🎨 Art Therapy Exercises for an Expectant Mom Worried About Anxiety
- Christi Young
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
🌿 1. “The Safe Nest” Drawing
Purpose:To explore safety, support, and God’s protection as she prepares for motherhood.
Materials:Paper • Colored pencils • Pen
Steps:
Draw a large nest in the center of the page.
Inside the nest, draw a small egg. Label it “Baby.”
Around the egg, draw 5–7 supporting twigs.On each twig, write a source of support:
“God’s presence”
“My partner”
“My mom/friend”
“Rest”
“Prayer”
“My instincts”
“My doctor/midwife”
Add soft colors to represent comfort—peach, gold, or light blue.
At the top, write a verse:“He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge.” — Psalm 91:4
Processing Questions:
Which “twigs” feel strongest right now?
Which supports can be strengthened?
What does the nest say about the safety God provides?
🌈 2. “My Calm Plan” Visual Map
Purpose:To give her a visual tool she can use when anxiety spikes after birth.
Materials:Paper • Markers • Stickers (optional)
Steps:
Draw a simple circle in the center labeled “If I feel anxious…”
Draw 6–8 spokes outward like a sun.
At the end of each spoke, draw a calming symbol:
a heart (call a loved one)
water drops (take 3 slow breaths)
a cross (whisper a prayer)
a blanket (wrap up)
a flower (step outside)
a clock (set a 5-minute timer)
a cup (drink warm tea)
Color the drawing in soft, steady tones.
Hang it somewhere visible.
Processing Questions:
Which calming “spokes” feel the most supportive to you now?
Which steps would be easiest to remember with a newborn?
🌙 3. “The Worries & the Truth” Painting
Purpose:To separate anxious thoughts from God’s truth and encouragement.
Materials:Watercolors or crayons • Paper
Steps:
Divide the page in half with a soft line.
On the left side, paint or write anxious thoughts using darker colors:
“Will I know what to do?”
“Will I sleep?”
“What if I’m overwhelmed?”
On the right side, paint with lighter, calming colors.Rewrite each worry as truth:
“I will learn day by day.”
“Sleep will come in rhythms.”
“I will ask for help.”
“God will be with me.”
Add a Scripture on the right:“He gently leads those that have young.” — Isaiah 40:11
Processing Questions:
Which worry felt the hardest to write?
Which truth felt the most comforting?
What did the colors communicate emotionally?
🤍 4. “My Strengths as a Mother” Collage
Purpose:To focus on strengths
Materials:Magazine scraps • Glue • Scissors • Markers
Steps:
On the page, write: “The Mother I Am Becoming.”
Tear or cut images that feel soothing, strong, or nurturing—flowers, warm colors, soft textures.
Arrange them into a collage.
Around the edges, write attributes you already carry:
“Tenderness”
“Wisdom”
“Courage”
“Patience”
“Willingness to learn”
Add one prayer:“Equip me for every good work.” — Hebrews 13:21
Processing Questions:
Which strengths surprised you?
What part of the collage feels most like “you”?
🌼 5. “A Letter to My Future Self” Illustrated Page
Materials:Paper • Pen • Calming colors
Steps:
Draw a soft frame around the page (leaves, clouds, a wreath).
In the center, write a letter to her future self (2–5 sentences).
Use reassurance and patience, such as:“You are learning. You are capable. You are not alone. You and the baby are growing together.”
Add gentle illustrations around the letter—flowers, stars, or soft lines.
Processing Questions:
What does your future self need you to remember?
What emotions came up as you wrote?
✨ 6. “The Holy Spirit Beside Me” Drawing
Materials: Paper • Pencil or soft chalk
Steps:
Draw yourself holding your baby—simple silhouettes are fine.
Next to you, draw a light form, outline, or soft glow representing God’s presence.
Around that glow, add words you want to cling to:
Peace
Wisdom
Strength
Comfort
Help
Add the verse:“My grace is sufficient for you.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9
Processing Questions:
How does it feel to see God drawn beside you?
What word around the glow stands out the most?
Comments