My Mission

Creative

Art therapy is much like traditional talk therapy, except with one added component- art! Art is applied here, in a therapeutic setting, to explore abstract metaphor and to serve as a nonverbal means of communicating. Creating brings life to the intangible thoughts, feelings, and sensations we may be experiencing, allowing for them to no longer feel overwhelming or out of reach, and instead, makes them easier to manage. While symbolism in a client’s art may be discussed, emphasis is placed on the process of art making as opposed to the product.

In a more traditional setting, typically, a large focus is on the outcome of a work of art: how pleasing it is to the eye, how ‘realistic’ images appear, or how ‘accurately’ a subject is replicated, etc. These, in their essence, are simply bi-products of cultural and societal expectations that we may adopt as our own. These considerations can cause us to question our competency, adequacy, or even our value. Art therapy takes this notion and throws it out the window. It urges you to consider how it is that you choose to make your mark in the world, encouraging you to push inner boundaries that can take on various forms (i.e. perfectionism, inner-criticism, or feelings of shame and inadequacy, etc.).

The truth is, art has the potential to tell a story, and it can tell our unique story- if we allow it. We are given an opportunity to show-up in the world more fully, or perhaps more authentically, through a raw means of expression. In this place is where we find our truth and our power.

Conscious

When we’re young, we are alive with curiosity and wonder. We’re in touch with our truth and how we’re feeling- whether we welcome the company of another or are just thirsty and want a juice box! Verbally or not, we communicate our needs, without question. As we age, in an effort to find our place among the masses and as life’s troubles accumulate, we tend to lose connection with this authentic part of ourselves. Often, rather than relying on ourselves for guidance, we look towards society or our surroundings (parents, teachers, elders, peers) for a sense of who we are or our identity. Over time, this can lead to feelings of disconnection, emptiness, isolation, and a lack of self-worth or trust in one’s self. This later impacts how we show up in all areas of our life in relation to others, not to mention how these experiences then influence our physical and mental health.

By using art in combination with a willingness to engage in such honest conversation (with yourself as well as a therapist), you are better able to reconnect to this integral part of yourself. In this context, I encourage art as a form of play. Yes, play! For some, this may look like ‘drawing outside the lines’ by utilizing their non-dominant hand. For others, this may be creating their own parameters by finger-painting blindfolded. The method isn’t necessarily as important. What matters is how well the approach, techniques, and materials mirror where someone is at in their healing and what feels right for them. But not to worry, that’s my job (mostly) - guiding you in your process.

Connection

As humans, we’re social creatures by nature. Our ability to adapt to our environment is crucial in our early stages of life. We learn best through experience, and over time (and especially as children), this ability to adjust is how we get our needs met. As we age, these very methods of inadvertently getting at least some, if not all, of what we need (love, attention, praise, etc.) tend to be second nature. We can sometimes sacrifice our authentic self in search of validation, praise, and purpose from others or even to avoid conflict. Our focus then tends to be on how we can keep them satisfied/ in close proximity to ultimately get what we need from them rather than giving it to ourselves directly. Typically, if we become too dependent on these indirect means (people-pleasing, over-achieving, care-taking, etc.), we can lose our sense of self at the expense of others.

Cultivating a deeper conversation with this vital, intuitive part of ourselves is not only necessary for our survival on the most basic level (i.e. listening to our ‘gut instinct’ upon a perceived threat) but for us to allow ourselves to experience and access feelings of peace, joy, and fulfillment that accompany freedom of expression. Fear, while it aims to protect us and keep us safe, guarding us from rejection, ridicule, abandonment, etc., largely leaves us disempowered, immobile, and disconnected. Connecting to your authentic self liberates you from these confines.

I believe that everyone contains inherent wisdom as to the precise antidote necessary to heal themselves. It begins by bringing this awareness to the forefront of our lives. Through our work together, I will help you discover what is in the way of this connection, encouraging you to take a compassionate, curious stance towards yourself, one without judgment but rather— acceptance.