Sales of adult colouring-in books are on the rise, but are they really a therapeutic outlet?
Colouring-in books for adults are outselling cookbooks, crime novels and autobiographies as people search for a therapeutic way to ease stress and protect their mental health.
But the question is, are these really the DIY art therapy outlets they’re being billed as? Can you deal with mental health issues using only a pack of coloured pencils?
Not exactly, according to registered Brisbane art therapist Justine Wake. She believes that while colouring-in books have a valued place in our lives, they should not be used as a substitute for professional mental health care.
“The way I define art therapy in my practice is that it’s a psycho therapeutic approach to supporting someone,” she says. “ So it’s in the same realm as counselling intervention. If you were going to see an art therapist you’d want to see someone who has professional accreditation.
“It’s a bit different to, say, taking part in an art making workshop or using a colouring in book. That’s more about using art to get a good sense of wellbeing; it’s not the same as art therapy.
“I think the colouring-in books are fantastic and I think it’s great that people are using them but there is some controversy amongst art therapists who believe it’s not true art therapy.”
However, this doesn’t mean that people should be afraid to reach for the crayons, as taking time out of your hectic schedule is still good for your health.
“It’s great that people are using them to have a little self-care,” Wake says. “A lot of people have forgotten how to look after themselves because we’re all busy and we don’t often sit down and do tasks anymore.
“People don’t often sit down to sew or cook, so it’s just another way of making some time for yourself that is reflective.
“But colouring-in books are not an art therapy process, that is something you need to do with a person who is qualified. With any pyschotherapeutic process there is risk, because people can be very vulnerable.”
Have you jumped on board the adult colouring-in bandwagon? Do you think it’s good for your health? Have your say in the comments below!
“It’s great that people are suing them to have a little self-care,” Wake says.
I think the typo means to say “using” – not “suing.”
I am into adult colouring books but not as a stress reliief.I have the in detail colouring of wildlife, birds, flowers to improve my use if colours and shading.I also copy the pictures to improve my art side, I loce it
I have been watching with interest the increase of these books and see the phenomenal potential that these “colouring” books have to release all ages of adults regardless of their physical and mental capabilities from stress and depression. There are many elderly who are not interested in puzzles or not capable of physical activities who can regain some measure of independence through this activity. Choosing colours, topics let alone the dexterity to “stay between the lines”. I have known young people, in their 20’s, travelling on long flights taking childrens colouring books and drawing pads to fill in the time and occupy their minds. But best of all is that some of us can recapture our childhood and escape for a few moments while we are fully engaged in exploration of colour,shading and texture that can be individually invested in these beautifully presented books.
Colouring in my opinion is a feel good thing, young or old persons can enjoy if they desire. If it has health benefits for the individual isn’t that
a plus however you look at it?