So Simple

Do you act upon a creative impulse when it hits?

Weekend Reflection: Preparing

 As I prepare to work with clients this week

I take the time to plan out my sessions.

What will be the focus in the groups?

What materials will we use?

How will I facilitate this?

From experience I know to not plan too much

since the real magic with Art Therapy is that

each session goes the way the clients need it to go.

I plan and prepare, but the secret is to let them lead 

and allowing the session to be flexible. 

Allowing this gives the participants the room

to share what they feel they need to express.

My job is to hold the space 

so they feel safe to do so.

 

Silencing My Inner Critic

This image is one I created while exploring my Inner Critic.  You know, that little voice that you hear saying things like, "this looks terrible, you can't draw, you should just quit..."

I gave her some space on the page but made sure she was 

contained so that her negativity could not reach me. 

 This was my message to her:

"Your words can't reach me now.  

I know you are still there but I have silenced you.  

Your negativity can stay there with you, keep it to yourself. 

 I have no need for it, it does not help me any 

and really gets old after awhile."

Do you have an inner critic when you create?  What do you do to work through the negative thoughts?

Weekend Reflection: Simple Things

Starting a new group,

wondering what the clients will be like

I begin to set up the supplies.

Crayons, markers, glue sticks,

pens, scissors, pastels and chalk.

They are simple things.

They invite exploration,

they don't intimidate

and they welcome the timid.

The clients come in,

they all choose their seats 

and almost instinctively reach out and touch the supplies.

Most ask for a piece of paper.

Let's start.

 

Shifting

Part of me has been asleep,

dormant,

dreaming.

Part of me has started to stir,

eyes open,

noticing.

Part of me is ready to engage,

create,

explore.