Art Therapy Promotes Wellness and Connection
By Kristin Slagorsky , Registered Social Worker and PCSBV Art Therapy Intern
When most people hear the phrase art therapy, they either draw a blank or think “That’s not for me, I’m not creative”. In actuality, the human urge to be creative has existed in every culture, in every country, across time. One of the main principles of art therapy is that we are all born creative, and that tapping into our creativity promotes wellness and connection. So, what is art therapy exactly? It’s the exploration and use of an experiential creative process (visual art, poetry, music, dance, story-telling) to help integrate mind, body, heart and spirit. It is a form of self-expression that communicates through the language of colour, shape, symbol, metaphor and instinct (versus making art to sell or to please an external audience). It is rooted in psychological theory and has a rich tradition dating back to the middle of the 20th century. Art therapy has many unique benefits. It helps us to become more comfortable with uncertainty and encourages curiosity. Art-making grounds us in the present moment, while the tactile materials help to soothe our nervous systems. Tuning into our senses helps us to be more connected to ourself as we learn to notice our instincts and intuition (right brain qualities). The art creations can become a container, holding difficult experiences and big emotions, allowing us to be more resilient, to feel empowered in traumatic situations and to make meaning. In the Fall of 2021, the Palliative Care Society Bow Valley started incorporating art therapy into its’ Volunteer Training Program, and in a monthly HeART Hive to support volunteers in expanding their self-care skills. Sessions are facilitated by Kristin Slagorsky, a Registered Social Worker and PCSBV Art Therapy Intern, with a private practice in the Bow Valley. To learn more about Kristin or art therapy visit explorecounselling.ca
The mountains weep Their glacial tears Smattered in greys Shades of decay Beside crocus troves The creeks drip and flow Nourishing all Melting deep fears
Art photo , poem submitted by Kristin Slagorsky
Photo of Kristin Slagorsky credit : Georgi Silckerodt .
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs