In 2021, at the height of the pandemic, I became a Certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach. As a Psych major in college (I graduated with a BA in Psychology), my goal was to learn to help others. In my senior year I went in a different direction, since I thought at the time that becoming a lawyer to help those with disabilities would allow me to reach more people, and for a time that was my path. Although I left the practice of law in 2017, I am still interested in helping people who are struggling.
The Covid-19 pandemic amplified how isolated we have become from one another, and I believe that political polarization has only exacerbated the feeling. Many of us don't feel connected anymore, either to one another, our institutions, our environment or even ourselves.
I became a Therapeutic Art Life Coach - which, to be clear, does NOT make me an Art Therapist - to guide people to use art as a way of exploring their feelings through artistic expression. Many people, when they suspend their lack of confidence in their artistic abilities and the need to be "good" at art (which is so subjective, and we're our own worst critics), find creating art to be a great stress reliever, and a way to find peace and relaxation as well as connecting with their inner lives.
The program, which features various modules of expectation-free projects, focuses on finding oneself and enjoying the "play" aspect of art that we knew as children. The program is also, in that vein, useful for children as well!
A session or two (or more!) would be good for stressed-out adults, people in grief or pain, children needing confidence or just the love of making art without being judged, seniors looking for some contact and reawakening of the love of expression they once enjoyed - anyone needing to bring some focus, clarification and beauty into their lives. Group settings welcomed - great for business retreats, church meetings, personal development, or have an art party!
Contact me if you'd like to discuss options.