“Art speaks where words are unable to explain.” - Mathiole
Dates of Virtual Gathering:
-April 7: Group Gathering (Mandatory)
-April 14: Individual 1-1 sessions and/or group gathering (Optional)
-April 21: Group Final Gathering (Mandatory)
Time: Wednesdays, 5 30 - 7 00 pm PST
Cost: Free
ART (Art Recognizes Trauma), is rooted in the idea that healing and mental well-being is fostered through creative expression. It is a specially designed program that brings up to 20 participants together over the course of three weeks for 3 x 90 minute experiences. All participants will receive a Trauma Project ART Kit, including art supplies and a surprise canvas. With both interactive elements as well as individual guided reflection, Registered Art Therapist and LFMT Caitlin Murphy creates space to integrate with art. The program culminates in an optional group sharing and art exhibit. No previous art experience necessary, all are welcome.
What does art therapy offer?
Art therapy offers those who have experienced trauma an opportunity to explore their innate strengths and resilience and safely explore their traumatic memories without the need to provide a detailed verbalization of those memories. One of the greatest benefits of art therapy is creating an alternative means of expression which promotes safe yet fruitful exploration of one’s experiences and the experiences that preceded the traumatic event(s).
What can you expect?
-Be supported in interactive group experience to create with each other
-Option for a 1-1 virtual art therapy session with Registered Art Therapist, Caitlin Murphy
-Reflect, process, and share insights and feelings with each other
-Wellness exercises and prompts for self-care
What is required to join?
-A safe and physical address to receive ART kit
- A safe and stable internet connection to join us on Zoom
- A basic survey to ensure mental and emotional wellbeing to participate
What is it not required to join?
- Any prior artistic talent or skill. The modality is not about the quality of art itself as it is about the connection between the artwork and thought, feelings, and behavior.
What does a Virtual Art Therapy Session with Caitlin Murphy, LMFT, ATR look like?
During a virtual Art Therapy session, Caitlin guides an art-making process using the materials provided by The Trauma Project. The guided art process allows for the expression of thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Many times words cannot describe experiences and feelings: that is where the art can act as a bridge for growth and expression. Art Therapy has the ability to promote insight, resolve conflict, process grief and trauma, increase self-esteem, and improve the relationships with self and others. No analyzing or interpretation is done with the art. Any meaning comes directly from the art creator. Many times it is simply the process of making the art that is therapeutic, not the end product.
Who is the Facilitator?
Caitlin Murphy
Caitlin earned her Masters degree in Marriage and Family therapy from Loyola Marymount University, with a specialization in Clinical Art Therapy. She has practiced psychotherapy and Art Therapy in environments including hospital, school, non-profit, and hospice clinic.
Street Cred:
-Spent two years at The Elizabeth Hospice in Escondido, California providing individual, family, group, and child therapy to persons facing challenges related to grief and death.
-Worked at a non-profit in San Diego, California called ARTS: A Reason To Survive supporting youth and adolescents having a range of mental health challenges including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, trauma, self-harming behaviors and suicidal ideation.
-Worked at the Kayne Eras Center, a non-public school in Los Angeles supporting children and adolescents with severe emotional, behavioral, and cognitive challenges.
-Worked at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles providing therapy to patients and their family at bedside.
Who prepared this program?
Teresa Yung (Founder of The Trauma Program) and Caitlin Murphy (LMFT and Registered Art Therapist) collaborated to produce this program. This program is not official therapy or medical treatment.
How to Join?
Step 1: Register below by April 1, 2021
Step 2: You will receive an onboarding survey
Step 3: Upon acceptance, address will be required to send your ART kit
Step 4: Instructions sent to join our virtual community