Member Event / Reconnect Your Zen Art Workshop: Thursday, June 25, 7-830 PM

Note: Space is limited due to Covid restrictions and for the health and safety of all of our valued clients. This workshop is limited to 8 people. All supplies provided. Great coffee too!

What to expect? We will start off with a short-guided meditation to help you focus on the “now” followed by art-making (no art experience required), then together as a group we will process/discuss what came up for you while creating your piece and finally wrapping up/closing with a short-guided meditation to regulate how you move forward. (Please note, I am purposefully vague on the details of the art-making process because this is truly a session that requires you to experience it firsthand without premeditated thoughts or plans. Know that I will be there to guide and assist always.)

The official definition from the American Art Therapy Association: “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.” Simply put…art therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses the creative process of making art to improve a person’s physical, mental and emotional well-being. Art Therapists are professionally trained in both art and psychotherapy. They are knowledgeable about human development, psychological theories, clinical practices, spiritual, multicultural/artistic traditions and the healing potential of art. I implement effective psychotherapy methods to instill self-understanding and encouragement to adopt new attitudes/feelings towards life situations/challenges using art and traditional talk therapy. It is essential to keep in mind that art therapy, therapy in general, is not a magic pill or a quick fix—it is a healing process that necessitates participation and investment from patient/client and caretaker alike. But in the end, making small changes to self-defeating behavior and coping with feelings of sadness, fear and pain can bring life altering results/breakthroughs. My approach will always be to meet you where you are and to utilize mindfulness practices to get you to where you want to be.

Debbie Whyte, MPS, ATR, RAPCC

Art Therapist | Mental Wellness Coach

Phone: 909.491.4600