NYC Folks should definitely check out this amazing event my colleague is showing her inspiring art in!

Check out the details of the event from the talented Melissa Diaz below and follow her at https://www.instagram.com/openhousebk/

🌞 Happy Summer, Y'all!🌞

Sharing this summery interactive event by Melissa Diaz,
taking place in Dumbo, Brooklyn, NY, this Saturday, 7/15/2023,
presented by Art in Dumbo and The Brooklyn Arts Council.

Creativity is My Safe Space is an Interactive Installation exploring community, art, and wellness. The artist invites you to collaborate in art-making by co-creating a living sculpture. As an Art Therapist, Diaz is inspired by art-making/creativity as a sense of sanctuary. This piece welcomes the consideration of space, safe space, public space, inner space, and how creativity can contribute to a sense of well-being. Simple, accessible materials and upcycled items are provided for visitors to collaborate with the artist. The materials and communal participation invite inclusion by demystifying the artist and deconstructing the hierarchy between artist and viewer. By highlighting creativity as a source of wellness and community care, Diaz hopes to promote inclusion in art-making and the destigmatization of mental health support.

Call to Create: 

The artist invites you to create! 

Feel free to utilize the materials provided to join in constructing a living sculpture! Weave into it and adhere materials as you’d like; there’s no wrong way to do it! Drawing materials are also provided if you would like to share an image or thought about what Safe Space means to you. 

Based on the idea of art and creativity as sanctuary, the artist guides using mindfulness and intention setting while creating. Information about art therapy and creativity development for mental health is also available. As the piece transforms through the day, it exemplifies how individual components coming together in a community can affect space, change, and progress.


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"The Importance of a Specialized Coach for Neurodivergent Young People and Their Families: Unlocking Potential and Nurturing Success"

Neurodivergent young people and their families often face unique challenges that require specialized support. A coach who specializes in supporting neurodivergent individuals can be an invaluable resource in helping them navigate these challenges and unlock their full potential. In this article, we will explore why utilizing the supportive services of a coach who specializes in neurodivergent support is so important for the growth and well-being of young individuals and their families.

Understanding Neurodivergence and its Challenges 

Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, or other developmental differences, have unique strengths and challenges that require tailored support. They may face difficulties in areas such as executive functioning, social skills, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy. A specialized coach understands these challenges and has the expertise to provide targeted strategies and interventions to address them effectively.

Individualized Support and Goal Setting 

A specialized coach works closely with neurodivergent young people and their families to provide individualized support. They take the time to understand their specific needs, strengths, and goals. By collaborating with the individual and their family, a coach can help set realistic and achievable goals that focus on personal growth, skill development, and independence.

Building Executive Functioning Skills

Executive functioning skills, such as planning, organization, time management, and problem-solving, are crucial for neurodivergent young people. A specialized coach can provide strategies and techniques to develop these skills, breaking tasks into manageable steps, creating routines, and implementing tools and systems to enhance organization and time management. By building executive functioning skills, a coach helps young individuals become more independent and successful in various areas of their lives.

Social Skills and Communication 

Social skills and effective communication are vital for neurodivergent individuals to navigate social interactions and build meaningful relationships. A specialized coach can offer guidance, role-playing exercises, and social scenarios to help develop social skills, such as active listening, empathy, and assertiveness. They provide a safe and supportive environment to practice and reinforce these skills, empowering young individuals to navigate social situations with confidence.

Emotional Support and Self-Advocacy

Navigating emotions and advocating for oneself can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals. A specialized coach provides emotional support, helping young individuals develop self-awareness, coping strategies, and resilience. They assist in recognizing and managing emotions and fostering self-confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, a coach empowers young individuals to become self-advocates, teaching them how to express their needs, set boundaries, and seek the support they require.

