Therapeutic Knitting in Okemos, Michigan

My Journey With Fiber Arts

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About 15 years ago, I fell down the fiber arts rabbit hole—and honestly, it all started with two very grumpy German Angora rabbits, Rosie and Gustavo! Before long, our farm had sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. What began with two rabbits turned into a journey of learning how to work with all kinds of fiber. I learned to spin, knit, and, if I’m being honest, became a little obsessed with yarn and everything that goes along with it.

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Over time, I began to notice that sitting down to knit, spin, or work with fiber was about much more than creating something. It became a way to slow down, quiet my mind, manage anxiety, and find a little calm in the middle of a busy day. The repetitive, hands-on nature of working with fiber gave me a chance to slow down, focus on what I was doing, and quiet my busy mind..

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That experience helped me see the connection between creativity, mindfulness, and emotional well-being in a very personal way.

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I’m so excited to bring two things I love—fiber arts and therapy—together in my practice. My hope is to create opportunities for clients to explore hands-on, creative activities as one of many ways to slow down, connect with themselves, build coping skills, and find moments of calm.

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How Therapeutic Knitting Works in a Therapy Session

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Therapeutic knitting can be incorporated into a counseling session as a hands-on, creative activity while we talk about emotions, stress, relationships, and everyday challenges.

 

Knitting does not replace traditional talk therapy. Instead, it can provide another way to engage in the therapeutic process—especially for clients who feel more comfortable talking while doing something with their hands.

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Benefits of Fiber Arts in Therapy

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Therapeutic Knitting can offer a hands-on way to slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and create space for reflection. Activities such as knitting, spinning, and other fiber-based crafts may support emotional well-being in several ways:

• Slowing down and creating calm — Repetitive, rhythmic movements can provide an opportunity to pause and take a break from a busy mind.

• Practicing mindfulness — Focusing on texture, movement, color, and the task at hand can help bring attention back to the present moment.

• Managing stress and anxiety — Having a calming, hands-on activity can become one tool for coping with everyday stress and anxious thoughts.

• Reducing mental overwhelm — Working with fiber can offer a break from screens, distractions, and the constant demands of daily life.

• Building confidence — Learning a new skill and creating something tangible can provide a sense of accomplishment and competence.

• Encouraging self-expression — Color, texture, creativity, and the process of making can provide another way to explore feelings and personal experiences.

• Supporting self-care — Making time for a meaningful, enjoyable activity can be part of developing healthy routines and taking care of your well-being.

• Creating connection — Fiber arts can provide opportunities to connect with others, share interests, and experience a sense of community.

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Knitting is not always about making something perfect. It's about slowing down, being present, exploring creativity, and finding a way to make space for yourself. In therapy, knitting can be incorporated alongside conversation and other therapeutic approaches based on each client's needs and comfort level.

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Curious About Therapeutic Knitting?