I am pleased to offer a free art therapy workshop called Connective Clay Experiences: Pathways from Persons to Planet on September 19th at 11:30am-12:30pm as part of Concordia University’s Creative Arts Therapies Department residency at the 4th Space gallery examining the role of the arts in health and wellness. “From September 17 – 27, come to 4TH SPACE to engage with practitioners-researchers and participate in workshops and demos. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about the therapeutic values of creative and performing arts while experiencing first-hand the benefits of Creative Arts Therapies”. (1400 de Maisonneuve O.)
Description: Clay work in art therapy is a powerful experience that incorporates sensorial processes (touch, movement, vision) and engages neurobiological systems (memory, cognition, information processing) to translate complex emotions into creative expression (Lusebrink, 2004, Riley, 2004, Lobban 2014). This can reduce stress and foster the ability to put something abstract into words, enhancing communication and self-discovery via symbolic engagement (Hinz, 2009). Clinically, clay has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression (Lobban, 2014, Nan, 2017), offering an arts-based coping strategy that is key for mental health. Working with clay emulates our primary relational experiences in infancy, recalling the first moments of our existence as well as our connection to the natural world (Sholt & Gavron, 2006).
As collective anxiety rises regarding climate change, this workshop will offer clay-based mindfulness and poetic intentions to reconnect with our planet, fostering motivation to connect with one’s self and the community to promote personal/ social sustainability and wellness. The art therapy clay experiential will be followed by a discussion and a brief overview of clinical, community, and theoretical implications. A live soundscape for the creation component will be provided by music therapist/ violinist Ingrid Wissink, MTA.
Thursday, Sept 19th- 11:30am-12:30pm (1400 de Maisonneuve O., 4th Space, Concordia University, Montreal)- FREE.
References
Hinz, L. D. (2009). Expressive therapies continuum: A framework for using art in therapy. Routledge.
Lobban, J. (2014). The invisible wound: Veterans’ art therapy. International Journal of Art Therapy, 19(1), 3-18.
Lusebrink, V.J. (2004). Art therapy and the brain: An attempt to understand the underlying processes of art expression in therapy. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 21, 125-135.
Nan, J. K., & Ho, R. T. (2017). Effects of clay art therapy on adult outpatients with major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of affective disorders, 217, 237-245.
Riley, S. (2004). The creative mind. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 21, 184-190.