Therapeutic Art Prompt: Holding On & Letting Go for Emotional Healing
In this therapeutic art exercise, you'll reflect on what nurtures and grounds you, as well as identify what no longer serves you. This simple but powerful art prompt can help you move toward a more intentional and fulfilling life by visualizing what you need to hold on to and what you’re ready to let go of.
Materials Needed for This Therapeutic Art Prompt
A sheet of paper or a journal page
A pen or pencil
Colored pencils, markers, or crayons
Step 1: Trace Your Hands for Insight
Start by placing both hands on your sheet of paper and tracing around them. These outlines will serve as visual representations of two important areas: what you want to hold onto and what you're ready to let go of.
Step 2: Label & Reflect on What’s Serving You vs. What’s Not
“Holding On” Hand: Label one hand “Holding On.” In this hand, write down the things that make you feel grounded, supported, and nurtured—anything that brings you joy, creativity, or connection (e.g., meaningful relationships, self-compassion, joyful activities).
“Letting Go” Hand: Label the other hand “Letting Go.” This hand represents the things that no longer serve you, cause you stress, or feel heavy (e.g., perfectionism, self-doubt, people-pleasing).
Step 3: Fill the Page with Your Reflections
Inside each hand, write down the specific things you want to hold onto or let go of. Then, expand beyond the outlines—use the space outside the hands to visually express how these things make you feel.
Does something feel light or heavy? Use shading, textures, or movement in your lines to represent those feelings.
Is there a color that represents peace or tension for you? Let the background reflect the emotions tied to what you're holding onto and releasing.
The colors, shapes, and lines surrounding your hands can help bring deeper awareness to your emotions, creating a full-page reflection of what nurtures you and what you're ready to let go of.
Step 4: Take a Small Step Toward Healing
Writing something down is an important first step, but true change comes with action. Look at your "Letting Go" hand and ask yourself:
What is one small step I can take to release something that no longer serves me?
What is one way I can bring more of what I want to hold onto into my daily life?
Even small, incremental changes can create a ripple effect toward a more intentional and fulfilling life.
Optional Journaling Prompt for Deeper Reflection
After completing the exercise, take a few minutes to journal about your experience. Reflect on questions like:
What did I notice as I filled in my hands?
What emotions came up during this process?
How do I feel about the things I’m ready to release?
What is one action I can take this week to support my healing process?
Now, we all know that just because you write something down on paper doesn’t mean it will magically disappear from your life. But taking the time to reflect on what no longer serves you is an important first step. This awareness can help you think about small, meaningful ways to start releasing what weighs you down—one step at a time.
Let Go & Move Forward
This therapeutic art prompt is designed to help you identify what no longer serves you and create space for what truly nurtures and grounds you. As you move through this process, remember that change takes time, but awareness and intentional steps are key.
💌 I’d love to hear how this exercise felt for you! Feel free to reach out or tag me on Instagram (@brittany.deutch) to share your experience.