Art Healing Techniques for ADHD Moms

Art healing techniques involve the use of art to promote healing, emotional regulation, and personal well-being. The practice of using art as a healing tool dates back to ancient times, and in recent decades, art therapy has emerged as a formalized approach to therapeutic art-making.

While art therapy typically involves a licensed therapist and focuses on the interpretation of art to explore emotions and experiences, art healing techniques are more about the process of creating art rather than analyzing the final product. These techniques are especially helpful for reducing stress, expressing emotions, and supporting mental clarity — making them ideal for ADHD moms, neurodivergent women, and caregivers of twice-exceptional (2e) children, including those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and giftedness.

ADHD moms often live in a state of heightened mental load, overstimulation, and emotional exhaustion. Art healing offers them a non-verbal outlet to regulate their nervous system and reconnect with themselves — without pressure to be productive or perfect. For moms managing ADHD or ASD in their children, creative expression can also become a shared ritual of connection, mindfulness, and co-regulation.

One popular art healing technique is mandala creation. Mandalas are circular, symmetrical patterns that invite repetition and focus — a perfect combination for calming an overwhelmed ADHD mind. Coloring or drawing mandalas can slow down racing thoughts and anchor attention gently.

Another powerful tool is collage-making. This technique uses torn paper, photos, fabric, and text to create layered visuals — a soothing and intuitive way to express emotion without needing fine motor precision or planning. Neurodivergent moms often find that collage work gives form to complex feelings they struggle to verbalize.

Sensory-friendly painting, like finger painting or watercolor blending, is also widely used among ASD and 2e children for its emotional release and tactile grounding. Integrating these practices at home can help twice-exceptional kids explore their identity, reduce meltdowns, and build confidence through creative play.

• Reduces anxiety, stress, and sensory overload
   
• Improves focus, especially in ADHD and 2e individuals
   
• Provides a non-verbal outlet for emotional processing
   
• Strengthens parent-child connection through shared creative time
   
• Promotes mindfulness and nervous system regulation
   
• Encourages identity exploration, especially for gifted and autistic children
   

You don’t need formal training, expensive supplies, or long chunks of time. Art healing works best when it’s:

• Simple: Start with a blank page and a few colors.
• 
  Accessible: Let go of perfection — this isn’t about making “art,” it’s about feeling.
   
• Flexible: Let your child join in. Let the cat walk across the paper. It all counts.
   

If you’re an ADHD mom craving space to breathe, regulate, and connect with your kids on a deeper level, art healing techniques may become your softest and most powerful tool.

• Malchiodi, C. A. (Ed.). (2012). Handbook of Art Therapy. Guilford Press.
   
• McNiff, S. (2004). Art Heals: How Creativity Cures the Soul. Shambhala Publications.
   
• Stuckey, H. L., & Nobel, J. (2010). The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature. American Journal of Public Health, 100(2), 254–263.
   
• Attwood, T. (2007). The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome.
   
• Webb, J. T. (2005). Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults. Great Potential Press.
  

Art therapy and art healing are two different approaches that use art as a form of therapy. Art therapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses art-making to help individuals express and explore their emotions and experiences. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in making art can be healing and therapeutic.

Art healing, on the other hand, is a complementary therapy that uses art as a means of relaxation, stress reduction, and overall well-being. It does not involve the same depth of psychoanalysis as art therapy but rather focuses on the therapeutic effects of creating art.

While art therapy is typically conducted by licensed therapists with a background in psychology, art healing is often facilitated by art educators or individuals trained in holistic healing practices.

Both art therapy and art healing have been shown to provide a range of benefits, including reduced anxiety and depression, improved communication and self-esteem, and increased relaxation and mindfulness. However, art therapy may be better suited for individuals with specific mental health concerns, while art healing can be beneficial for anyone looking to incorporate art into their self-care routine.

Overall, both approaches recognize the power of creativity and self-expression in promoting healing and well-being.

References:

• American Art Therapy Association. (2017). About Art Therapy. 
• Hinz, L. D. (2009). Expressive Therapies Continuum: A Framework for Using Art in Therapy. Taylor & Francis.
• Malchiodi, C. A. (2012). Art Therapy and Health Care. Guilford Press.
• Raab, K. (2013). Art Therapy Sourcebook. McGraw Hill Professional.