Integration of Expressive Arts Therapy, Contemplative Practice, and Transpersonal Psychology.
philosophy of Healing
Human struggle takes various forms of expression. In the body, they become physical illness. In the mind, they are seen as mental conditions. In the spirit, they are understood as existential searches. In facing the struggle and desire to heal from the wounds, a holistic approach and framework are needed to embrace mind, body, and spirit. When offered with such intention coupled with a safe and warm container, inner materials would surface, and organic capacity of self-healing and balancing would occur. In time, shift and transformation of the body, mind, and spirit would manifest, and one would be able to enjoy a more creative and joyous life.
Expressive Arts Therapy
A multimodal approach to psychotherapy that uses various art forms (visual, movement, music, drama, and imaginary words) in a supportive setting to facilitate growth and healing. Alongside talk therapy, or in some cases, beyond talk therapy, clients are encouraged to explore their responses, reactions, and insights via pictures, sounds, movement, and roles. The therapeutic process allows the unveiling of the unconscious through stimulating and working with the imagination. The result is to be able to support clients in creating new experiences, gaining insight, and identifying direction. It is a process of self-discovery through the interconnectedness of the arts. It is not about creating pretty pictures or stage ready performances but an expression of the inner content by creating outer forms, which is the root of all creative production throughout time. A person is not required to be an artist to engage in expressive arts therapy. It is through the engagement of the expressive nature of arts that we return to being a person.
Transpersonal Psychology
Offer a holistic framework for understanding human beings. It embraces the elements of mind, body, and spirit and provides opportunities for various traditions and practices to enter. Methods from east and west, such as breath, meditation, visualization, body postures, drumming, journeying, guided imagery, etc. are interwoven to pave the path of transformation. The quality of therapeutic relationship and trust in spirit/intuition as guides are the emphasis of this co-creative journey. Ultimately, this approach provides an opportunity to uniquely transform in resonance with our being and spirit in a road often beyond our common understanding.
Contemplative Practice
A psychotherapeutic approach where non-judgemental attention is given to thoughts, emotions, experiences, that the individual or group is experiencing at the moment. It aims to cultivate awareness and empower the individual or group to identify current patterns and narratives, observe the reaction and sensation that it brings, explore the essence of these experiences, and consciously change the undesired behaviors. Contemplative practice has its source in Eastern traditions such as Taoism and Buddhism. It also integrates many techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, body awareness, and conscious movement. Contemplative approach, which is mindfulness in nature, are becoming widely accepted methods for relieving symptoms related to many psychological issues and can be applied across many different population and setting.