Utilizing the supportive services of a coach who specializes in supporting neurodivergent young people and their families is of utmost importance. With their expertise, individualized support, and focus on building executive functioning skills, social skills, emotional support, and self-advocacy, a specialized coach can make a significant positive impact. If you have a neurodivergent young person in your life, consider seeking the assistance of a specialized coach to help them navigate their unique challenges, unlock their potential, and nurture their overall success and well-being.

"Supporting Neurodiverse Youth: The Importance of Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Social-Emotional Well-being"

Neurodiverse youth, including those with autism, ADHD, or other developmental differences, often have unique social-emotional needs that require specialized support. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are two therapeutic approaches that have proven effective in addressing these needs. In this article, we will explore the significance of CBT and ACT in supporting the social-emotional well-being of neurodiverse youth, offering valuable insights into how these therapies can help promote positive outcomes.

Understanding Cognitive Behavior Therapy 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs to promote positive behavior change. In the context of neurodiverse youth, CBT can be instrumental in addressing social and emotional challenges. By targeting cognitive distortions, improving self-awareness, and developing effective coping strategies, CBT empowers neurodiverse individuals to navigate social interactions, manage emotions, and build resilience. It helps them identify and reframe unhelpful thoughts, leading to healthier behaviors and improved social-emotional well-being.

Exploring Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach that emphasizes acceptance of thoughts and emotions while promoting value-driven action. ACT can be particularly valuable for neurodiverse youth in cultivating psychological flexibility and resilience. By accepting and acknowledging their thoughts and emotions without judgment, individuals can learn to respond to social and emotional challenges in ways aligned with their values. ACT helps neurodiverse youth build effective coping skills, increase self-compassion, and enhance overall well-being.

Enhancing Social Skills and Emotional Regulation

CBT and ACT offer practical tools and strategies to enhance social skills and emotional regulation in neurodiverse youth:

  • Social Skills Development: CBT and ACT interventions provide structured opportunities for learning and practicing social skills. These therapies focus on improving communication, perspective-taking, empathy, and assertiveness, enabling neurodiverse youth to navigate social interactions more effectively.

  • Emotional Regulation: Both CBT and ACT equip individuals with techniques to identify and regulate emotions. By understanding the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, neurodiverse youth can develop strategies to manage emotional responses, reducing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being.

Building Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance 

CBT and ACT encourage self-awareness and self-acceptance, key elements in supporting the social-emotional needs of neurodiverse youth:

  • Self-Awareness: Through CBT and ACT, neurodiverse youth develop a better understanding of their strengths, challenges, and unique perspectives. This increased self-awareness helps them navigate social situations, manage expectations, and make informed decisions.

  • Self-Acceptance: CBT and ACT promote self-acceptance by challenging self-critical thoughts and fostering a compassionate self-view. This acceptance allows neurodiverse youth to embrace their differences and focus on their strengths, leading to improved self-esteem and overall well-being.

Accessing CBT and ACT for Neurodiverse Youth 

To access CBT and ACT for neurodiverse youth, it is important to seek qualified mental health professionals who specialize in these therapies. Collaborate with therapists or clinics experienced in working with neurodiverse individuals to ensure tailored and effective interventions that address specific social-emotional needs.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) play pivotal roles in supporting the social-emotional well-being of neurodiverse youth. By enhancing social skills, promoting emotional regulation, building self-awareness, and fostering self-acceptance, CBT and ACT provide valuable tools for navigating the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse individuals. If you have a neurodiverse youth in your life, consider exploring these therapeutic approaches as a means to support their social-emotional needs, improve their overall well-being, and empower them to thrive in a neurodiverse world.

"Navigating Success: Empowering Young Adults with Learning Disabilities and Neurodivergence"

Young adults with learning disabilities or who identify as neurodivergent often face unique challenges as they transition into adulthood. It is crucial to provide them with the necessary support and resources to navigate this critical phase in their lives. In this article, we will explore the experiences of young adults with learning disabilities or neurodivergence and their families, highlighting the importance of empowerment and inclusivity in fostering their success.

