“Art speaks where words are unable to explain.” - Mathiole
Dates of Virtual Gathering:
Preference given to those who can attend all three sessions.
-November 2: Session #1 // Trauma and the Nervous System, Fight, Flight, Freeze, Appease. Skills on physical regulation and promoting the relaxation reponse
-November 9: Session #2 // Trauma and how it presents, the importance of establishing safety as the first step
-November 16: Session #3 // Boundaries and trauma as a relationship wound. Boundaries are how I love myself and others safely.
Time: Tuesdays, 5 00 - 7 00 pm PST
Cost: Sliding Scale (Suggested $5-$35 / session)
ART (Art As Therapy), is rooted in the idea that healing and mental well-being is fostered through creative expression. It is a specially designed program that brings up to 20 participants together over the course of three weeks for 3 x 2 hr experiences. All participants will receive a ART kit, including art supplies and a surprise canvas. Sessions include trauma psychoeducation, art therapy practices, wellness exercises, and community building interactive elements. All sessions are held by a Registered Art Therapist and The Trauma Project Founder, Teresa Yung. No previous art experience necessary, all are welcome.
What does art as therapy offer?
Art as therapy is not the same as art therapy. There will not be any processing of the art itself. Rather, there will be space for sharing (not mandatory) and active listening. This offers those who have experienced trauma an opportunity to safely explore their internal landscape and trauma without the need to provide a detailed verbalization. One of the greatest benefits of art therapy is creating an alternative means of expression which promotes safe yet fruitful exploration of one’s experiences and the experiences that preceded the traumatic event(s).
What can you expect?
-Be supported in interactive group experience to create with each other
-Open time of art making with gentle music
-Reflect and share insights and feelings with each other
-Wellness exercises and prompts for self-care
What is required to join?
-A safe and physical address to receive ART kit
- A safe and stable internet connection to join us on Zoom
- A basic survey to ensure mental and emotional wellbeing to participate
What is not required to join?
- Any prior artistic talent or skill. The modality is not about the quality of art itself as it is about the connection between the artwork and thought, feelings, and behavior.
What does a group virtual Art As Therapy Session look like?
During a Group virtual Art As Therapy session, participants are guided in an art-making process. The guided art process allows for the expression of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many times words cannot describe experiences and feelings: that is where the art can act as a bridge for growth and expression. Art As Therapy has the ability to promote insight, resolve conflict, process grief and trauma, increase self-esteem, and improve the relationships with self and others. No analyzing or interpretation is done with the art. Any meaning comes directly from the art creator. Many times it is simply the process of making the art that is therapeutic, not the end product.
Who is the Facilitator?
Nikki Featherstone is a Canadian Registered Art Therapist. You can find her on IG: @nfeatherstone_havenarttherapy
Who prepared this program?
Nikki Featherstone (Registered Art Therapist) collaborated to produce this program. This program is not official therapy or medical treatment.
How to Join?
Step 1: Register below by Oct 22, 2021
Step 2: Complete onboarding survey
Step 3: Upon acceptance, address will be required to send your ART kit
Step 4: Instructions sent to join our virtual community