How Clay Therapy Specifically Helps with Anxiety
• Sensory Engagement and Emotional RegulationClay therapy uses tactile engagement, which helps individuals express and regulate emotions more effectively-key in treating anxiety and panic disorders.
• Mindfulness and Focus
The hands-on process of shaping clay requires concentration and presence, promoting mindfulness that quiets intrusive thoughts and reduces anxiety levels.
• Stress Relief and Calming Effects
Manipulating clay can be calming and grounding, providing immediate stress relief and a sense of control, which is particularly beneficial for those experiencing anxiety.
• Research-Backed Anxiety Reduction
Studies show that working with clay significantly reduces both induced and baseline anxiety compared to other activities, such as solving a Rubik’s cube. This effect is observed across age groups, including college students and preschool children.
• Nonverbal Emotional Expression
Clay offers a non-threatening medium for expressing feelings that may be hard to verbalize, helping to process underlying sources of anxiety.
In summary, clay therapy addresses anxiety by combining sensory input, emotional expression, mindfulness, and stress reduction, making it an effective and accessible intervention.