Understanding the Challenges

Young adults with learning disabilities or neurodivergence encounter various obstacles, including academic, social, and employment-related challenges. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these challenges to ensure their success. For example, the transition from high school to college or the workforce can be overwhelming, requiring specialized support in areas such as executive functioning, time management, and social skills.

Empowering Young Adults

Empowerment plays a significant role in enabling young adults with learning disabilities or neurodivergence to reach their full potential. This empowerment can come from various sources, including self-advocacy, supportive networks, and accessible resources. Encouraging self-advocacy empowers young adults to express their needs, set goals, and seek accommodations when necessary.

Supportive Networks and Resources 

Building a strong support network and providing accessible resources are crucial in assisting young adults with learning disabilities or neurodivergence. This network can include family members, educators, mentors, and peers who understand their unique challenges and offer guidance and encouragement.

Empowering young adults with learning disabilities or who identify as neurodivergent requires recognizing their strengths, addressing their challenges, and providing them with the necessary support and resources. By fostering self-advocacy, building supportive networks, and offering accessible resources, we can help them navigate the path to success. As Dr. Simmons reminds us, "Empowerment and inclusivity are the keys to unlocking the potential of young adults with learning disabilities or neurodivergence." By working together, we can create a more inclusive society that celebrates and supports the unique talents and abilities of all individuals, regardless of their neurodivergent status.

"Unlocking Communication: Harnessing the Power of Metaphor with Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum"

For young adults on the autism spectrum, communication can present unique challenges. However, the use of metaphors can be a powerful tool in facilitating understanding, promoting expression, and fostering connections. In this article, we will explore the significance of using metaphor as a communication strategy with young adults on the autism spectrum, highlighting its benefits and providing insights into effective implementation.

Dr. Emma Lawson, a leading autism researcher, emphasizes the impact of metaphor, stating, "Metaphor offers a creative and engaging way to bridge communication gaps, enabling young adults on the autism spectrum to access abstract concepts and express their thoughts and emotions more effectively."

Understanding the Role of Metaphor in Communication 

Metaphor is a figure of speech that uses symbolic language to represent abstract ideas or concepts. For young adults on the autism spectrum, who often have challenges with literal language and abstract thinking, metaphors provide a concrete and visual means of understanding complex concepts and emotions.

Dr. Sarah Richards, a speech-language pathologist specializing in autism, explains, "Metaphors provide a bridge between the literal and abstract worlds, allowing young adults with autism to grasp and communicate ideas that may otherwise be challenging to express directly."

Benefits of Metaphor for Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum 

Utilizing metaphors in communication with young adults on the autism spectrum offers several key benefits:

  • Enhanced Comprehension: Metaphors provide a tangible representation of abstract concepts, making them easier to understand and internalize.

  • Improved Expressive Language: Metaphors offer alternative ways for individuals on the autism spectrum to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences, expanding their expressive language repertoire.

Implementing Metaphors in Communication

To effectively utilize metaphors with young adults on the autism spectrum, consider the following strategies:

  • Visual Representation: Accompany metaphors with visual aids, such as pictures, drawings, or objects, to enhance understanding and provide concrete associations.

  • Personalized and Relevant Metaphors: Tailor metaphors to the individual's interests and experiences, ensuring they resonate and engage the young adult.

Metaphors offer a powerful means of communication for young adults on the autism spectrum, promoting understanding, expression, and connection. By harnessing the creative potential of metaphor and tailoring it to the individual's needs, we can unlock new pathways for communication and bridge the gap between abstract concepts and concrete understanding. As Dr. Emma Lawson reminds us, "Metaphors provide a language that transcends barriers, enabling young adults on the autism spectrum to express their unique perspectives and engage meaningfully with the world." By embracing metaphors as a communication strategy, we can empower and support young adults on the autism spectrum in their journey towards enhanced communication skills and social connections.

