Creativity isn’t just for artists. It’s a way of engaging with the world that we all have access to, and which offers a playful and engaging pathway toward healing. It’s also a thing that we do with our bodies! That makes it an extra-helpful way to get out of our heads and move through whatever feelings we need to process.

In this conversation with somatic therapist Amanda Melbostad, we explore the magic of accessing our creativity and finding safety in our bodies. We also talk about how to find the right therapist, how to open ourselves up to creative practices, and how freeing it can be to invite our inner critic to take a back seat.

Read the transcript at: https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/10/01/creativity-movement-toward-healing-amanda-melbostad/

Support the podcast on Patreon @SettlingIsBullshit https://www.patreon.com/SettlingIsBullshit

Connect with Amanda

Visit their website (and book a free, 30 minute consultation) https://www.amandamelbostadtherapy.com/

Find them on Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-melbostad-portland-or/1562150

Find them on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-melbostad-aa1a4340/

Resources, References, and Links

Note: book recommendations include affiliate links. If you buy a copy, I’ll get a tiny commission, and that would be super cool.

Relational Therapy. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/relational-therapy

Traveling Monet Exhibit. https://monetexpo.com/

My tiger picture! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLjI5BFxhzX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=cGpxOWFxZGh1NmJr

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.

Parts work episode. Episode #46: “Cultivating Self-Acceptance through Parts Work with Celine Redfield, LMFT.” https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/06/26/cultivating-self-acceptance-through-parts-work-with-celine-redfield-lmft/

Blind contour exercise. https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-blind-contour-drawing-help-better-artist

Drawing Lab. https://www.powells.com/book/drawing-lab-for-mixed-media-artists-9781592536139

Vision boards. https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a29959841/how-to-make-a-vision-board/