Creative Therapy
REHABILITATIVE WOODTURNING AND POTTERY WORKSHOPS
Regularly practicing any art or craft can drastically improve your mental and physical wellbeing. And we've seen these incredible impacts first-hand, thanks to our tailorable pottery, woodturning and green woodworking experiences in Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.​
By immersing yourself in doing rather than thinking, you'll disconnect from any outside noises and find a slice of calm in an otherwise too-busy world. It's healing for mind, body, and soul.
MEDITATION FOR BUSY HANDS
You don't have to sit in the lotus position and listen to whale music with your eyes closed while focusing on your breath to reap the remarkable rewards of meditation. Our hands-on woodturning, green woodworking and pottery experiences provide a tangible way to express yourself, relieve stress, and explore your feelings without words or restrictions.
OUR CREATIVE THERAPIES
We tailor all our workshops to suit your needs. Just let us know a bit about you and we'll work together to create your perfect creative therapy day.
Whether you enjoy watching the wood shavings peel off to unveil a fresh patch of wood or find peace in the lathe's rhythm, our woodturning and green woodworking experiences are as satisfying as they are productive. This is how your woodturning day may look (everything is customisable based on your needs):
-
We'll welcome you to the Blended Monkey Studios set in our quiet cottage gardens on the Norfolk/Cambridgeshire border.
-
We'll make our way over to the woodturning workshop and sort out teas and coffees.
-
You'll learn the basics and practice making spindles after you've put on your protective gear. You can choose between eye protection or a full-face shield.
-
We'll prepare a farmhouse lunch based on any dietary requirements and you'll come into the kitchen to eat it. If the weather is nice, we'll dine outside under the awning.
-
In the afternoon, you'll head back to the workshop to use your new skills to craft your very own bowl!
​​​
Remember, this is just an example. Our creative woodturning and green woodworking therapy experiences are made to be relaxing, welcoming, and exactly what you need. Everything from the duration to the lunch can be changed to suit your requirements. There isn't a one-size-fits-all here.
​
ACHIEVE THE ALL-IMPORTANT FLOW STATE
Whichever experience you choose, you're giving yourself the chance to get in the "flow." And believe it or not, that has oodles of brain benefits.
​
Upon reaching this state, your brainwaves slow down, and you'll find original thoughts easier to form. Not to mention the prefrontal cortex temporarily turns off, allowing you to be more courageous and much less critical of your ideas. Finally (and perhaps most importantly), the flow state boosts the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine — the chemicals that produce the feelings of pleasure and satisfaction —, significantly reducing the negative emotions associated with PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
IS CREATIVE THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
You don't need to be diagnosed with anything in particular to book a creative therapy experience. If you feel emotionally burdened by life's stressors or simply want to do something soothing to the soul, you're in the right place.
​
That said, these one-to-one (or one-to-two when support workers are present) sessions have also proved highly beneficial to people with various conditions and additional needs, such as strokes, ASD, PTSD, depression, Alzheimer's disease, brain trauma, and anxiety. Whatever your physical, mental, or dietary requirements, you can enjoy the meditative qualities of woodturning and pottery surrounded by our idyllic cottage garden.