Monday, June 3, 2013

Wolf


This week in one of my sessions I decided to make art.  I don't usually do this.  It makes it hard to be present for others when I am immersed in my own art making.  This day felt different though.  The group was very small for varying reasons and there was only one girl who came.  I decided to make art along side her.

The directive we worked with was thinking about if there is an animal we feel connected with and to explore why.  Creating a representation of the animal along with what it would need to survive helps to connect us with different parts of ourselves and encourage self-nurturing and self-care.  She created a butterfly.  It was colourful, whimsical and had the word "Freedom" printed boldly across the top.  She shared how butterflies make her think of several different things and that for her they represent spirituality. 

I shared with her that I have always been drawn to wolves.  I love their mysterious nature, how they are strongly family oriented and beautiful but also misunderstood.  I took care of my wolf and gave him shelter, water and rocks where his den may be along with his family.

This week doing art with a client felt right.  We worked beside one another and then shared our images and in turn shared a bit about ourselves; it worked out well.

Have you ever done work along side your clients?  Do you regularly do so or just when it "feels" like it is what is needed?  Would love to hear about other people's experiences!

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Holding the Space


Reflecting on the work I am doing with clients
I decide to focus on my responsibility 
of holding a therapeutic space.

The hands represent me...
they are grounded, calm and centered.

The heart represents my clients...
supported and encouraged to trust in their own process
of self-exploration with art.

To a person looking in on a session, 
they may easily question how I am helping
since I generally sit still and
witness.

The way I help is subtle
but powerful.

It is something my clients say they can
"feel"
in the sessions.

I call it
"Holding the Space"

 

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Inner Child


I recently went through some of my old art work books that I created while I was in my Art Therapy training and this image really stood out for me.
While I was in school the theme of  my "inner child" really dominated several of the art pieces that I created.  My instructor was amazing in guiding me through the process of working with my inner child and allowing her a voice through my art, which in turn brought me healing.
What I enjoy most about looking through my old work is seeing the pieces instantly reminds me of the emotional content of the images...more so than if I had just written about about the events.  Even now looking at this image I struggle to find the words to describe what it stands for...but it speaks for itself.  Trusting the process and allowing the images to come through is the magic with Art Therapy.   Helping my clients feel safe in the experience so that they may feel supported to create their own images which in turn helps them in their healing is my greatest responsibility. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Courage


Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Art is fun...


I've been enjoying looking through some of my old art journals lately.  I enjoy spending quiet time taking in the images I created for times in my life that those images needed to be made.  Most of them were made for times where I was sad, scared, confused or frustrated.  Some though I made to make me smile and I really enjoyed coming across this one again. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Quote




Saturday, April 6, 2013

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