My goal is to help clients be fully inspired to be his/her best self. Through a variety of counseling techniques and 15 plus years of experience as an art therapist, I help you feel successful, feel fulfilled, overcome obstacles or emotional challenges, and have a renewed sense of understanding and appreciation for the gifts you brings to this world. When life challenges occur or sad events happen, you might feel nothing at times and at other times may feel more distressed, isolative, depressed, angry, and/or confused. The pandemic has turned everything upside down and sideways. There is so much to process and yet processing might feel arduous or too hard to do with all that is changing or evolving in your life. Getting help to explore and heal from difficult periods of life is especially important for you so you can feel healthy and more whole again. Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes or not getting over things. I’m in this profession because I enjoy providing the space, resources, and tools that empower others. I don’t have magic tricks and sometimes the work is really hard. Therapy isn’t easy but it can be one of the most rewarding journeys in life and I provide as much support and care as I can to help you heal. I strive to make each session as comfortable as possible and help you feel safe in the art therapy sessions, especially when the topics of discussion or art created may not always reflect that. The art made is for you to keep when the therapy session is over but sometimes it’s kept for safekeeping in my office, for subsequent sessions. This record keeping is essential for reflecting on what you are thinking and feeling, the growth and insights you are making, and may reflect several “a-ha” moments. The creative process in art therapy can be comforting in counseling. Many times issues are addressed more rapidly because you can’t filter with words when artwork is created. All sessions are 50 minutes long and are strictly confidential. You might be encouraged to share what you’ve learned or created in the art therapy session with trusted love ones, but if you don’t that’s fine too. My goal is to help you move forward and resolve any issues or challenges that are keeping you from being your best self. To set up an appointment, use our Appointment Calendar or Contact me with any questions. Live creatively. Get inspired. I offer one day workshops and workshop series. Some are virtual and some are in-person. As of September, there are just a few in-person workshops that I am offering. Please sign up for any workshop by emailing me at helena@artandshelter.com or sign up via the Appointment Calendar. Fall into Art This is a light-hearted art-as-therapy workshop where we will explore collaging and some watercolor to release tension, focus on the symbolism of autumn and look to how we will nurture ourselves during the changing of the leaves, weather changes, and darker days ahead. No art experience is expected or required. The goal is to learn something new or re-enforce what you may be feeling in a less threatening, creative environment where there is love and support for all ideas and emotions. Giving Thanks Through Art Time is starting to get hectic with the holidays fast approaching. Where is the time for just you? When was the last time you had two hours to just reflect on the season in a creative way? This is a nurturing art workshop where you will use a variety of art materials to explore what you are thankful for and techniques you might use after the workshop to help focus your intensions on having a restful and meaningful holiday experience. Stay for the entire time or stay for just a part of the time… Winter Solstice Mandala Making Open Studio Have you ever wanted to do something different with your family this holiday season that doesn’t involve buying something or running from one event to another? This workshop helps you feel more connected as a family and focuses on the spirit of being together and in the moment. This is a fun, creative workshop and no art experience is required or expected. Come to get inspired and learn something new about yourself and your family. The only thing you’ll not be needing for this workshop is your cell phone and gift list. ‘Tis the season for being creative together! Stay for the entire time or stay for just a part of the time…
Workshops are a great way to explore and learn using specific art materials in a supportive group setting. Sometimes attendees prefer workshops because you feel less on the spot or exposed than in a one-on-one art therapy session. Sometimes making art with others is comforting and/or fun too. The self-discovery and learning that takes place in my workshops can also really help those who are shy, or help those who feel like their voice isn’t being heard or understood. It’s also a great way to build trust with others in a less threatening way.
Ages: 18+
Cost: $25 (Includes light refreshment and individual art materials.)
Times: 6pm to 8pm
Dates: TBD
Location: Wallingford Neighborhood. (Take bus #26 or #16)
Participants: Maximum of 5 in-person
Ages: 18+
Cost: $25 (Includes light refreshment and art materials.)
Times: 7pm to 9pm
Dates: TBD
Location: Wallingford Neighborhood. (Take bus #26 or #16)
Participants: Maximum of 5
Ages: 18+
Cost: $25 (Includes light refreshment and individual art materials.)
Times: 6pm to 7:30pm
Dates: TBD
Location: Wallingford Neighborhood. (Take bus #26 or #16)
Participants: Maximum of 6