to live in the moment. Simple practices like meditation or mindful breathing can bring clarity and peace.
Reflecting on Your Progress
Take time to reflect on your journey. Acknowledge your growth and the challenges you’ve overcome. This reflection can motivate you to continue moving forward.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If you feel stuck, consider seeking professional guidance. A therapist can provide support and strategies tailored to your needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grounding, reflecting, and looking after yourself are vital components of emotional well-being. By incorporating these practices into your routine, you can nurture your mental health and foster resilience. Remember, it’s okay to take things one step at a time.
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