Unleashing the Power of Journaling: Transforming Lives and Boosting Well-being

In our fast-paced world filled with constant distractions, finding moments of reflection and self-discovery has become increasingly crucial. Journaling, a simple yet profound practice, has emerged as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-expression. Whether you're seeking clarity, emotional release, or personal development, journaling can be a transformative practice that nurtures creativity, enhances mindfulness, and promotes overall well-being. In this article, we delve into the extraordinary power of journaling and explore how it can positively impact your life.

Unlocking Creativity and Self-Expression:

  • Sparking Inspiration: Journaling provides a sanctuary for your thoughts, allowing you to explore new ideas and insights freely. By jotting down your thoughts, dreams, and aspirations, you can access the depths of your imagination and unleash your creativity.

  • Capturing Moments: Journaling serves as a personal chronicle of your life's experiences. By recording memorable events, emotions, and observations, you create a treasure trove of memories that can be revisited and cherished. This process not only enhances self-reflection but also encourages gratitude and mindfulness.

Enhancing Emotional Well-being:

  • Emotional Release: Journaling offers a safe space to express and process complex emotions. By putting your feelings into words, you gain clarity and release the weight of unresolved emotions. This cathartic practice promotes emotional healing, reduces stress, and improves overall mental well-being.

  • Self-Exploration: Through journaling, you embark on a journey of self-discovery. By examining your thoughts and emotions, you gain valuable insights into your patterns, beliefs, and values. This heightened self-awareness empowers you to make positive changes, develop healthier habits, and foster personal growth.

Promoting Mindfulness and Mental Clarity:

  • Reflective Practice: Journaling encourages mindfulness by prompting you to slow down and reflect on your experiences. By capturing your thoughts on paper, you cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and your surroundings, fostering a state of presence and gratitude.

  • Problem-Solving: The act of writing allows you to organize your thoughts and tackle challenges with a clearer perspective. Journaling serves as a problem-solving tool, enabling you to explore different perspectives, brainstorm solutions, and set achievable goals.

Boosting Personal Development:

  • Goal Setting and Tracking: Journaling helps you set and track your goals effectively. By documenting your aspirations, breaking them down into actionable steps, and regularly reviewing your progress, you create a roadmap for personal development and self-improvement.

  • Building Resilience: Through journaling, you can document your achievements, setbacks, and lessons learned. This reflection enables you to build resilience, as you gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. By acknowledging your progress and growth, you develop the resilience to overcome obstacles and embrace new opportunities.

Journaling is a powerful practice that has the potential to transform your life in remarkable ways. By embracing the art of journaling, you can tap into your creativity, enhance emotional well-being, promote mindfulness, and foster personal development. Whether you choose to write free-flowing thoughts, record memorable events, or set goals and aspirations, the act of putting pen to paper has a profound impact on self-discovery and self-expression. Embrace the power of journaling, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth that can positively influence every aspect of your life.

"Metaphorical Journeys: Exploring the Power of Metaphor in Art Therapy"

Art therapy harnesses the expressive and transformative nature of art to promote healing and personal growth. Within this therapeutic approach, the use of metaphor plays a significant role in unlocking deeper meanings and facilitating self-discovery. In this article, we will delve into the importance of metaphor in art therapy, examining its benefits and exploring how it can enhance the therapeutic process.

Dr. Emily Collins, a renowned art therapist, highlights the significance of metaphor, stating, "Metaphors in art therapy offer a unique language of symbolism and representation, allowing individuals to explore and communicate their inner experiences beyond words."

Understanding Metaphor in Art Therapy

In art therapy, metaphorical expression involves using visual imagery, symbols, and metaphors to represent thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Metaphor serves as a bridge between the unconscious and conscious mind, facilitating exploration and insight.

Dr. Sarah Thompson, an art therapist, emphasizes the role of metaphor in art therapy, stating, "Metaphorical expression through art taps into our intuitive and symbolic nature, unveiling deeper layers of meaning and facilitating personal transformation."

