Play is not just for kids. Moms need it too! Are you curious about how creativity can reconnect you to your deepest needs? Befriending ourselves through expressive arts opens the door that fear has locked. Anxiety, depression, perfectionism are all self-abandoning coping mechanisms we depended on to survive the frail attachment in childhood. They deserve our gratitude, but not our obedience. The adventure into imagination enlivens every part of our being. Sharing discoveries with a safe supportive group can build the trust we have longed for. Email to join this first free workshop.
Hosted by Joan Bechtel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Walnut Creek, CA 94597
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
Are you under the spell of self-abandonment, of overworking, over-caretaking? Have you been crowned Queen of Self Denial? We have been conditioned to fear self-attunement and to embrace self-abandonment. Maybe it’s time to play with mythic symbols like Frankenstein, Dumbling and the Ant and the Grasshopper to challenge the cultural taboo against “selfishness.” By creating our own fairy tales we can listen to what our symptoms are trying to tell us, and break that spell of self-abandonment to reclaim the lost treasures of our true needs. Join us in May 2023 for 6 sessions
Hosted by Joan Bechtel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Group meets in Walnut Creek, CA 94597
How do we break the spell of trauma? Shame, internalized gaslighting, trust issues, addictions and all the rest. How do we break free? The funny answer is not by fighting them as enemies. But by befriending them. Once we befriend them, they lose their power over us. But how do we befriend an enemy that lives in our Unconscious? Dreams, art, play, and imagination are all natives of this realm. so they are perfect guides through our underworld of rich personal symbolism to befriend shadow elements and integrate repressed capacities, replenishing vitality. Fun breaks the spell.
In this 6 week therapy group, you will be guided on how to transmute your emotional environment into art through the power of metaphor. Often times, common language leaves us feeling blocked- as if it can only take us so far when trying to express our feelings. But when we push the bounds of language into the depth of creativity, we reclaim our expression & find further healing, therefore opening the gateways of release & surrender. So if you're looking to dive deeper- into your identity, your blockages, and your desires- this group is for you!
Hosted by Anna Davidson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
Group meets in Lafayette, CA 94549
Do you feel lost or stuck? Disconnected from your body or emotional needs? Perhaps unfulfilled or as if you can't seem to break free from a relational pattern? I see you. You're not alone & I'm passionate about supporting you back home to your truest self. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or are experiencing obstacles in your relationships, I want to work with you to gain more clarity & confidence around communication, needs, boundaries & intimacy. I believe that healing happens in relation- whether to self, other, or the environment & I am intentional about creating a conscious, trusted relationship with my clients.
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Art Therapy Support Groups
How does art therapy work?
The process of making art allows people to express themselves. Art-making can take many forms, such as painting, collage, or sculpting. The therapist asks questions that the work elicits, such as how the person felt while creating their piece, or if any memories surfaced that they can discuss. The therapist will then work with the patient to process their experience, understand themselves better, and work toward change.
Does art therapy help with trauma?
Art therapy can be a valuable treatment option for those suffering from trauma. Traumatic experiences such as combat, rape, or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. The physical nature of creating art can also help people feel rooted in the body, which may benefit those who feel disconnected from their body in the aftermath of trauma.
How long does art therapy last?
The duration of art therapy varies, but a common length for treatment is 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Some people may see improvement in just a few weeks, while others may choose to remain in therapy longer term. Patients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
What are the limitations of art therapy?
Art therapy is helpful for many people, but a limitation is that it doesn’t have as robust an evidence base as other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. The evidence on art therapy is mixed; some research demonstrates its benefits, while other research suggests that it has little impact on patients.