The Power of Groups: A Personal Reflection on Creative Connection
As an art therapist and artist, I’ve had the privilege of running the Creative C, this wonderful space where people come together to explore both themselves and their creativity. Over the years, I’ve witnessed something magical happen when people gather in groups. It’s easy to think of group activities as incidental—we join because of a shared interest, and in the process, we find ourselves part of a community. But there’s so much more to it than that.
When we join a group, we start forming connections with others. It might begin with something as simple as a shared activity, but soon, we start learning about each other. These interactions keep us open, curious, and engaged. Before we know it, friendships start to bloom, nurtured by the common ground we share.
But what’s the deeper value of these connections? From the moment we’re born, we exist within the context of others, usually a family. As we grow, we naturally seek out new groups—whether through work, sports, academics, or creative pursuits. These groups become new “families” where we continue to discover and experience ourselves in relation to others.
However, modern life often emphasises independence, leading us to believe that we should be self-sufficient. This mindset can and does slowly isolate us, leaving us lonely without even realising it. Yet, the need for connection remains deeply rooted in our humanity. Research in psychotherapy and psychology has long explored the benefits of groups, with experts like Irvin D. Yalom (Stanford University), highlighting the therapeutic power of group settings.
Gathering in groups isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential. Humans have always survived and thrived in groups, but modern conveniences often push us into separate silos. Despite this, our fundamental need for connection remains. The emerging field of neurobiology supports this need, showing how social connections improve our mental health and general wellbeing. But I think we all intrinsically new that anyway, we just forget to acknowledge it.
So, why should we make a conscious effort to be part of a group? I think groups can validate our experiences, offering support and a sense of connection to the wider world. Knowing that others share our feelings can be incredibly motivating, helping us to engage more fully. In a group, we can feel held, inspired, and stimulated by the presence of others on a similar journey. I think we have all experienced this in some small way and know that it is good for us.
Time and again, I’ve seen how revitalising group work can be. Whether it’s therapy to uncover unconscious patterns or simply gathering to explore a shared interest, the connection found in groups can be priceless. And when it comes to creative pursuits, the impact is even more profound.
Creative activities often require us to look inward, whether we’re learning a new technique or expressing our inner thoughts and feelings. In a group, we’re able to connect with ourselves while being in the company of others. It’s a unique experience—being with oneself while also being with others. There’s a soothing quality to this dual connection, allowing us to share as much or as little as we wish. With creativity in play, I feel the usual social rules fade, making way for a more authentic connection with both ourselves and others.
So, I encourage you to give it a go and join a group, even just a little test could be fun. I think you’ll experience the magic of connecting with others while exploring a more open version of yourself. It’s worked for me, so why no you? Maybe you could try art, music, dance, or any other creative pursuit you like the sound of, there’s a world of connection waiting for you if you just give it a chance.
Happy exploring!
Until next time,
Tania
