art therapist
“Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship."
~ American Art Therapy Association
my approach to art therapy
The following are the dominant frameworks and philosophies that guide my approach to art therapy with clients and workshop participants:
archetypal and imaginal psychology
With deep reverence for individual and cultural expressions, I take note of themes in clients’ artwork, stories, and experiences that indicate what connects each of us to human wisdom. Together with clients, we explore symbols and become curious about images for their capacity to enhance imagination, reveal aspects of ourselves, and suggest directions for making changes.
existential
psychology
Intertwined with the human experience are profound questions that we all must face to lead a complete life that accepts the struggles and joys of being a human. Some of these include, “How do I live in the face of mortality?” and “How do I make sense of what seems senseless?” Together with clients, we look at what suffering means for each of us and how to find meaning that can guide us.
mindfulness
and holism
Based on my training while at the Centre on Behavioral Health at The University of Hong Kong, I developed a profound respect for the ways that personal contemplation, focused breathing, and somatic exercises can enhance individual well-being and relationships. Together with clients, we pay attention to thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations as clues for insight and remedies.
social change
Our individual health is often influenced by social forces that are larger than any one of us. Understanding the impact of power and how it shapes perceptions and choices leads me to incorporate peace building and social justice practices. Being engaged in the world often requires working directly in the community to bring about change through dialoguing, advocating, and lobbying. Together with clients, we identify possibilities for persisting in the face of struggles and forming community, as well as, challenging biases and fostering empathy across differences.