What originally drew you to the field of art therapy? 

I have been interested in art and the human psyche since I was a child. I have always been involved in creative endeavors, and learning how the mind works. Much of my life has been spent exploring the world in this way. 

Can you tell us about your academic journey? 

I received my undergraduate degree from University of Denver, where I majored in Art and Psychology. After graduation, I decided to plug “art and psychology” into Google, which was my first introduction to “art therapy.” From there, I met a local art therapist, Meriam Reynolds, who offered me internships at Denver Children’s Home and Arapahoe Juvenile Diversion where I had my first introductions to art therapy. I also worked at Judy’s House for Grieving Children at this time. These opportunities gave me assurance that art therapy was the right path for me. 

I learned about the Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Transpersonal Art Therapy Program at Naropa University. This program brought it all together for me: art, psychology and spirituality. Among other clinical experiences while at Naropa, I spent the largest amount of time serving as an intern at ED Care. 

After graduate school, I became an Academic Advisor at Naropa University and continued working at ED Care as milieu therapist and art therapist. I also became certified in ASIST Suicide Officer, and earned my LPC and ATR-BC. Soon after, I started my private practice.

Can you talk about the power of art therapy in your life and your work? 

Though I didn’t know it when I was younger, I have been practicing art therapy on myself for all of my life. Before I knew what to call it officially, the deeply psychological, expressive, and meaningful images that came through in my art helped me unconsciously engage healing. My own artwork has changed and transformed so much over my life as my journey has unfolded. I can see that over time, the healing indications in my art have morphed and changed depending on my life experiences and emotional readiness. For instance, today my artwork is more colorful, flowy, and less rigid than it used to be. When I look at artwork that was created by my younger self, I appreciate my intuitive attraction toward art, and the unconscious movement toward healing that helped me move through the hardships of that time. Now I can offer these learnings to my kids in a way that is conscious. Together alongside them, I get to continue healing my inner child while I do my best to raise my children. 

Do you see transpersonal elements manifest in your professional work?

Art is inherently transpersonal. To varying degrees depending on the artist, it is a channeling process. If we let it, art can help us connect to something larger than ourselves, something deeper. When a person accesses the experience of oneness with the flow that art fosters, they gain access to new levels of their psyche and spirit that can elevate their wellbeing and provide portals into new and fruitful areas for exploration.

For me, the term ‘transpersonal’ has stretched and adapted over time. I still reference some of the transpersonal teachings I learned in grad school, and I also see life as being a giant classroom where we are constantly invited toward opportunities for learning and growth. In both my clinical practice and my personal work, I enjoy applying teachings from Buddhist psychology like non-attachment, beginner’s mind, and holding a soft gaze on life. I also try to keep in mind for my clients that we are a part of a larger and more expansive oneness than we could ever imagine. Additionally, I have kept meditation practice since my time at Naropa University, and this year on my birthday I made a commitment to meditate for 365 days.

From your point of view, what is the most important thing to keep in mind when working as an art therapist?  

It is common for a lot of art therapists to only create art in clinical settings. I think it is valuable when art therapists keep a personal art practice going in addition to the art they do with clients. Any creative act will do: gardening, writing, singing, dancing, whatever tickles your fancy. We have to keep this alive in ourselves so we offer our healing gifts for others from a resourced place.

What are some important self-care practices you recommend or practice? 

I think the most important thing is that each person gets clear on what works best for their individual self-care practice. We must each inquire within about what fills us up, and experiment with different ideas if we are unsure. Some important self care practices of mine are: intentionally protecting my energy, being creative with art and writing, walking, and being in nature. It is important to not subscribe to mass-cultural self care strategies like bubble baths or pedicures if those things don’t fill your cup. Reflect on this for your self care practice: How can you use your senses to rejuvenate you, honor your nervous system, and attune to your life?

Are you working on anything now that you’re really excited about? 

I am really excited about my new book, “The Radiant Life Project: Awaken Your Purpose, Heal Your Past, and Transform Your Future”. The book is a massive love bubble I am sending out to the world and I want it to reach a lot of people. The book combined with my new group retreat and public speaking offerings are fresh and exciting dimensions of my business these days. Incorporating new ways of sharing my work feels quite different than the private practice model I am used to, so it feels like a big growth spurt and I am excited for the next chapter. It really feels like the sky's the limit and I don’t know where the edges are! I am following the breadcrumbs and thinking of life as being filled with infinite possibilities. As I navigate my new business platform, I look for somatic messages from my body that feel like a ‘yes’ to help me align with my healer’s purpose and detach from my busy brain. There are always so many opportunities and possibilities, and it seems important that I allow myself to be flexible and adaptable so that I can continue to serve from an inspired and resourced state of being.

How important is it to collaborate with your art therapy colleagues? 

I have learned throughout my career to allow for a natural ebb and flow in the way I engage with my professional community. Life can get busy at some points, and at others it can reveal areas for necessary support, so it is important to remain attuned to the natural cadence of the moment I am in. I also listen for that somatic ‘yes’ sensation when it comes to the amount of networking, group participation, and community engagement I participate in. As an introvert and highly sensitive person, I have learned that I must develop my own rhythms when it comes to these things. When I do engage with my professional community, it is important for me to connect and learn from people who are different from me and help me see new perspectives. Sometimes collaborations look like sharing perspectives and clinical experience, other times they are valuable for networking and mutually beneficial marketing, and other times they are important for accountability. I have learned to be open to the wisdom and gifts of others.

How have your professional collaborations benefited your career? 

When I first developed my business fifteen years ago it was all about collaborating for referrals— spreading awareness about what I was offering and finding appropriate fits for clients. These days I have been collaborating a great deal on podcasts, interviews, and articles, which I have a lot of fun with!! We are in such an interconnected digital universe right now with so much interconnectivity, and it is a cool resource to play with.

How would you like to see the field of art therapy evolve in the coming years? 

I love the awareness that is growing about art therapy. When I first started in 2007, no no one knew what art therapy was. As mental health awareness continues to rise and society at large becomes increasingly supportive of the importance of psycho-emotional-spiritual work, it becomes safer and more accessible for people to explore for themselves. Creativity is embedded in our DNA, so it only makes sense that we would use it as a tool for healing, insight, and growth.

Is there anything you would like to see happen to support and expand the Colorado art therapy community? 

I really appreciate that COATA is offering resources for professionals who may be at any point in their career, from student to seasoned clinician. I personally enjoy and appreciate the opportunities for continued education.

How is/can art therapy or art used for social justice? 

This is a time of real upheaval and imbalance with a lot of low vibrational negativity, and it also feels like a great invitation toward change and growth. Art is a fantastic external container where we can look at our own prejudice and the reactions and responses we may have toward ourselves and others, and see projections of the collective as a whole. Our creative imagery offers us a clear picture of where our conscious and unconscious edges are. When we capture the opportunity to make art both individually and together in groups, we open space for learning and repair, and gain access into group energetics we may be hooked into. Art is a safe place to explore social justice and to begin to seek resolution for the many challenges we face as individuals, groups, systems, and a global community..

Is there anything additional you would like to share about yourself or your experience as an art therapist or your art therapy practice? 

My most exciting work at the moment is the release of my new book, “The Radiant Life Project.” I am truly looking forward to bringing this meaningful work to the world. It’s exciting that it is available for pre-order now online! Also, I look forward to group art making at my upcoming retreat. It is exciting to offer art therapy outside of the office in ways that are new and different for me. I like introducing people to how simple it can be to access the benefits of art and decrease the intimidation factor so many people feel. I am excited to create opportunities for art to become an accessible, supportive resource in my engagements this year.