Guided Drawing® , is an evidence-based sensorimotor art therapy practice developed and taught by Cornelia Elbrecht at the Institute of Sensorimotor Art Therapy. The word ‘Guided’ refers to guidance from ourselves and our body’s inner wisdom. With your eyes closed, you will be guided to use both hands to map out sensations within your body such as tightness, tension, pain, stiffness, blockages, and to draw any movements and patterns that your body might need to be at greater ease, peace and flow.
Emotions have a physiological expression- being in touch with our bodies means being in touch with our emotions and our authentic selves. A body-focused approach believes that we do not have to recall and recount events to heal. This practice works with the unconscious parts of our brain (the right hemisphere, the limbic system and brain stem) and helps us process implicit memories that cannot be accessed through regular talk therapy.
Check out when the next group workshop is here or book in for 1-1 sessions here.
Scroll further down the page for photos and testimonials that are shared with generous permission by participants.
Testimonials
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"Xeia's guided drawing workshop is an invitation to see yourself from an alternative perspective. Through the exploration Xeia facilitated, I was able to shine light on the connection between my body and my emotional reality. At times, the process felt like an opening - giving me permission to access profound truths about myself. It was both grounding and exciting, and I left with a deeper awareness that I know will continue to shape both my personal life and my artistic practice."
Jack
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“Before starting, I was hesitant; I didn’t think it would “work” for me especially because I don’t draw much. Then, the experience began, and I felt tension in my throat, as I often hold back tears. So, I let them flow onto the paper. I found a certain sensuality in the touch of the paper, as if I were caressing soft skin. I loved the surprise of discovering my drawings after keeping my eyes closed. By the end, both my body and mind were relaxed, free from the weight of the day. I have no idea how long it lasted; I completely lost track of time."
Agathe
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"I am so very grateful for the session we had today. The explanation of what to do, how to connect with my body and examples of how to express myself and tap into my own feelings, made the session feel so aligned to exactly what I needed. I felt very safe and secure in your presence to look inwards and pull the processing of my feelings into my hands, wrists, arms and shoulders as my emotions ran through them and into the pastels you supplied. I felt safe to cry as I searched inwards to feel how my body was storing stress and pain, and pull it out onto the page, to self sooth with the sound of the pastels scraping along the page, my hands alchemising my wounded self into reassurance and calmness. The space you held for me, your gentle encouragement and your kind guidance are so truly special and I literally feel unloaded after our session. I feel like I can breathe easier. Thank you for showing me this strategy to connecting and soothing myself, I'll be using this process again and again."
Trish
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"Xeia’s guided drawing workshop is an expansive and nourishing experience that lets you try many techniques for connecting with and making with the intelligence of the body. Xeia is an outstanding facilitator who brings so much wisdom and experience, with every detail thought out with so much care. My experience in the workshop helped me work through emotions on a very deep level, beyond what words can express. I can’t wait to try another workshop!"
Lucy
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“I really enjoyed the session, I have never done anything like it before and even thought it wouldn’t really work for me but I was really surprised how effective it was. It really helped me understand myself and get in touch with how I was feeling and release some tension I didn’t even know I was holding. I didn’t believe art therapy was effective but I am happy to after trying the session that I definitely see how powerful it actually is, so thank you for the opportunity it was great.”
Fergal
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"I had zero expectations coming into the art therapy session, and I was very positively surprised! The idea of connecting with your unconscious mind and expressing it out on paper with your intuition really grew on me. Combined with the sound healing and the guidance from Xeia and Ting, I could really feel the art therapy working on me. I highly recommend giving it a go."
Tim (pseudonym)
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"The art therapy used in conjunction sound healing was truly a unique experience. I thought through the guidance on Xeia and Ting I was able to explore and uncover my unconscious mind deeper. Through their feedback I was helped through some more challenging feelings that were revealed. They helped me leave with a greater understanding of what’s under the surface and a calmer temperament."
Graham (pseudonym)
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"Xeia’s guided drawing class was a wonderful experience. It was more than just learning techniques, it was a chance to share and explore other people’s experiences through their art. The guidance made it easy to follow along, while also inspiring creativity and connection with the group."
Marty