How We Will Work Together
This is a co-creative relationship. I see us as equals and I encourage you to do the same. I am not a therapist, counselor or consultant. I am a trained coach, using practiced communication and listening skills to support you as a detached thinking partner. Together, we create more power for you to effect meaningful change and take dynamic actions towards your forward movement. Throughout these Workshops, we will use Art, Packets, Worksheets, Workbooks, other tools, and resources to help build up knowledge in Life Skills to assist you with your ADL’s ( Activities of Daily Living) and guide you in your Recovery!
Please understand that if you’re seeking to change something about yourself, it takes time. Most of my clients feel a positive shift as soon as the very first session.
Unfortunately, that typically doesn’t last as many of the thought and behavior patterns we develop are from as far back as childhood and are deeply rooted. Much like the time it might take to create a new path in a thickly wooded forest, the same is true for building new neural pathways in our brain. We will be working on new ways of reacting, responding and perceiving your life. So like the pushed aside branches that snap right back into place the first several times of forging a new path, you will likely revert back to old ways of being and experiencing in the beginning. At that same time, you’ll begin to become aware of the elevated choices and options available to you in each moment and over time, it’s amazing to see how your life and relationships begin to elevate and evolve. If you’re serious about change, decide to make a commitment to coaching.
Life Skills are the tools needed to handle the demands and challenges of daily living, from making simple choices to dealing with complex situations. Some core life skills include communication, critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. Life skills also involve developing strong interpersonal relationships, managing emotions, and building self-awareness and resilience.
*Disclaimer:
Believe you me, the idea of art can seem frustrating and overwhelming at times especially if it’s not something you are familiar with. You absolutely do not have to be an artist or have any type of artistic ability. Just remember to enjoy what you create!
Benefits of Art in Recovery:
Improved mental wellness Art can help reduce stress and anxiety and improve emotional resilience. It can also help people understand themselves better and address painful feelings or experiences.
Improved cognitive functions Art can stimulate cognitive abilities, and improve a person’s ability to manage psychological symptoms.
Improved self-esteem Art can help foster self-esteem and self-awareness.
Improved social skills Art can help build social skills, and enhance a person’s ability to communicate thoughts and feelings.
Improved self-management Art can help people learn how to focus, build discipline, and live a healthy life.
Reduced cortisol levels Studies have shown that art can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a hormone that is often high in people who are stressed.
Reduced withdrawal Art may help ease the withdrawal of someone in recovery from a substance abuse disorder.
Art can be used to help people with a variety of conditions, including substance use, cancer, traumatic brain injury, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Types of Art used in Recovery?
Dance: Uses movement and dance to express one’s psychological state
Drama: Uses drama techniques like games, play-acting, and guided visualizations to help people explore their emotions
Music: Uses music to help clients improve their physical and mental health
Writing: Helps people express their emotions and explore stressful thoughts through prose
Painting: A common tool in art therapy that can open the door to using other artifacts
Drawing: Can be used as a communication tool when words are difficult to express
Links:
The Importance of Expressive Art Therapy in Recovery – Alta Centers Detox
Benefits of Art Therapy for Mental and Physical Health
Art Therapy – Together by St. Jude™