Benefits of Metaphor in Art Therapy 

The use of metaphor in art therapy offers several key benefits:

  • Accessing the Unconscious: Metaphorical expression in art therapy allows individuals to tap into their unconscious mind, accessing buried emotions, memories, and subconscious patterns.

  • Enhancing Self-Reflection: Metaphorical imagery provides a visual representation of one's internal landscape, offering an externalized view that can enhance self-reflection and insight.

Jane Miller, an art therapy client, shares her experience, stating, "Using metaphors in art therapy helped me discover aspects of myself that I wasn't aware of before. It allowed me to gain new insights and perspectives on my experiences."

Facilitating Expression and Communication

Metaphors in art therapy provide a nonverbal means of expression, bypassing the limitations of language and facilitating communication of complex emotions and experiences.

Dr. Lisa Johnson, a licensed art therapist, highlights the power of metaphorical expression, stating, "Metaphors in art therapy enable individuals to communicate deeply felt emotions and experiences that may be difficult to put into words."

Guided Exploration and Integration

Art therapists guide individuals in exploring and interpreting the metaphors present in their artwork, helping them gain insight, process emotions, and integrate their experiences into personal growth and healing.

Dr. Emma Lawson, an art therapy researcher, emphasizes the role of art therapists, stating, "Art therapists create a supportive and non-judgmental environment, allowing individuals to freely explore their metaphors and gain a deeper understanding of themselves."

Metaphor is a powerful tool in art therapy, enabling individuals to explore their inner world, access deeper meanings, and communicate complex emotions beyond words. Through metaphorical expression, art therapy offers a transformative and healing process that goes beyond the limitations of language alone. As Dr. Emily Collins states, "Metaphors in art therapy invite individuals on a metaphorical journey of self-discovery, facilitating personal growth and fostering meaningful change." By embracing the power of metaphor in art therapy, individuals can embark on a creative and symbolic exploration that leads to profound insights, self-expression, and holistic well-being.

"The Power of Integrated Creative Therapy: A Holistic Approach to Healing"

Welcome to the Integrated Creative Therapy blog, where we explore the transformative potential of holistic healing practices. In this post, we delve into the power of Integrated Creative Therapy and how it can benefit individuals seeking a comprehensive approach to their well-being.

Integrated Creative Therapy is an innovative and holistic approach that combines various therapeutic modalities to address the multidimensional aspects of human experience. By integrating traditional therapy techniques with creative expression, mindfulness, and body-centered approaches, this unique form of therapy fosters deep healing and personal growth.

Embracing Creativity in All Forms:

  • Integrated Creative Therapy recognizes the inherent connection between creativity and healing. Through various expressive arts, such as painting, writing, music, movement, and drama, individuals can tap into their inner wisdom, release emotions, and gain valuable insights. This creative exploration provides a safe and non-judgmental space for self-expression and healing.

Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:

  • Mindfulness practices are an integral part of Integrated Creative Therapy. By cultivating present-moment awareness and self-compassion, individuals develop a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and breathwork, can help reduce stress, increase resilience, and promote emotional well-being.

Body-Centered Approaches:

  • Integrated Creative Therapy recognizes the mind-body connection and the importance of addressing physical sensations and experiences. By incorporating body-centered approaches, such as somatic experiencing, yoga, and movement therapy, individuals can reconnect with their bodies, release stored tension, and restore balance. This integration supports the holistic healing of emotional and physical traumas.

Individualized and Person-Centered:

  • Integrated Creative Therapy embraces a person-centered approach, recognizing that each individual has unique needs and experiences. Therapists trained in this modality tailor the therapy sessions to the individual, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. The therapist-client relationship is built on trust and empathy, creating a space for personal exploration and growth.

Integrated Creative Therapy offers a holistic and empowering approach to healing, combining creativity, mindfulness, and body-centered practices. By engaging in this integrative process, individuals can discover new perspectives, gain self-awareness, and embark on a transformative journey toward well-being. If you're seeking a comprehensive therapeutic experience that honors your unique needs and supports your personal growth, consider exploring the power of Integrated Creative Therapy.

