About This Work
 

Art therapy is the therapeutic use of art making, within a professional relationship, by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, and by people who seek personal development.  Through creating art and reflecting on the art products and processes, people can increase awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences; enhance cognitive abilities; and enjoy the life-affirming pleasures of making art. 

Art therapists are professionals trained in both art and therapy.  They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, spiritual, multicultural and artistic traditions, and the healing potential of art.  They use art in treatment, assessment and research, and provide consultations to allied professionals.  Art therapists work with people of all ages:  individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities.  They provide services, individually and as part of clinical teams, in settings that include mental health, rehabilitation, medical and forensic institutions; community outreach programs; wellness centers; schools; nursing homes; corporate structures; open studios and independent practices.
  From the American Art Therapy Association

Find Yourself

 

Children

  • who are having trouble socially
  • who are struggling with self-esteem issues or addiction / recovery issues in their family
  • kinetic learners
  • “hard to reach” children
  • Children with developmental disorders

Teens

  • with peer or authority issues
  • in identity crisis
  • with developmental disorders
  • who are learning to live with mental illness
Adults
  • who are on a journey of self discovery
  • who were wounded artistically in childhood
  • recovering alcoholics and addicts
  • co-dependents and adults in difficult or addictive relationships
  • men and women with eating disorders
  • who are learning to live with mental illness
  • seekers
  • couples
  • Artists who are “stuck”

Anyone

  • who has a drive for self-expression. Absolutely no experience is required. You do not have to be an artist. You do not have to have talent.
 

Be Yourself

For centuries man has used art as a form of communication, a mode of self expression and a way to talk about the part of human experience that is outside of words.  Art can connect people to others, to themselves and to the divine.  Art heals through a simple process.  The more we learn about ourselves, the more we dare to discover our depth and capabilities, the more we heal.  This is an intuitive and wordless form of getting to know ourselves, where we’re from, and how we see and design our own lives.  It is somewhere in this process of knowing ourselves that we meet grace and experience healing.

My approach is based on this.  I think of a work of art as either a mirror or a window.  When we look at art we see either more of the artist or more of the artist’s point of view.  Making and examining art in a therapeutic way is a series of revealing self-portraits and descriptive visions.  The creative process is a form of prayer requiring trust, instinct and mindfulness.  Appreciating art is being open to seeing and learning on a visceral level.  Seeing that which we already know.  Seeing exactly what we need to know.  Seeing the ineffable.

Express Yourself

At each session a therapeutic concept and background information will be combined with an art project in a safe and supportive environment.  Participants will receive art instruction including demonstration, technique and proper use of materials and every participant will have a “hands on” experience creating art.  A follow-up process includes gentle feedback and insight based on many years of experience.  You’ll be amazed at the discoveries you’ll make about yourself!               

Individual Sessions60-minute and 90-minute sessions are available on a limited basis for clients who work best one-on-one.

Children’s Groups – Jas facilitates 10-week groups for children in families that are re-structuring, that are struggling with issues like learning disabilities and families that need support in recovery from alcoholism and other addictions.  These groups offer experiential lessons designed to educate kids and empower them.  Group includes an art project, a snack and a hand out for parents.  The parent(s) of children enrolled in Children’s Group are required to attend a complementary and concurrent Parent’s Group called Developing Capable People.

Adult Groups – Group experiences for men and women will run in month long and 8-week cycles.  Group is a two and a half hour session that includes didactic teaching, hands-on art working and feedback.

Workshops – Weekend workshops are offered monthly to enhance personal growth.  These intensive 1 and 2 day workshops will address family of origin issues, transpersonal relationships, esoteric topics and specific art techniques.

Confidentiality is honored and expected of every client.

DAILY PRACTICE  1322 Dodds Ave. Chattanooga, TN. 37404   423-322-2514 • [email protected]