Why Emotional Intimacy and Why Use Collage?
“Everyone thinks of changing the world,
but no one thinks of changing himself.”
- Leo Tolstoy
Emotional intimacy is a fundamental element that underpins the strength and health of relationships (beachcitiespsy 2024). This connection transcends gender, as both men and women report needing emotional intimacy (Reiner 2020). Gabor Maté highlights that “emotional intimacy is a psychological and biological necessity” (Maté, 2019), noting that neglecting emotional engagement can lead to increased stress and a disconnection from our personal needs. Robert Augustus Masters further elaborates on emotional intimacy as a multifaceted process involving self-awareness, emotional regulation, and vulnerability, empowering individuals to confront their emotions rather than suppress them (Masters, 2013). By becoming more aware of our emotions and expressing them in healthy ways, we not only improve our well-being but also our ability to connect with others. Emotional intimacy serves as the foundation for healthier relationships and nurtures collective mental health. As Magsamen and Ross assert, “Emotions are useful biological communicators that have evolved with us to help us survive” (Magsamen & Ross, 2023, p. 30). It is time to embrace these vital signals.
The Power of Collage in Exploring Emotional Intimacy
In exploring emotional intimacy, collage emerges as a powerful medium. Its process of layering, assembling, and transforming fragments mirrors the complex and multifaceted nature of emotional connections. By providing a safe outlet for the release of pent-up emotions, collage allows individuals to express and process feelings that might otherwise lead to explosive outbursts (Kanyer et al. 2021).
Through collage, we can craft compelling visual narratives that convey the vulnerability, connection, and introspection central to emotional intimacy, providing us with a sense of control over how we observe and respond to the emotions that move through us every moment of the day. Collage, in its unique way, becomes a tool for emotional self-care, allowing us to engage with our feelings constructively. This is just one of the many reasons why collage is such an incredible self-care tool.
Why Collage Works as a Self-Care Tool
Collage as an artistic process offers a unique form of release for emotions. The act of cutting, layering, and rearranging materials provides a tangible way to navigate emotions that may feel overwhelming or difficult to express verbally. It is a form of emotional regulation that taps into creativity and mindfulness, offering a space for reflection and release without judgment. The power of collage lies in its ability to capture the complexities of our emotional states and transform them into something visually expressive.
Whether it’s creating a piece in response to an emotional experience or simply exploring emotions through art, collage helps build a connection with the self. It can offer clarity, reduce stress, and enhance emotional intelligence—key elements in building emotional intimacy.
@sarahellenuk WIP
Reference list
BEACHCITIESPSY, 2024. Emotional Intimacy and Why It Matters in Healthy Relationships [viewed 1 January 2025]. Available from: https://beachcitiespsych.com/emotional-intimacy/
GABOR MATÉ, 2019. When the Body Says No. Scribe Publications
KANYER, L.A. et al., 2021. Collage care : transforming emotions and life experiences with collage. Yakima, Washington, Usa: Kanyer Publishing
MAGSAMEN, S. and I. ROSS, 2024. Your Brain on Art. Random House
REINER, A., 2020. It’s Not Only Women Who Want More Intimacy in Relationships. The New York Times, 6 Oct
ROBERT AUGUSTUS MASTERS, 2013. Emotional Intimacy. Sounds True
