Altered books are a type of mixed-media project that transforms old, unloved books into unique works of art. As a type of narrative art therapy, they can provide a safe container to explore tough emotions. Altered books are a great medium for individuals interested in creative journaling or experimenting.
Whether your child is anxious about starting a new grade, transitioning to a new school, or struggling to adjust back into a set routine after a carefree summer, a new school year is a time of many unknowns. Addressing these anxieties with your child using proactive, positive-parenting strategies can create a smoother transition and help set them up for a successful school year.
How often have you experienced feeling pulled in two directions – a part of you that really wants or feels something and another that wants or feels the exact opposite? This completely normal experience of two parts of ourselves operating at cross-purposes is a concept known as polarization.
In our efforts to achieve optimal functioning and happiness, we are quick to shut down and avoid the negative thoughts and emotions of our inner critic. Accessing our compassionate Self permits appreciation toward our inner critic and its efforts to keep us safe from the shame of being seen by others as a failure, allowing our critic to react in less aggressive ways.
Trauma can impact us deeply, causing severe emotional pain. However, the impact doesn’t have to result in long term suffering. It is possible to heal from trauma and the resulting distress and psychological hurt. When combined, art therapy and IFS have proven effective in processing trauma resulting in transformative healing.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) asserts that it is the nature of the mind to be subdivided into multiple parts. Much like a mosaic composed of multiple pieces that come together to create a singular work of art, the goal is to achieve balance and harmony with parts, appreciating the creative role each plays and helping each find its place in the system.
So, you want to be an art therapist. Practical considerations offered by an experienced art therapist and guidance on what it means to BE an art therapist.
You may have experienced feelings of conflicting emotions, “a part of me wants to…and then there’s a part of me that doesn’t…". With Internal Family Systems (IFS), you can learn to understand and work with these parts in a powerful and productive way.
An individual might wonder, “Why art therapy? I’m not an artist – how can this help me?” Good question! By using the creative process in therapy with a licensed and experienced art therapist, we can begin to explore your internal world from the outside in a safe and supportive environment.
