A Creative Approach to Decision-Making

Are you stuck trying to make a career decision and want an alternative way to help make the right choice?

Making significant career decisions can be daunting, especially when you’re at a crossroads and uncertain about your future. Traditional decision-making strategies often involve lists and logical analysis, but what if you could tap into a more creative and intuitive process? Art therapy offers a unique approach to exploring career options, helping you visualise and assess your goals through artistic expression. This journal post explores how art therapy, specifically using an art based decision pattern, can guide you in making impactful career choices.

The Role of Art Therapy in Decision-Making

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses creative processes to improve mental health and well-being. It involves expressing thoughts and emotions through art, which can help individuals gain insight into their feelings, reduce stress, and explore different aspects of their lives. Art therapy can be particularly effective for individuals facing significant life decisions, as it allows for a non-verbal exploration of possibilities and desires.

Why Use Art Therapy for Career Choices?

Career decisions often involve complex emotions and conflicting desires. Art therapy can help you visualise your options and understand your feelings about each potential path. By creating visual representations of your goals and aspirations, you can gain a deeper understanding of what truly matters to you and identify practical steps to achieve your dreams.

Creating your decision wheel (or decision universe)

Step 1: List Your Career Aspirations

The first step in using art therapy for career decisions is to write down all the things you want to do in your life or career. This could include specific job roles, industries you’re interested in, skills you want to develop, or personal goals related to your professional life. Don’t hold back—write down everything that comes to mind, even if it seems far-fetched or unrelated.

Step 2: Make Planets from Your Aspirations

Next, your art therapist will guide you in cutting out little circles from your list of aspirations. These circles represent planets in your career universe. Each planet signifies a different career move or life goal. This visual and tactile process helps you start to see your options as distinct and tangible.

Step 3: Colour Your Planets

Now, it’s time to bring your planets to life by colouring them in. Use different colours to reflect how you feel about each career option. For example, a bright, vibrant colour might represent excitement and enthusiasm, while a muted or dark colour could signify apprehension or uncertainty. This step allows you to engage with your feelings about each option on a deeper level.

Step 4: Discuss Practicality and Feasibility

With your coloured planets laid out before you, you and your art therapist will discuss the practicality and feasibility of each career move. Consider the following questions:

What would it take to achieve this career goal?
What skills or qualifications do you need?
How long might it take to reach this goal?
What are the potential challenges or obstacles?
How does this option align with your personal values and life goals?

By examining these factors, you can start to prioritise your planets based on both emotional resonance and practical considerations.

Step 5: Creating Your Decision Universe

The final step is to assemble your planets into a decision wheel. Arrange them in a way that makes sense to you, perhaps grouping similar options together or placing the most appealing planets at the forefront. This decision wheel serves as a visual map of your career aspirations, highlighting both your desires and the practical steps needed to achieve them.

The Benefits of the Decision Wheel Approach

Enhanced Clarity

Visualising your career options through the decision wheel can provide greater clarity. It helps you see the big picture and understand how different choices interconnect.

Emotional Insight

Colouring and discussing your planets allows you to explore your emotional responses to each career option. This insight can be invaluable in identifying what truly excites and motivates you.

Balanced Decision-Making

By considering both emotional and practical aspects, the decision wheel approach ensures that your decisions are well-rounded. You can pursue career goals that are not only fulfilling but also feasible.

Empowerment and Confidence

Engaging in this creative process can boost your confidence and sense of control over your career path. It empowers you to make informed and inspired decisions.

Amanda Birkbeck

Art Therapist & Psychotherapist

Amanda is a masters degree qualified Psycotherapist, and Art Therapist.

Amanda’s empathetic and varing approach to therapy shines through her clients glowing coments on their progress with her. If you would like to book an art theapy session click the book now button below.

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Ready to make some changes?

Art therapy offers a refreshing and innovative approach to making big career decisions. By creating a decision wheel, you can visually and emotionally explore your career options, gaining clarity and confidence in your choices. Whether you’re at a career standstill or simply seeking a new perspective, this creative method can guide you toward a fulfilling and practical path. If you are stuck at a crossroads or in a career rut, book a session with our art therapist to create your very own decision universe.

Using Art Therapy to Make Big Career Choices