My Art Therapy Philosophy and Practice
I believe that the practice of making art facilitates an understanding of one’s self that cannot be replicated by any other form of expression. I don’t just use art as a way to enrich my therapy practice, I believe in an entirely art-based model where the studio practice of making art is central. I trust the art process wholly and all the wonderful insights it provides.
I am an artist and a facilitator of creative expression; driven by intuition, and a desire to help people uncover and understand what is in their heart and minds. I am skilled at a variety of art media, and I love to share these skills and techniques with my clients as appropriate, in order for them to advance their own skillset and/or studio practice. In addition to being a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), I spent years training and working as a clinician, LPCC (Licensed professional clinical counselor), but came to realize that the world of diagnoses, treatment planning and clinical observations was not for me. My art therapy practice moves away from a clinical, and towards a heart-and-art centered approach. I will not evaluate and interpret your artwork using psychoanalysis, projective tests, or other systems of diagnosis. The unconscious mind will have its way, and will always show itself through the art making process. It is the artist/client who is the authority on interpreting and finding meaning. I am merely a guide.
No art experience is necessary, and no age is excluded. WE ALL NEED MORE ART.
Contact me for appointments and inquiries at (530) 392-0294, or beckyjohnsonart@gmail.com