By: Tory Tillery
Intuitive painting provides a way to explore emotions, reduce stress, and express feelings through creativity. It’s an approach that blends artistic expression with emotional discovery.
Alla Polishevska is the author of methods, a coach, a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), and a co-author of books on emotional recovery techniques. She has transformed her vision of art into a powerful tool for personal transformation. Her method is not just about creativity but also about deep self-discovery, finding inner resources, and unlocking new possibilities.
Question: Alla, today, intuitive painting is attracting more attention as a method of self-discovery and transformation. How did you develop your unique approach to art?
Art has always been a part of my life, but I didn’t immediately realize its profound impact. My first steps were about finding ways to express emotions and explore my inner world through color and form. I understood that creativity is not just an act of self-expression but also a powerful tool for self-awareness, emotional work, and transformation.
On this journey, I studied various techniques and observed how interacting with colors and shapes influences a person’s inner state. Working with people, I saw how the process of intuitive painting helps them release tension, recognize suppressed emotions, and find new meanings. This is how my unique method gradually took shape—a method that combines the freedom of artistic expression with deep inner work.
My methodology is based on the principles of intuitive self-expression, where there are no restrictions or pre-set formats. A person does not create a painting for the sake of the final result—they interact with the paints, observe their feelings, and allow intuition to guide them. This process helps everyone discover new aspects of their personality, work through emotions, and transform their inner state through creativity.
Question: How does your method help people? Can you share some examples from your practice?
Intuitive painting allows people to uncover hidden emotions, recognize internal barriers, and find resources for change. People come to me with various requests—some struggle with anxiety and a loss of direction, while others face insecurity or fear of change.
For example, one of my clients, a successful professional, had been experiencing anxiety related to professional burnout for a long time. She felt emotionally drained but couldn’t understand the root of the problem. Through a series of intuitive painting sessions, she realized that the issue stemmed from a lack of balance between her work and personal life. This understanding allowed her to reassess her priorities, adopt new habits, and restore harmony.
Another example is a woman who went through a difficult divorce. She felt lost and didn’t know how to move forward. Using my method, she was able to express her emotions through colors and images, release accumulated stress, and see new perspectives. This process helped her regain emotional balance and rebuild her confidence.
Question: You not only actively work with people as a coach, helping them through personal transformation, but also share your experience and knowledge through writing a book.
Yes, I am working on my own book, but I can’t reveal the details yet. However, I have co-authored two books that I can talk about in more detail.
The first book, “Life in Times of Uncertainty: Art Therapy Techniques for Support,” is a collection of 86 techniques focused on dealing with stress and uncertainty. These methods help people adapt to change, find inner strength, and restore emotional balance.
The second book, “Valuing Yourself – Valuing Life: Techniques for the Strong in Spirit,” is a practical guide featuring 90 techniques aimed at developing emotional resilience and awareness. The book includes proven methods that help people find inner resources, build confidence, and overcome life’s challenges.
Both books are published in Ukrainian and have been approved by the department of psychology and the academic council of a leading university in Ukraine. These methodological manuals are recommended for use in the training of psychology professionals. They contain valuable tools not only for experienced art therapists, practical psychologists, and coaches but also for beginners in the field.
Question: What do you want participants to take away from your art events, and what value can they gain from them?
My events are spaces of freedom and inspiration. They bring together people who want to disconnect from routine, relax, and reconnect with themselves through creativity. We use not only paints and canvases but also music, meditative practices, and elements of self-reflection.
These gatherings allow participants to see themselves from a new perspective, release stress, and experience creative awakening. For me, it is important that each person leaves the art event not only with a painting but also with a renewed state—lightness, inner freedom, and a resource for future changes.
Question: What strategic steps do you plan to take in the future to develop your artistic career and expand your professional horizons?
In the coming years, I plan to open an art space that will be more than just a gallery—it will be a place for creativity and inspiration, bringing together people with diverse interests. This space will serve as a platform for self-expression and personal growth through art.
I also plan to launch an online platform that will allow people worldwide to learn unique methods of creative self-expression and art practices. This will help expand my audience and make my approach accessible internationally.
Additionally, I aim to participate in international exhibitions and organize my own events, where both my works and those of my students will be showcased. This will create opportunities for experience exchange and strengthening cultural connections.
To further my development, I plan to actively participate in international conferences, which will help deepen my knowledge and exchange experiences with other experts.
Question: What advice would you give to those who want change in their lives but don’t know where to start?
Start small, with what inspires you. We often think that change requires big steps, but in reality, the first step is simply listening to yourself. It’s important not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and allow yourself to be open to new possibilities.
Allow yourself to create. Take a brush, a piece of paper, and let your hand move freely without thinking about the outcome. Intuitive painting is a dialogue with yourself that helps you understand what you truly want. Change begins with internal awareness and a willingness to be open to the new. Start, and you’ll be surprised at the answers you find along the way.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The methods described are not meant to address specific medical or mental health conditions. If you are experiencing emotional or psychological issues, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.
Published by Anne C.
