THERAPEUTIC ART
WHAT IS THERAPEUTIC ART?
Therapeutic Art at Drawing Close utilizes the healing elements of art-making combined with Spiritual Direction to encourage a deeper emotional connection with God and integrate parts of self. It's a spacious hour with a trained guide to help you let go of perfection, process bottled up emotions, heal religious trauma, and embrace your whole, authentic self. In this way, art-making becomes an honest form of prayer; a way of drawing close to God with us in our deepest joys, hopes, fears, hurts, doubts & longings.
Therapeutic Art is not an art class; no talent necessary. Instead of making a beautiful finished product, we simply utilize line, shape, color, and texture as ways to express emotion and hold space for self-discovery, soul searching, and spiritual connection.
WHAT'S A SESSION LIKE?
We'll begin with a brief check in. You will then be invited to engage in art-making as a way to express & explore how you feel- no matter how icky, ugly or messy. As you're creating, I will quietly observe & bear witness to the sacred story being told as if the art were talking. With our remaining time, we will then process the art in spiritual direction; noticing what's been revealed to you on the page and where God might be showing up within it.
WHO'S THERAPEUTIC ART FOR?
Many who arrive into Therapeutic Art at Drawing Close are stressed & struggling; carrying bottled up emotions like stress, grief, anger, & trauma. These emotions might be easily named and bubbling just under the surface; needing a place to be expressed or held. Or, you may also feel disconnected from how these emotions are showing up in your body; making it hard to find the words to express how you feel (and you might wonder if the emotions you need to express to God are even allowed).
Therapeutic Art sessions are offered via Zoom and are scheduled monthly, twice monthly, or weekly, depending on your needs.
All sessions are trauma-informed, LGBTQ+ affirming, and neurosparkly.
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FAQs
01
what are your qualifications?
I'm a certified Spiritual Director through Sustainable Faith School of Spiritual Direction, a 2 year program. In addition, I also hold over 800 hours and years of training in trauma informed care, somatic (body) awareness, Therapeutic Arts, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I'm also a *therapist in training* and while I do not yet offer therapy, I can and do utilize deep listening skills.
03
Are you a therapist? How is Therapeutic Art different from Art Therapy?
I am well trained to listen with compassion and hold space for self-discovery and soul searching. I am NOT a licensed therapist and sessions are non-clinical. As a spiritual director, I am unable to diagnose or treat mental health issues, modify behaviors, give advice, or address relationship issues with other people.
02
What if I'm not an artist? Will you teach me?
Friend, you are not a mistake that needs fixing and we don’t create for anyone’s approval (which for many is part of the healing process).
You might feel like you don’t have a creative bone in your body. That’s OK! Whatever you bring to the page is enough. These sessions are an opportunity to let go of perfection and draw close to Love with you in the process- no matter how messy it may seem.
04
What are your rates?
One hour sessions are offered on a sliding scale to acknowledge wage gaps that exist among marginalized groups including LGBTQIA+, People of Color, neurodivergent folks, people with disabilities, & single parents. A limited number of scholarships are also available to those experiencing temporary hardship.
Standard Rate: $150
Diversity Rate: $125
Scholarship Rate: $100