Mindfulness has become a large part of wellness recently, but what does it mean?

Mindfulness is accepting where one is in their current state. It is an intentional moment of accepting one's emotions, thoughts and sensations occurring in the present moment. The term originates as an essential element of Buddhist practice. In our culture the practice of mindfulness can be utilized to alleviate mental and physical conditions.

I have found a way to support this practice in creativity. I believe creativity is a choice. It is an action word, one that we must engage in. We are all born with the ability to choose to be creative, whether it is in making art, problem solving, choosing how we decorate our homes, cooking, communicating. Creativity is a broad opportunity that we must CHOOSE to engage in.

In all art therapy the self critic can be our worst foe in the process. In mindful creative expression we take some time to recognize where we are at and then work in an abstract manner focusing solely on the process. We find a media first to start with, whether it is paint, drawing materials or collage and move from there. Collage should be accepted for the abstract qualities, color and texture...not the symbols or the metaphors. The process is organic and transitions with each persons unique reaction to media. Individuals may mix media or stay in one through the workshop, but being true to the process and where it takes them.

Being mindful of one's overall wellness is vital in today's busy world.  Our lives are multidimensional and often complicated.  We live balancing our emotions, finances, spirituality, work struggles, home life and social relationships, if one area of our life is out of balance other areas may suffer.  Art therapy combined with mindfulness is a dynamic addition to any wellness plan engaging both sides of the brain in a judgement-free, process driven experience.

If you would like to explore mindfulness and creativity come join us at one of our monthly workshops!
More details HERE

This is a question I am often asked.
I also hear things like,
    "Is art therapy just for artists?"
    "Is art therapy just for kids?"
    Many years ago, when I finished my undergraduate degree I had no clue what art therapy was. I left Alma College with degrees in English and Art, a little unsure what to do next. I moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan and decided I would pursue an MFA. I had just left an art department team that had guided me in awakening a creative side in me that had been dormant and denied. In my first quarter I took a psychology class and there I heard the term art therapy. It was a "light bulb" moment for me. There was no turning back.
    Fast forward to now and I am lucky to have established a practice in an open studio that has been open nine years this fall. There were other jobs in between (community mental health including foster kids and juvenile justice), but here I am home. Open studio, a place with a broad spectrum of art therapy. In this space I serve a multitude of populations in both clinical art therapy and in fine art education.
    Oh, but what about the original question...what is art therapy?
    Art therapy is a modality in clinical support. Art therapists are masters level clinicians. Art therapy emerged in the 1930's and was first recognized as a human service profession in the 1950's. Art therapists may provide art therapy services as primary form of treatment or it can be parallel or adjunctive in treatment found in many different settings, such as clinical, educational, rehabilitative, and mental health settings. Any mental health clinician who has not received a Master's in Art therapy may not be a true art therapist. When a clinician has an ATR they are a registered art therapist and have fulfilled the requirements of the ATCB (Art Therapy Credentials Board). Art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic settings with diverse client populations in individual, couples, family, and group therapy formats. This approach in counseling can be an effective treatment modality to individuals experiencing developmental, medical, educational, and social or psychological impairment.
    In my work with clients, I use an eclectic approach, tailoring to the needs of each individual client, even in a group setting. I see the art my clients create as a safe holding space or a “transitional object." This approach works with anyone and provides one with the opportunity to project struggles and/or concerns interfering with daily life while addressing them in a structured and safe environment. Art therapists focus on the process, from the moment a client arrives until they leave. The product is a concrete object derived from gentle prompts given with intention unique to the clients needs. The product provides the therapeutic relationship a kind of "third voice." In the art therapy process I witness problem solving, creativity and positive risk taking. In the art therapy process I also witness clients finding words for feelings or events that they didn't have words for before. This safe and supportive process anyone can access, with or without prior experience in art making. I am always honored to be present and support work being done, whether it is in group or individual sessions. Open studio is just one version in a dynamic and broad field.
    In our studio we have many options for exploring the world of art therapy, from individual, family or group to insight oriented workshops to art journaling. For more information contact me or check out the resources below to find art therapy opportunities in your area.

Additional resources:
Art Therapy in Oregon:
ATCB: Art Therapy Credentials Board
AATA: American Art Therapy Association

Do you love to journal?
I have been journaling since I was a young girl.

Creative art journals are a great place to explore thoughts and feelings through imagery and sometimes with guided prompts.  The process can enhance problem solving abilities or just be a valuable place to filter ideas. Adding the art making process to the exercise of journaling engages both hemispheres of the brain.  Journaling is also an amazing stress reliever. 

We have art journaling workshops in our studio once a month, as well as other Adult Insight Oriented Workshops. If you don't live in Portland, but you'd like to connect with our services we have options! Sign up for our weekly art journal prompts HERE

So proud to be included in the Duplex Exhibit Catalog from 2013-14. You can get one HERE

What is Duplex?
Duplex Gallery has quickly become a space to watch.
Since opening in 2013 Jessica Breedlove and Lindsay Jordan Kretchun have showcased monthly exhibits in Old Town, Portland. They have also developed one of the best gallery maps for Portland. I am proud to be included in this publication when I had a solo show there in October 2013.
Check out what is currently on display, upcoming shows, the Portland gallery map and much more on their website HERE