Reflections of Body Image in Art Therapy

We need to have more discussions about the impact of art in mental health and why we should keep the arts in schools:

The link is now live:

The Impact of Art on Mental Health An episode by Therapy Rocks!

Check out my interview with Signe Darpinian on her Therapy Rocks! podcast. The interview is live December 1st.
Topic: The Impact of Art on Mental Health. This is such an important topic, particularly today. I address the benefits of art in education and raise the question why arts i schools have been minimized or eliminated. Thank you for listening! Therapy Rocks!

Healing Hands art project. This is a process that I love to do in winter. It brings us back to nature during the busy season.
Take a paper bag, and crumble it over and over, until it is soft like leather. Using any drawing materials (pencils, markers, pastels), trace your hands on the paper. Imagine your own healing imagery, (especially images from nature) and decorate your hands.
Go to a place where you can rest. Place your healing hands creation over your heart, and take a deep breath. Feel the calm and healing that comes from your imagery. Try to spend some time doing this each day.

"Human qualities such as curiosity, creativity, humor, integrity, resourcefulness, spirituality, intuition and connection to others live beneath the skin of our physical vehicles. Qualities that are unknown, forgotten and/or rejected also exist. We may lose connection to parts of ourselves out of fear of minimization or rejection by others. Sometimes these qualities are attached to certain memories and the memories invoke strong emotions so they are pushed away defensively. In the creative process, we experience increased awareness and appreciation of the diversity of our body-vehicles and learn to travel the journey of life with joyful participation of our own life stories. The act of valuing the uniqueness of self, inside and outside, gives our life greater meaning and purpose." From the chapter "Heads and Tales."

This blog, written by body image/eating disorder professionals for the JKP website, addresses an issue that affects so many people in these very unique and challenging times: “What to do when you want food, but you’re not hungry.” I was honored to contribute to the post by describing some benefits of creativity in this process.
I am so proud of the work by my colleagues.

What To Do When You Want Food, But You’re Not Hungry: Eating Difficulties During a Global Pandemic - JKP Blog What To Do When You Want Food, But You’re Not Hungry: Eating Difficulties During a Global Pandemic by JKPPosted on August 28, 2020August 31, 2020 The global pandemic has caused increased levels of stress, trauma, anxiety and depression. This has corresponded to an increase in emotional eating, whi...

Hi parents. Welcome back to school! I am rolling out my first art kit which contains everything your kids will need to do an art project. My processes blend critical thinking and creativity in a fun way! More to come. artventuresartactivities.com

Anchoring on the waters of life.....

Tonight I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of women. My book contains a chapter titled "The Heroine's Journey." The words are even more relevant now than when I wrote them. Take care of yourselves out there....Reach out when you need it!.

"Many women embrace their natural desire to assist others because of the connection that takes place in the process. However, increasing numbers of Western women are becoming weary and sad. A major contributing factor to the physical and mental health of women is the increased level of stress resulting from trying to do too much, for too long. The demands made on a woman frequently extend beyond her physical and/or mental ability to deliver. She walks through the world as an ordinary woman facing extraordinary circumstances.....weighed down by heavy emotions, she neglects to reach out to others who may help her."

DO ART AT HOME!
These times are challenging for everyone, with changes that most of us have never seen before. Kids are resilient but often pick up on fears of adults around them. Being home from school may be difficult for kids as well as parents. In times of uncertainty, creativity can be helpful and healing. The ArtVentures Art and Activity cards contain 35 mixed-media art processes and reflections that may be used by beginners and more experienced artists. The reflections encourage self-reflection and critical thinking. I'll also be updating my website in the next couple of days to include other art processes that may be helpful in these challenging times.
Stay safe and create!
ArtVenturesArtActivities.com
margaretrhunteratr.com

I'm happy to announce my online store is now open: Artventuresartactivities.com
My store currently sells ArtVentures Art Activity and Reflection Cards: One of a kind ArtVentures deck of cards includes 35 colorful, thought-provoking art activities and reflections. Each card prompts artistic and written expression of thoughts and feelings about a variety of subjects. The cards promote creativity and critical thinking.
Art kits will be available soon on this site - as well as an art activity blog. Happy creating!

I am grateful for my new certification as a CEDCAT (Certified Eating Disorder Creative Arts Therapist - iaedp™). I look forward to continued development of art processes that counter negative cultural messages and reinforce self-awareness and voice!