If someone has a physical problem and they need therapy, they may look for a licensed therapist. The solution could be something as simple as pottery, along with therapy it has many other health benefits.

Because pottery is so moldable it is an easy way to de-stress with the ability for someone to express him or herself. In most activities, there is a right and wrong way to go about doing them. Pottery is different. “Just working with your hands, and because there are no right answers, makes it easy to express yourself.” Mr. Kolbo, the East High pottery teacher says. With pottery, a person is able to use their hands and make something of their own creation. Pottery isn’t only a creative outlet, but can also be a form of a good, productive distraction along with therapy.

Pottery can improve focus and help with the chaos of their daily life. “I often lose track of time while throwing pottery, it’s enjoyable and relaxing.” says Kolbo. Pottery is also a form of physical therapy. If a person has an injury dealing with their hands, wrists or arms, they can use pottery as a way to bring strength back while creating something of their own. Because pottery is so soft and moldable it is easy to manipulate, which is great for building strength in a person’s upper body as well. Gaining strength in your upper body is therapy because it enables a person to gain control over what they are physically doing. Pottery can be in a form of dryness called leather hard. Leather hard clay is tough and it is good to work with. “Working with your hands can be therapeutic and calming, especially for those who enjoy pottery. If you don’t enjoy pottery,  it is a little harder for pottery to be therapeutic, but can still be done.”