We’ll start by having a 15-minute free consultation to see if I am the right fit for you. During the consultation we can briefly address your concerns, expectation, and goals. I can answer any questions you may have about Expressive Arts and using the arts as a tool for healing and self-discovery.
Expressive Arts sessions will then be scheduled by appointment only. I am available through Telehealth via video calls or phone. Additionally, we can arrange an in person visit in my office in San Marcos, CA. Contact me at (760) 715-6140 or email: mariapd1@yahoo.com .
On our first session, we’ll create a treatment plan and contract.
What goes on in an expressive arts session?
Let me just start by saying that no two sessions are alike when having an expressive arts session with clients because everyone is unique, and their form of art expression may differ. For example, some may like using visual art like painting while others may find comfort in writing in a journal or telling a story in the beginning. However, I do follow a structure when having a session with a client.
Checking in: When we start the session, I would first check in with you to see how you are doing, to listen to your concerns or what are the issues that are currently on the surface for you. As your expressive arts coach I am here to listen as well as create art with you. I am your witness and guide throughout the session, but you are the expert, and you lead the artmaking session. If you are having a difficult time engaging into the artmaking process, I may help by suggesting materials to you, or give you an artistic task.
Together we’ll embark in the sacredness of our session, and I hold our space and time with reverence and confidentiality.
Engaging in an art activity or the artmaking process: As your expressive arts coach I will help you ease into making art. I understand that some people might find it difficult to get into making art, and at times we may also hold the false belief that we are just not creative. I will help you access your imagination and the creative side of yourself. I do this without judgement. I believe that everyone can create art, and that there is no one way of making art. Your art does not have to be perfect; you may create it however you would like it to be. You are the artist or creator, and I am your guide in the creative process. The artmaking process itself is beneficial to your wellbeing, and through this you may gain insights. I will be there with you fully present and to help you in areas you may find challenging. I will help you let go of whatever may be blocking you and open you up to the artmaking process and to expand your ability to create and play.
Looking at the artwork: When you feel ready, together we will look at your artwork. During this process, I am not here to analyze your work, rather to help you look deeply into it and see your beautiful creation. I may point out the colors that you used, lines you’ve created, and so on, but I am not here to give meanings to what you have made. It’s your own insights that is the most important here, and how you are seeing what you made, and how it makes you feel. If you see any special meaning into it, or if you feel like you are done with creating it. You might even want to go back and add something else, or maybe I might ask you to engage in a different art discipline by asking questions such as: If you were to make a movement inspired by what you’ve created (for example, a painting), how would you move or dance?
Harvesting: This part of the session is important. It is us gathering up all the new information or insights you have gained throughout our session, by looking at your artwork, and through looking back at our artmaking process. Perhaps, you now see your issues in a different way after making art or have gained a new understanding about it. Could it be your artwork hold a significant message for you that was not visible early on? Or perhaps you can look back during the difficult part of your creative process and see how you were able to resolve that difficulty. I’ll help you harvest the goodness you may find, and then further applying what you’ve learned in our session or time together that you can bring back with you in your daily life.
Closing of the session: As your expressive arts coach I am also here to guide you from the artmaking process with the use of your imagination back into your everyday life. I might ask you to sum up your experience with a word or a gesture, marking the end of our expressive arts session. We will talk about what’s next, such as scheduling our next meeting, or I might give you a creative assignment that you can do in between our sessions before you leave.
Lastly, I would like to say that Expressive Arts is an experiential field, and the best way to really know and understand it is by going first-hand to an expressive arts session to see for yourself how it can be beneficial for you in many ways! Thanks for reading and contact me for a free 15 minute consultation by calling 760-715-6140 or email: mariapd1@yahoo.com.
Payments:
I charge $75 for individual hourly session or $125 for couple.
Q. Do you accept insurance?
Sorry, I am currently not accepting insurance and take cash only for payments.
Q. Do you offer a sliding scale?
I never want my clients to feel like they can’t afford arts therapy or coaching. Depending on the issues you would like to address and seeing if I am the right Expressive Arts coach for you, I may offer a sliding scale for my mental health service if you are also currently facing financial difficulties.
Q. How do I make an appointment?
Contact me by my cell phone at 760-715-6140 or email: mariapd1@yahoo.com.
Q. How do we meet for our coaching session?
We can hold our Expressive Arts coaching session/sessions on video call through Zoom or Skype, speak on the phone, or set up a meeting with you in person.
Maria’s Expressive Arts 