I loved listening to these Podcasts. Wendy, you do ask the most interesting questions! I also love listening to people’s stories. You ladies talked about so many wonderful topics. You are two dynamic women! I did not want the discussion to end. Barb, I was inspired by your journey and all that you offer for your community. I have long loved the artistic creativity and the soft feel of the age old making of quilts. Wrapping myself in a hand created quilt was like a giant hug. I tried cutting and making quilts but lost patience. Instead I used to watercolor paint large images on watercolor paper of quilt designs that I made up. I bought Nancy Crow’s inspiring book when it first came out because it was so new, artistic, colorful and masterful. I loved that book and still have it despite many moves across the country and content. When Barb was talking about how she offers wonderful open spaces for people to come in create and share without judgement is so necessary and much needed in the world. Barb offered her wonderful knowledge of psychology and spirituality, which I believe creating art is part of our spirit. Lucky for the people whose lives you have enriched. What the art therapist brings to the sessions is not only holding the space, bear witness to, and safely contain the shared stories, while assessing body language, but also help clients process the experience to enhance emotional development and personal development. Often, art psychotherapists ask clients thought provoking questions to offer an expanded view of awareness, and also respond to the dialologue with ideas and strategies that can help facilitate therapeutic and emotional development. I always ended my art therapy groups with mindful meditation to release the energy of the 2 hour art therapy session. I now have retired status with the American Art Therapy Association. I can only volunteer my services, but the truth is, after listening to you two have this in-depth discussion, I realized how much I miss facilitating art psychotherapy groups. I don’t miss trying to get paid, or the business part of having a practice. However, I would love to volunteer with the two of you to add the therapy part. Thank you both for being so open. Wendy, you ask amazing questions. You do not miss a beat asking follow up questions and also for clarification on a comment in a non threatening way. Love this show!!!
