Creative expression and self discovery of health & wellness

Using the creative process for self discovery of optimal wellness is an untapped vehicle that can be used to help facilitate positive behavior change. The majority of evidence demonstrating the benefits of creative expression is limited to the practice of art therapy, the use of art to help people recover from traumatic injury, experiences, and disease. Yet, the use of creative expression for health & wellness, especially in the realm of wellness coaching can be just as invaluable. Within the context of coaching, creative expression is used to engage an individual in self reflection and allow a safe space for an individual to discover their personal wellness vision and draw out their unique strengths, challenges, and supports to optimal wellness. The product of one's creative expression provides a stepping stone for an individual to then move into behavior change. When an individual has a clear vision for their wellness they are more connected with themselves, empowered to redirect their everyday choices, and ready to move forward with their optimal wellness goals in ways which are sustainable and provide a higher quality of life. This abstract explains the theoretical framework of Cooperrider, D.L. & Whitney, D.'s Appreciative Inquiry and James O. Prochaska's Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change when applied to wellness coaching and identifies the steps necessary to create a safe space for an individual to engage in creative expression exercises.