art&healing: January 2012

January 2, 2012

Hear with your eyes?

Part of the healing process is helping people find their voice again. People express themselves in may ways... and not always with words! I believe we'd do better to LISTEN more with our EYES and SEE with our EARS! (no, this is not a "typing" mistake) Disappointment, fear and anxiety can cause a person to shut down and withdraw.We are designed to be relationship, to communicate, to participate, to love and be loved. Creating a safe environment to express feelings is essential for a healthy recovery.Here are a few examples of expressive art from a workshop session. Again, the goal is not perfection, but honest expression.

You don't have to be a clinical therapist
to LISTEN with your EYES. Open your eyes and you'll hear...

Joyful

Depression

Trauma

Conflicted

Undecided

Peaceful

Worship

Security

"October Art"

Carving a pumpkin is messy and difficult for most kids, but painting one can be REALLY fun! Here are a few my nephews and I created while their parents were on a "date night".

Workshop Testimonies!

"Mike" - I was skeptical at first, especially since I’m not an "artsy" guy! My wife signed us up for a Couples Workshop because I’m VERY good at burying my feelings. As soon as I began to relax and enjoy the process, there was a real sense of FREEDOM and accomplishment. I actually enjoyed myself!.....when’s the next class?

"Karen" (divorced/single mom) recently attended one of the art&healing workshops. She had this to say, “What had been difficult to communicate with words, what felt unsafe to talk about, was finally being expressed on my canvas! Abstract shapes and swirls of color were telling my story. This was a fascinating process... very empowering... healing!”