Multiculturalism In Art Therapy

Self-Portrait Doll (for Art Therapy Through the Lifespan)

As I thought about creating a doll, I wanted to make a Self-portrait as Warrior doll; a totem to help me get through grad school finals and the end of school with my students.  What began to emerge was a simple self-portrait, so I followed Hastings’s (2003) advice and let go of my “preconceived notion” (p. 8) and just enjoyed the process of making a doll.  I feel a surprising emotional connection to this little doll, she feels like an expression of acceptance and love for myself, which is not something that comes naturally for me.  I have been striving toward being my most authentic self; doing away with the facades I’ve needed in order to fit in, to feel safe, unashamed, and accepted.  She is a concrete representation of a stage of development, my early steps on a journey to be more accepting of myself, just as I am.  This personal evolution directly impacts where I am on my transformative journey to becoming an art therapist.  The more I am able to silence what Hastings (2003) calls the “inner critic” (p. 8) and have empathy and compassion for myself; the more I am able to fully experience, appreciate, and have empathy and compassion for others.  

In this art therapy program I have gained transformative knowledge, relationships, and new perspectives.  I am trying to learn to have “faith in the process” (Moon, 2003, p. vii).  I am learning how to be guided by something other than surface consciousness, and to recognize that I am a valid component of a greater whole.  In striving to become a highly qualified and effective art therapist, I have gained an ability to reveal my vulnerability.  I am learning to let go a little and trust, very difficult, but sometimes it is the only true option.  My three-year-old son asked if he could take my doll with him to daycare, and that made me so happy, even though I knew she might not come back in one piece.  For me, that is a transformation.

References

Hastings, P. (2003). Doll making as a transformative process. Saugerties, NY: P. Hastings.

Moon, B. (2003) Essentials of Art Therapy Education and Practice. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.   

"Selfie" 4.16.2015

Torn: Image for Ethics Class

Grace

Dragonfly

Creativity: for Art Therapy Through Lifespan

Art for Ethics Class: Pursuit of Truth

Art for Ethics Class

Here and Now: Residency Image

This image was created first night of the January, 2015 residency initiating semester two of year two of the MAAT program at SMWC.  The piece was to be completed in silence, while reflecting upon our intentions for the coming semester.  Last semester really burned me out, I was exhausted and stressed with the constant due dates for grad school added to my "regular life" responsibilities.  My intention for the coming semester was to try to be present, in the here-and-now moments more.  If I am with my family, focus on that present moment with family, try not to be thinking about looming due dates etc that will pull my attention away from the here-and-now.  So this image is me, focusing on and treasuring the moment.

Altered Book Images

The images above were created at the residency which initiated semester two of year two at the SMWC MAAT program.  The image represents me holding and aspiring to my ideals; the words are saying maybe sometimes we need to cut ourselves a little slack.

first attempt at Altered Book

Achieving Goals

This image was created as an assignment for the Groups class.

AATA Ethical Principles: Mind Map

Created for Ethics class, Spring semester of year two, MAAT program at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

Transference / Countertransference: Depression

This image was created as art response for Clinical Art Therapy II.