Healing with Art / Art Therapy

About ten years ago while studying for my Social Work degree, I learned about healing with art - also called Art Therapy. Art Therapy is a counselling method that helps people express themselves and gain relief through engaging in art mediums and/or viewing of art. Through the process of viewing art, a person can increase awareness of self, cope with symptoms, stress, and traumatic experiences and enhance cognitive abilities. A person does not have to be artistic or creative to benefit from art therapy or the viewing of healing art.

I had always been artistically inclined; I enjoyed sketching, painting and writing since my childhood. Art Therapy fascinated me as I discovered that instinctively I was already using art as a healing modality in my life. I also began to discover my spiritual side as I created the healing paintings that became the meditative artwork and images for the Guidance Cards.

The healing artwork used for the Guidance Cards are actual paintings. These paintings were created on large canvas with oils, acrylics, and pastels. Many pieces were painted using my hands and fingers rather than with brushes; a technique that allows the right (creative side) of the brain to have free rein.

Over ninety striking, colorful paintings (and counting!) resulted from my journey of self-discovery. I've shown my art worldwide and always elicited such wonderful feedback regarding its healing and meditative colors. In 2003 I won an Award of Merit from Manhattan Arts International in recognition of outstanding talent in the "Healing Power of Art" Competition. And, through many years of my counseling and personal life coaching practice, my clients confirmed that healing art is indeed a powerful catalyst for transformation!

Whenever I worked on the creation of the Guidance Cards, I always felt guided by a special presence. Therefore, thirty-two of the most compelling healing art pieces were intuitively chosen for the Guidance Cards to enhance your guided journey towards wellness and joy.