Creativity is Mental Flexibility

Creativity is a skill that is too often undervalued. I think that is because we underestimate what creativity allows us to do. In therapy, we value creativity, because it allows us to take what conditions and resources we have, and to think about it in new ways, opening our eyes to new solutions to life’s troubles. John Kao says, "Instead of command and control, managing the creative process is about facilitating and permitting,” and I’ll take it further to tie it to therapy. Therapy itself is offering a safe space to see what is all in front of you, allowing you to question how different skills or resources can be used, getting you to think about what you want to focus on and create in your life, and them giving you a safe space to practice doing it. The therapist themselves are a safe guide to share your creation, ponder meanings, and to receive feedback from. However, like art, one’s life choices are valued by the person taking them in. The therapist isn’t there to place judgement on your life, instead they are just helping you to observe your own creativity, reflect on the process, and allowing you to decide where you want to go with it.

"Instead of command and control, managing the creative process is about facilitating and permitting."

~ John Kao