Ever scrolled through Instagram or TikTok, carefully curating the image you project? Online, it’s easy to shape who we are, highlight our best moments, and filter out the rest. In real life, we do something similar—we wear masks that protect us from judgment, disappointment, or rejection. But how much of what we show, whether online or in person, is truly us?

Life often presents us with challenges that shake the very foundation of our mental and emotional well-being. Whether it’s navigating personal loss, facing unexpected adversity, or adapting to significant changes in our communities, the road to healing can feel overwhelming. Yet, in these moments of hardship, we often find the opportunity for growth. This concept, known as Posttraumatic Growth (PTG), reflects how individuals and communities rebuild themselves in the face of adversity—emerging stronger, more resilient, and more connected.

As a licensed art psychotherapist, one of my areas of specialty is to provide guidance for individuals who are also on this arduous journey—whether they identify as ‘LGBTQ+’ or not. It is my honor to help individuals discover a greater congruency between their faith and their sexuality. It is my privilege to help individuals live joyfully and experience life to its fullest, whatever this looks like for an individual.

Trauma can shatter lives, disrupt the very core of who we are, and fill our existence with secrets, pain, and turmoil. It's a journey that transforms us, often in ways we least expect. This blog explores the world of therapists and clients, recognizing we are both human and on our own path of healing, experiencing the impact of trauma and the transformative power of vicarious resilience, empowerment, and posttraumatic growth.

In this blog post, I explore the mental health benefits of immersing ourselves in nature, discuss how a reading experience I had connects nature with creating, and share ten art therapy exercises incorporating nature. Nature has an unparalleled ability to ignite the flames of creativity within us. The sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world stimulate our senses, encouraging a state of heightened awareness and receptivity. Here are a few ways in which nature serves as a muse for creativity

As we express ourselves through painting, singing, sculpting, playing, dancing, and building, we open ourselves up to endless possibilities for creating. The UnITy Show pushed participants beyond their usual creative methods, challenging them to step out of their comfort zones to embrace The Adjacent Possible. Throughout the process, artists experienced a range of emotions including frustration, fear, excitement, and curiosity as they explored new mediums, subjects, and styles. The show promoted collaborative art-making, encouraging its creators to work differently with one another in order to create a cohesive collective show. As a result, 24 individuals not only discovered more about themselves but also tried new things and formed deeper connections with others.

In anticipation of the upcoming reception, I spoke with several artists. I asked, “what kind of communication or ‘permission’ was verbalized throughout your process as you handed off the canvas to the next person?”

It is unrealistic to assume that “just breathing” is going magically transform someone’s issues into a sunny day or worry-less experience. In my own personal and professional experience I believe it is so important to view breathing as a gateway. A gateway to improved perspective. A gateway to more clear perception.

Recently, I had to Surrender. When it comes to Surrender, it can be challenging to say, “I fought hard for and advocated to the best of my ability and now it’s time to let go”.

I define this month's theme as the achievement of self-actualized freedom. I see authenticity as living in (and maintaining) a state of acceptance and self-worth despite controversial forces. It is a spiritual liberation dependent upon no other deity but the one that resides in my own soul.

Grace does not mean to be perfectly carved out of smooth marble. Nor does it mean to successfully hide any pain, displeasure or discomfort from everyone else. Grace does not mean a trifecta of elegance, beauty and happiness. When I think of “grace” many other types of images now come to mind…

Without our stories, who are we? Our internal worlds, where our "narrative identity" lives, can get messy. Our narrative identity is the inner story that helps us navigate our external worlds. It is the myth, the legend, the tale we construct that informs who we think we are and what our purpose is.

February brought us the theme of “invite”. Although it seemed natural to approach the monthly theme of invite with some type of big party metaphor, it was not in my blood to do so. I am an introvert and therefore do not become energized by daily socialization. Continued socializing drains me; I can feel the energy leaving my body when I spend a lot of time with people. The closest metaphor I can give you in the name of “Invite” is a reference to J.R.R. Tolkien.

It is our hope that our readers and followers will acknowledge that we are holistic, complex, and multi-faceted human beings. Our wellbeing is conscious and self-directed. The wellness wheel reminds us that wellness is not merely the absence of suffering or illness, but the personal, meaningful, and intentional striving for positive wellbeing.

Today, we are sharing two tales from two tables that reflect the things that social media is not able to capture: the hurt that comes with the season and the hearts that hold it.

September is a month of anxiety. New school. New teachers. New subjects. New schedule. New classmates. New routines to be established. Separation from our families. Learning how our homes function compared to other kids’. Socializing after so many months of being isolated and communicating through screens. Missing our families. Being exposed to different personalities.

Many years ago my mentor said something that has resonated with me throughout my personal and professional life: “You cannot ask someone to do something that you are not willing to do yourself.”

For six months, phrases like "social distance" and "new norm" have replaced courtesy hellos and casual dinner time talking. Many of you have been scrutinized, criticized, and minimized for your response to chronic stress, uncertainty, loss, and the risk of mortality. These factors, compounded by political discord, have created a perfect storm for a mental health crisis.

“I wish for a heart you can see straight through,

For a voice that glows in the dark

And a few really good friends to skip moon rocks to.”

— Andrea Gibson, "Jellyfish"

I decided to take some time to focus on my mental health. Perfect timing in the middle of COVID19. If I couldn’t do art, I would exercise, meditate or stretch. This was working for me. I could feel myself becoming happier and having more energy. The pandemic and being away from my family was taking a larger toll on me than I realized. I was finding my way back to my creative self, a much needed trip.