Creativity has a way of opening doors to parts of ourselves we didn’t even know existed. For Dr. Julie Hanks, creativity has been a constant thread running through her life, from her time as a musician to her career as a therapist and advocate for personal growth. In a recent podcast episode, Dr. Hanks shared her journey of music, therapy, and self-discovery and how these elements are deeply connected.
In this blog, we’ll share some of the thought-provoking themes from her discussion, including the power of creativity, the magic of flow state, and the importance of embracing paradox in life. Whether you’re an artist, a parent, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, Dr. Hanks’ insights remind us that creativity isn’t just about what we make—it’s about how we live.
The Connection Between Creativity and Therapy
Creativity and therapy may seem like unrelated worlds, but for Dr. Julie Hanks, they’re deeply connected. Her journey began with music—writing songs and performing throughout her younger years—but evolved into something greater. Music, she explained, served as an outlet for self-expression and a pathway for understanding emotions she couldn’t yet articulate. Similarly, therapy became a way for her to explore the intangible aspects of life: thoughts, feelings, and relationships.
Dr. Hanks emphasizes that creativity isn’t limited to traditional artistic pursuits like painting or music. It’s a broader concept that includes creating novel solutions, forging connections, or simply approaching life with curiosity and innovation. She describes how therapy, much like songwriting, is a creative act where individuals can explore their inner world and “create” better mental health and self-awareness.
Understanding Flow State and Its Role in Self-Discovery
Have you ever been so absorbed in an activity that time seemed to stand still? This phenomenon, often called “flow state,” is at the heart of creativity and personal growth. Dr. Hanks describes flow as a state where challenge and skill meet—a sweet spot where you’re completely present and immersed in the task at hand. For her, flow often occurs during songwriting, where she accesses a part of her mind that feels different and almost magical.
Flow isn’t exclusive to artists or athletes; it’s a universal experience that can happen during anything from hiking to problem-solving. Dr. Hanks explained that achieving flow requires a certain level of mastery in what you’re doing—enough that you can lose yourself in the process without overthinking.
In therapy, flow can manifest when individuals start to piece together their personal narratives, finding clarity in what once felt overwhelming. It’s a reminder that tapping into flow can be a powerful tool for understanding and reconnecting with ourselves.
How Creativity Can Lead to Self-Awareness
Creativity is a process of self-exploration. Dr. Hanks highlighted how creative acts, whether writing a song or starting a new project, can uncover deeper truths about who we are. For her, creativity became a way to make sense of life’s complexities, balancing the emotional and intellectual sides of herself. It allowed her to ask questions, explore her emotions, and express thoughts she couldn’t verbalize in other ways.
This process isn’t limited to music or art. Creativity can show up in everyday life, from crafting a new recipe to rethinking how we approach a relationship. It’s about birthing something into the world that didn’t exist before—a thought, a solution, or even a new version of ourselves. By engaging in creative acts, we often stumble upon insights that help us grow, shift our perspectives, and better understand our own values and desires.
In therapy, this creative lens can be just as powerful. A client’s journey toward self-awareness might involve redefining old patterns, embracing new perspectives, or crafting a more authentic narrative about their life.
The Power of Therapy in Redefining Self
For many, therapy is a space to explore the most complex aspects of identity and relationships. Dr. Hanks shared how her own experiences in therapy as a teenager opened her eyes to the world of intangibles—emotions, thoughts, and motivations that aren’t always easy to identify but shape so much of who we are. Therapy became a space where she could ask hard questions: Who am I? What do I want? What’s holding me back?
This process of redefining self is one of the most impactful aspects of therapy. It’s not about solving problems for the sake of it but understanding how our thoughts and feelings guide us. For example, therapy can help us differentiate between what we truly want versus what we’ve been told we should want. It’s a space where we can reclaim agency over our lives and start to live authentically.
Dr. Hanks also emphasizes that therapy is not about abandoning relationships or responsibilities but about finding balance. It’s about recognizing that we can hold multiple truths at once—we can honor our connections while also prioritizing our own needs. Therapy teaches us that self-awareness is the foundation for healthier relationships, clearer decisions, and a more fulfilling life.
The Role of Therapy in Embracing Paradoxes
Life is full of paradoxes, and therapy helps us embrace them rather than shy away. Dr. Hanks spoke about how her own journey involved learning to hold seemingly opposing truths—being both self-assured and sensitive, rebellious yet traditional.
Exploring these contradictions in therapy can be a powerful tool for growth. Clients often struggle with black-and-white thinking—believing they must be one thing or another, but never both. Therapy helps people see that they can be a mix of strengths and flaws, love and anger, confidence and self-doubt. It’s not about eliminating the tension between opposites but finding balance and learning to thrive in the space between.
This approach is particularly helpful in relationships. Whether it’s with a partner, a parent, or even an organization, understanding that we can hold our own individuality while staying connected to others is liberating. Therapy provides the tools to navigate these complexities and empowers people to live fuller, more authentic lives.
Empowering Others to Find Their Path
At the heart of Dr. Hanks’ message is a desire to empower others to embrace their individuality and take ownership of their lives. Through her work as a therapist, she helps people step into their own self-authorship, where they no longer outsource decisions to external authorities but align their choices with their values and goals.
Dr. Hanks spoke about how critical it is for people, especially women, to feel like the main character in their own lives. Too often, she sees individuals living as supporting characters, prioritizing the needs and expectations of others over their own. Therapy becomes a space to explore what they truly want, what they value, and how to create a life that reflects those truths.
Whether it’s through therapy, creative expression, or personal reflection, the goal is the same: helping people discover their unique voice and build the confidence to use it. For Dr. Hanks, this work is a calling she approaches with compassion, curiosity, and a belief in every person’s potential to thrive.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Hanks’ conversation was a testament to the transformative power of creativity, therapy, and self-discovery. Her insights remind us that mental health isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about reaching your potential, finding your voice, and building an authentic and fulfilling life.
At LÉVO, we’re here to support your journey. Whether you’re seeking therapy, exploring new ways to connect with yourself, or looking for guidance in managing life’s challenges, our compassionate team is ready to help. Reach out to us today to take the next step in your mental health journey.