Exploring the Feelings Wheel: Unveiling Emotional Awareness for Personal Growth

Understanding and navigating our emotions is a vital aspect of self-awareness and personal growth. The Feelings Wheel, a visual tool that categorizes and expands upon emotions, has gained recognition as a valuable resource for enhancing emotional intelligence. By utilizing the Feelings Wheel, individuals can delve deeper into their emotional landscape, develop emotional literacy, and foster healthier relationships. In this article, we introduce the Feelings Wheel and shed light on its importance in cultivating emotional awareness.

Unveiling the Feelings Wheel:

The Feelings Wheel is a circular diagram that organizes a range of emotions into primary and secondary categories, offering a comprehensive framework to identify and express emotions more accurately. The wheel typically consists of three concentric circles. The center of the wheel showcases core or primary emotions, such as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. Moving outward, the middle circle reveals nuanced variations of these emotions, while the outer circle delves into even more refined emotional states.

Why the Feelings Wheel is Important:

  • Expanding Emotional Vocabulary: The Feelings Wheel provides a vast range of emotional vocabulary, enabling individuals to go beyond basic emotions and articulate their feelings with precision. By having access to a diverse array of emotional labels, individuals can better understand and communicate their emotional experiences, fostering effective self-expression and connection with others.

  • Developing Emotional Awareness: The Feelings Wheel encourages individuals to deepen their emotional awareness and explore the subtleties of their feelings. By familiarizing themselves with the wide spectrum of emotions depicted on the wheel, individuals can identify and differentiate between similar emotions, thus enhancing their overall emotional intelligence.

  • Promoting Emotional Regulation: Recognizing and labeling emotions through the Feelings Wheel is a crucial step towards emotional regulation. When individuals have a clearer understanding of their emotional states, they can respond to situations in a more measured and controlled manner. This promotes healthier coping mechanisms and reduces impulsive reactions, leading to improved relationships and personal well-being.

  • Enhancing Empathy and Communication: The Feelings Wheel serves as a bridge for empathy and understanding in interpersonal relationships. By accurately expressing and articulating emotions using the shared language provided by the wheel, individuals can facilitate effective communication, deepening connections, and fostering empathy. It allows individuals to express their emotions more precisely, helping others grasp their experiences more fully.

  • Supporting Personal Growth and Self-Reflection: The Feelings Wheel aids in self-reflection and personal growth by enabling individuals to identify recurring emotional patterns and triggers. By gaining insights into their emotional landscape, individuals can address underlying issues, develop strategies for self-improvement, and cultivate emotional resilience.

The Feelings Wheel is a powerful tool that empowers individuals to explore, understand, and communicate their emotions with depth and precision. By utilizing the Feelings Wheel, individuals can expand their emotional vocabulary, develop emotional intelligence, and foster healthier relationships. It serves as a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection, allowing individuals to navigate their emotional landscape more effectively. Embracing the Feelings Wheel opens the door to enhanced emotional awareness, empathy, and self-expression, ultimately leading to greater well-being and fulfillment in all aspects of life.

The Bridge Builder... A poem about why we do what we do, as we are the Bridge Builders.

The Bridge Builder

BY WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE

An old man going a lone highway,

Came, at the evening cold and gray,

To a chasm vast and deep and wide.

Through which was flowing a sullen tide

The old man crossed in the twilight dim,

The sullen stream had no fear for him;

But he turned when safe on the other side

And built a bridge to span the tide.

“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near,

“You are wasting your strength with building here;

Your journey will end with the ending day,

You never again will pass this way;

You’ve crossed the chasm, deep and wide,

Why build this bridge at evening tide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head;

“Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said,

“There followed after me to-day

A youth whose feet must pass this way.

This chasm that has been as naught to me

To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be;

He, too, must cross in the twilight dim;

Good friend, I am building this bridge for him!”

Source: Father: An Anthology of Verse (EP Dutton & Company, 1931)