Crafting a new narrative
Sne Roy merges woodworking with therapy.
21 January 2025
In the bustling city of Hong Kong, where life can feel overwhelmingly fast-paced, I've discovered a unique way to engage clients in therapy: woodworking. As a counsellor currently pursuing an MSc in Psychology, I've realised that the tactile nature of woodworking not only fosters creativity but also serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression and healing.
Since starting my own practice, I've had numerous conversations about 'woodwork therapy'. Now, after a year of practicing and refining my approach, I want to share my insights and discuss practical applications in hopes of empowering fellow therapists to incorporate woodworking into their practices too.
The personal journey
For most of the world, Covid-19 began in March 2020. In Hong Kong, our first lockdown started in early February 2020. Amidst the stress of lockdown and a frightening illness sweeping through the city, I suddenly became an essential worker, supporting children and their families as a counsellor. To cope, I turned to woodworking on my rooftop. The process of building something with my own two hands proved more satisfying than I'd expected.
Woodworking allowed me to immerse myself in a project, where the world faded away and all that mattered was the interaction between the tool and the wood. It provided a rare moment of peace, discovery, and quiet during the pandemic – a time when we all felt like the world was spinning out of control. Recognising the therapeutic benefits I experienced, I wondered: could this be a viable therapeutic method for my clients?
As a female therapist and a person of colour, stepping into this space felt daunting – woodworking has long been a male-dominated field. However, challenging these norms has enriched my practice and provided real experiences in addressing societal challenges related to crafts. This journey has revealed the transformative power of combining my two passions: helping others and working with my hands.
Woodworking therapy in practice
Similar to art or music therapy, woodworking is much more than creating furniture or crafts. It's a journey of self-discovery, patience, and creativity. When clients engage in woodworking during therapy sessions, they often find a sense of calm and focus that's hard to achieve in our fast-paced, tech-driven lives.
Clients frequently express a desire to continue their projects beyond the session. They report feeling quieter, more steady, and more in touch with their emotions. The most common feedback I receive is a variation of 'This is exactly what I needed'.
Engaging in hands-on activities helps clients express feelings they might otherwise struggle to articulate. Shaping a piece of wood can symbolise a range of emotions, growth, and thoughts, allowing clients to take charge of their processing. For example, one client shared how shaping wood mirrored their personal growth, reflecting challenges they faced. This symbolism provided hope and a calm approach to tackling those challenges.
Creating something from scratch fosters a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. This success is entirely self-created – they've independently directed their project to completion.
Perhaps the most significant lesson I've learned this year is that mindfulness can be cultivated without relying solely on breathwork or stillness. Many clients struggle with traditional mindfulness practices, but woodworking requires intense focus on the present moment, making it nearly meditative. We learn to appreciate the entire creative process, not just the final product.
In my practice, I've noticed that woodworking creates a safe space for clients to express themselves. It diverges from traditional talk therapy, particularly benefiting those who find verbal expression challenging. During sessions, clients can visualise their feelings through the shapes and forms they create. Are they building something sturdy, or crafting something delicate? What can they infer about their emotions or thoughts regarding their chosen project?
This hands-on approach often sparks deeper conversations. As we work together, I find I can ask questions that encourage more profound reflection than in traditional talk therapy.
These prompts connect creative choices to emotional journeys. By embracing this unique method, we're not just crafting beautiful pieces but also shaping new narratives of healing and growth.
A refuge
For many clients, woodworking has been a new experience. They often say they would never have considered it an outlet for their feelings if I hadn't suggested it. By introducing them to this craft, my focus isn't just on teaching a new skill; it's about helping them break down emotional barriers and embrace their creativity. The combination of woodworking and therapy isn't just novel; I've found it transformative. It invites both clients and therapists to engage more creatively and meaningfully with each other and our emotions.
In a world that often feels chaotic, woodworking offers a refuge. It teaches patience, resilience, and the sheer, unadulterated joy of seeing tangible results from hard work. By integrating this craft into therapy, we not only break down barriers but also create a space for mindfulness and self-discovery.
Sne Roy is a counsellor, teacher and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of hands-on learning and emotional healing, especially for neurodivergent, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those learning to manage their complex trauma. As one of the co-founders and managing director of 'a collective space' in Hong Kong, Sne combines expertise in carpentry and therapy to create innovative programs that foster cognitive flexibility and personal growth. With a background in education and psychology, Sne is committed to community engagement by building a supportive environment where creativity and mental well-being thrive.
