If you have not tried it yet, Art therapy Is a REAL thing!  I discovered this when I was seeing a neuropsychologist.  She recommended that I attend some of the art therapy classes at their practice.  I went and told them that I was not very artistic.  They told me to just play around with watercolors and blank paper.  Just starting with one color and often your emotions will direct the abstract design.  I was not happy with the final product I created and told them I guess this is not for me.  They explained to me that it had nothing to do with the final outcome, but that while the mind is focusing on art, it cannot focus on pain!  Art is an amazing pain distraction. I discovered that all the beautiful adult coloring books, create the same desired effect.  It is meant to be therapeutic and not a work of art.  I plan to try watercolors more at home myself.  I have found a few online video tutorials for painting simple watercolor flowers or abstracts.  It often sparks JOY!  That is a wonderful goal!  If you have not jumped on the adult coloring band wagon I encourage you to give it a try and with different pens and pencils.  Whatever forms of art therapy have you tried?