Imagining What Grows: Symbolism, Identity, and Affirmation in Art Therapy
Art therapy, when practised from a neurodivergent-led, trans-feminist, and LGBTQIA+ affirming perspective, often looks a little different. We don’t just create images—we explore symbolism, thresholds, and the idea of walking into other worlds. It’s about going beyond the surface, into meaning and imagination.
One of my trans clients, for example, often shares his artwork on unexpected surfaces: once even on a pizza box. Some of my clients need structured prompts to begin, while others dive right in.
For this session, a prompt was asked for, so the prompt I gave was:
“Imagine you’re growing out of the ground. What are you? And what do you see?”
If needed, I offer examples, since many neurodivergent people find that helpful:
You could be an animal, a plant, a human, an identity, or something surprising.
This client chose quiet (I always offer silence or music) and began to draw. After 20 minutes, they brought themselves back, and we looked at the drawing together.
It was a beautiful, symbolic image. In art therapy, we always remember that interpretations are never “facts.” They are projections, invitations to explore, and possibilities to discover.
In his words, the image shows a mushroom growing out of the ground. He identifies with the mushroom, which can see a snail and a tree stump
The client had drawn three elements:
Tree stump – Often represents something that has ended, been cut short, or transformed. It can symbolise resilience, the remnants of growth, or a foundation that remains strong even after change. It also carries wisdom and rootedness in the past.
Snail – A symbol of patience, protection, and moving through life slowly but surely. The snail carries its home, reminding us that progress doesn’t need to be rushed. It speaks of persistence and gentle strength. We spoke of crip time which was very reassuring for the client.
Mushroom (the self) – Mushrooms embody renewal, transformation, and deep connection. They grow from unseen networks underground, symbolising hidden support and life’s cycles. To be the mushroom is to emerge from experience, to thrive in transformation, and to bridge hidden and visible worlds.
Reading the Symbols Together
Placed together, the tree stump and the snail create an image of slow, enduring life and resilience—even after endings. From this environment, the mushroom (the self) grows: new life, new meaning, and surprising renewal in places that might otherwise be overlooked.
It’s an image of rebirth, creativity, and belonging to a quiet but powerful ecosystem of transformation.
The client found this deeply affirming: an image of themselves not as broken or diminished, but as a surprising new growth carrying renewal and possibility.