for more information about me...go to http://www.GoodTherapy.org

Art Therapy

People often ask: what is Art Therapy? Artists will tell you that art is therapeutic. It can make someone forget their pain or help get more deeply in touch with their feelings. It can even help people identify and find answers to their problems. An art therapist guides the artist in the wittnessing and processing of their artwork in order to receive guidance from their source. The act of drawing on paper is like the act of drawing water up from a well in that when someone draws they are drawing up from life, soul, spirit, inner wisdom. The artist draws up from the depths and contains what is brought forth in the art medium. The art then becomes a container for the emotions, problems and solutions, thoughts and feelings of the artist. In 'being with' and wittnessing the art/container, the artist sees the issues from another perspective, i.e. from outside looking in rather than from the inside looking in. This added perspective can facilitate therapy by quantum leaps.

What art therapy can do for you

Albert Einstein once said:
“Imagination is more important than knowledge”

…But has your imagination ever:

Run away with you
Gotten you in trouble
Made you crazy
Gotten the better of you
Run wild???

ART THERAPY
Can help you
Tame
Focus
And use the
Knowledge of Your imagination to:

Get back to yourself
Ease your troubles
Regain your clarity
Be the better you
Run Wild and feel good about yourself


Call a registered art therapist (ATR) today to find out

what else
Art Therapy
Can do for you



This message was brought to you by: Jacqueline S. Van Den Bovenkamp, MA, LPC, ATR (registered Art therapist) confidential voice mail/pone: 303-641-2718 and on the web
Counselingthruart.blogspot.org or goodtherapy.org Boulder, 80304

Art Therapy for persons with Alzheimer's

This weekend I was talking with some people about my work. It was suggested that I look into doing Art Therapy with persons in varrious stages of Alzeheimer's disease. Art is a great means of communication and story telling. There is a great need to keep feeling connected and communciating for humans. A great need to review memories and explore individual imagery to maintain a sense of self. If anyone reads this who knows anyone that might be helped in this way, contact me at 303-641-2718. You can learn more about me on the web site goodtherapy.oprg
Thanks
Jacqueline S. Van Den Bovenkamp

Delphinario response

They are a state run business and have all their hires. I hope to be able to find people who would like to experience Dolphin Assisted Therapy and take them to San Carlos for the treatment and do an Art Therapy Retreat, maybe hook up with Plaza San Carlos for special rates. What do people think of that?

Dolphin Assisted Therapy

Last winter in San Carlos I was able to work with Collego Americano as a mentor in English with the Quest Program and helped out with Castaway Kids. I love helping people.

When we visited Puerto Vallarta March 2007 I had worked with Macy Jozsef at Dolphin Adventures doing art with clients after their last session of dolphin assisted therapy. Art is a great medium to re-inforce the experience of being with the dolphins, it internalizes it while at the same time externalizing it and creating something that can hold the memory for years to come. Since I have moved to San Carlos I would very much like to do this kind of work with Delphinario. I have a Masters in Transpersonal Counseling with a concentration in Art Therapy. What I do not have is a Lucritiva ademdum on my FM3. For this, I need a sponser/employer. I am writing this to ask if it is possible for Delphinario to hire me (even if it is on an on-call basis) to work with Dolphin Assisted Therapy clients. I had written a few weeks ago, stating that I would work with North Americans (Native English speakers) because my command of the Spanish language is not fluent (and I don't want to take a job away from a Mexican). Art can bridge some of that gap and I plan to join Spanish conversation groups tis year so I want to let you know I am willing to work with all people. I have some knowledge of French (I was fluent inthe 80's) and American Sign Language for the Deaf. I look forward to hearing from you.Thanks for your timeJackie Van Den Bovenkamp

Art Therapy Groups for Teens

I am a therapist in private practice. For several years I have had in mind to offer high school (or even middle school) students anywhere from 5-8-10 weeks of Group Art Therapy to enhance:

a) coping and stress reduction skills,
b)for self-exploration and
c) to define and develop a vision (of self) for the future.
d)I have also been considering 'art for social justice' as an alternative for graffiti.

This year with the talk of recession in America, it seems to me even more important than in years past to help both youth and adults to develop coping skills and a vision for the future.
So, I have contacted your office to see if it is possible to get the word out to folks who might benefit from this type of group. Last year I spent the summer looking for grant money to set this up as a free service, but with no luck. This year my hope is to be able to get enough interested people to make the cost very low.