Introverts are doing ok with the corona virus quarantine. That is unless their family won’t leave them alone; insisting they play Scrabble or spend “quality time.” They’ve been preparing for this their whole lives! Extroverts however, are experiencing a different kind of quarantine…isolated, lonely, depressed and even existential. Most of my extroverted clients have been drawing things like cages, prisons and the ball-n-chain to express their sense of being trapped by quarantine. The introverts … [Read more...] about Quarantine
mental illness
My Inner Addict
The art therapy directive “Cut and paste magazine words/images to illustrate your Inner addict or alcoholic” inspired this provocative response from an adult at an inpatient treatment center. With this clever Ransom Note he conjures up the relationship between hostage and kidnapper. The addict sees himself as victim; at the mercy of his drug of choice and compares it to how he feels – blindsided, tricked, abducted and absolutely powerless over his cravings and obsessions. It is as if alcohol and … [Read more...] about My Inner Addict
My Inner Addict
The art therapy directive “Cut and paste magazine words/images to illustrate your Inner addict or alcoholic” inspired this provocative response from an adult at an inpatient treatment center. With this clever Ransom Note he conjures up the relationship between hostage and kidnapper. The addict sees himself as victim; at the mercy of his drug of choice and compares it to how he feels – blindsided, tricked, abducted and absolutely powerless over his cravings and obsessions. It is as if alcohol and … [Read more...] about My Inner Addict
Process and Product
I tell clients (and prospective clients) that it is NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE ART TALENT OR TRAINING to benefit from art therapy. You don't even have to be able to draw! Here is a collage made by a chemically dependent adult recently in a treatment center. The directive was to make a comparative collage using words and images cut from magazines. On the left hand side is "Drunk me/Using me" and on the right "Sober me/Clean me." Look how scattered and random the images on the left are! They are … [Read more...] about Process and Product
Womens’ Self Soothe Special
September 7th, 2017 Thursday evening 5:30-8 Robin Burk, Therapeutic Musician & Sound Practioner – soothing vibrations: Join Robin for a 20 minute personal sound session. Robin’s work is gentle and may address physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. For more information about Robin and her work visit www.purplesky.com You must reserve you spot; she filled up last time. Call Jas at (423)322-2514. Summer Kelly – Gypsy rags installed in your hair $25 Ya'll … [Read more...] about Womens’ Self Soothe Special
Connect with Your Animal Spirit Guides and Make a Soapstone Totem
September 30, 2017 10am-4pm: Spirit animals are animal guides – much like guardian angels – who bring their protective and empowering gifts to the person who needs them. The idea of totem animals is not unique to the American Indian. Spirit guides in the form of animals may be found in the belief systems of China, Africa, Arabia, Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Arctic polar region. In this one-day workshop participants will view a presentation of totems throughout the … [Read more...] about Connect with Your Animal Spirit Guides and Make a Soapstone Totem
Bi Polar bracelet
bi polar bracelet by "F" recovering addict Very often when an addict stops using s/he finds an underlying emotional/psychological problem. This begs the old chicken/egg question; did drug addiction and use cause the mental health issue or was it the precursor that prompted the individual to use in the first place? It may be an attempt to self-medicate a pre-existing condition. Common dual diagnoses include alcoholism/drug addiction and depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, various … [Read more...] about Bi Polar bracelet
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words
Story collage by "R", mentally ill adult Very often the mentally ill are suffering from more than their diagnosed problem/problems. Usually before the (correct) diagnosis is made the mentally ill person has already had significant social troubles – they have been bullied, arrested, or dropped out of school. They have been subjected to harsh discipline, physical and sexual abuse and nobody has believed a word they say. This is because the … [Read more...] about A Picture Worth a Thousand Words