🎙Free To Be Podcast – Episode Transcript

Host:
Okay, this is the Free To Be Podcast — a space where we explore what it truly means to heal, to grow, and to be fully ourselves.

This podcast is really about expression.
It’s about creativity.
It’s about the courage to show up just as you are.

But more than that, it’s about mental wellbeing — not just through medicine, but through movement, creativity, identity, and most importantly, connection.

Because healing and connection are often what we truly need, rather than just trying to alter chemicals in our heads.

Today, I’m joined by Abby — Abimbola — someone who helps people heal through crafts and creative expression. She has worked with individuals and groups, using hands-on creativity as a powerful tool for emotional expression and grounding.

I’ve known her for quite a while now, and I thought — why not bring her onto the Free To Be Podcast to talk about what art therapy really is?

Welcome to Free To Be, Abby. Thank you so much for being here.

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Abby:
Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be in this space, and it’s been amazing to watch the journey Free To Be has been on.

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Host:
Tell us about yourself — let’s get to know you.

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Abby:
My name is Abimbola, but most people call me Abby — either is fine.

I work with tactile methods, which simply means doing things with your hands. There’s a lot of research showing the benefits of working with our hands for wellbeing.

I use things like crafts, art, building, LEGO, clay — anything that allows people to create. But we don’t create to produce art pieces — we create as a form of expression.

I’m an expressive arts facilitator and a LEGO Serious Play practitioner. My work focuses on helping people express themselves through building, making, and creating.

Many people assume this means I’m an artist — but I’m not. I appreciate art, but I don’t create for perfection or display. I create as a way to process and express emotions.

A lot of the time, when we go through difficult seasons in life, expressing with words can be hard. But when we create, those emotions can find a place outside of us.

I founded a community interest organisation called In Every Season about six or seven years ago. We provide non-clinical creative wellbeing support for individuals and families navigating life’s challenges — grief, change, loss, or even just feeling stuck.

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Host:
That’s powerful.

For someone who has never explored tactile or creative expression before — what actually happens when we create with our hands? How does it help our wellbeing?

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Abby:
There’s a scientific explanation — but I’ll keep it simple.

A lot of our emotions are stored within us. Talking can help, but it’s often difficult.

Creating gives those emotions a physical form.

In my workshops, I might ask someone to build something based on how they’re feeling. People often say, “This is nothing,” but actually — everything is significant.

The colours you choose, the shapes, even the imperfections — they all represent something.

It becomes easier to talk about what you’ve created than to talk directly about yourself. So it’s both direct and indirect expression at the same time.

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Host:
That makes so much sense.

I came across research showing that you don’t need to be “good” at art to benefit. Just 45 minutes of creative activity can significantly reduce cortisol — the stress hormone.

Even people with no creative background experienced that benefit.

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Abby:
Exactly. That’s why I said there’s a science answer too.

You don’t need to be good at art. If you can write your name, you’re already capable of expression.

If you can stack LEGO or build something simple, that’s enough.

It’s not about the outcome — it’s about the meaning behind it.

You can take emotions like anger, express them through creating, and then choose what to do with it — keep it, break it, or release it.

That’s where the real power lies.

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Host:
When people think of art, they imagine paintbrushes and canvases.

But what are the different types of creative activities you actually use?

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Abby:
We use a range of methods:

• LEGO (without instructions — just expression)

• Clay and modelling

• Flower arranging (without rules)

• Crayons — especially with adults

• Occasional painting

• Movement sessions

For example, we’ve done sessions where people physically “shake off” what they don’t want to carry into a new season.

There’s no right or wrong. That’s the beauty of it.

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Host:
That’s interesting — especially what you said about crayons.

I’ve noticed children are naturally creative, but as we grow older, we lose that.

Why does that happen?

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Abby:
It’s the inner critic.

As children, we create freely — there’s no judgment. But as we grow, we begin to compare, to judge ourselves, and to aim for perfection.

That’s where creativity starts to shrink.

Sometimes even things like school or well-meaning adults teach us to “stay within the lines.”

But true expression happens when we move beyond those lines.

Reclaiming creativity is really about reconnecting with that childlike freedom — giving yourself permission to create without judgment.

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Host:
That’s powerful — giving yourself permission to be creative.

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Abby:
Exactly.

Everyone is creative.

If you think you’re not, it just means you haven’t practiced that form of creativity.

There’s no universal standard of “good” or “bad” art.

It’s about what it means to you.

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Host:
So for someone listening right now who feels overwhelmed — what’s one simple thing they can do today?

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Abby:
Find a quiet space — even if it’s just your bathroom.

Take something you can build or create with — LEGO, paper, anything.

Ask yourself: How am I feeling?

Then start creating based on that feeling.

When you’re done, look at what you’ve made and reflect on it.

Then decide what you want to do next — rest, release, or take action.

Also, I have free downloadable resources on my website (ineveryseason.co.uk) for grounding and creative exercises.

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Host:
While you were speaking, I actually created something myself… and I feel good about it.

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Abby:
That’s it — that’s the power of it.

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Host:
There’s also research showing that creative activities can reduce the risk of cognitive decline — even dementia.

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Abby:
Yes — working with your hands strengthens the brain.

I’ve seen stories where people with dementia begin to reconnect and communicate through creative activities like LEGO.

The hand-to-brain connection is incredibly powerful.

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Host:
Final question — if you could leave one message for someone feeling emotionally stuck right now, what would it be?

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Abby:
You’re not alone.

Create something.

And if you can, find a community where you can create together.

Because when we create, we don’t just express — we also open new pathways for healing, clarity, and solutions.

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Host:
Thank you so much, Abby. This has been incredibly enlightening.

And as always, we end the Free To Be Podcast with a little dance.

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Closing:
Let it out, let it flow
Shake it away from your soul
Feel the beat, feel the breeze
Come alive, be at ease

No rules, no fear
Just you, just me
This is your moment…

✨ You’re free to be ✨