05/06/2026
Here’s some of my own process art to accompany some thoughts as I complete my second year (2/3 baby!) of art therapy graduate school!
An excerpt from my final reflection paper:
“This year’s internship stretched me further than anticipated, causing me to look back with pride at my personal, professional and academic growth. I nearly quit my internship because of the intensity, its negative impact on my health, lack of support, and the high demands placed on interns. Having to quickly adjust to working in the field, forced me to haphazardly find my footing, navigate various obstacles to find my own path. I have chosen to allow difficult circumstances to soften me, view the difficulties as opportunities and become aware of my own ‘window of tolerance’. By learning about trauma-informed care, I have witnessed a client’s self-protective coping skills and ways of survival, rather than seeing it as negative behaviors and reactions. I am learning how to approach each client with slowness, seeking to understand their personal resilience and strength. Art is innately healing, providing a multi-dimensional approach in whatever headspace, emotional or spiritual place the client finds themselves in when walking into a session. I actively choose to approach the client where they are at, building trust, empowering them and aligning with their goals for therapy. My clients have taught me to stay present, attune to their needs and discover together the agency of their creativity and personal resilience.”
Through it all I am overwhelmingly thankful. I would not have been able to complete this year without the support of , my family, our amazing community (you know who you are), my cohort, fellow interns and my empathetic and supportive teacher. This work as an art therapist in training is completely worth the unending deadlines, paperwork and key assignments. My health and self-care is something I’m continuing to figure out along the way, but each day provides another opportunity for growing.
