HI Laura:

I thought you might be using these techniques at least on your own. Feel free to drop back in and let us know what techniques are getting you jazzed with clients these days.

Best,

Amy

Hi Laura:

Self-care is a huge issue for so many of us. I find that women especially can feel guilty when they put their own needs first. It’s something that we all need to work at doing better though, no matter our gender.

With art journaling, it’s fun to use layers in many different ways. I’m not sure if you have used any of the ideas here, but here’s a few things I like to do:

Cutting a window or door into a page, and then putting an image or text in the window on the next page so it shows through creates a lot of interest. Also, you might try layering tissue paper and putting words underneath so that they are semi-legible. This can work with paint washes also. Or, try layering paint, oil pastels, paint, tissue paper, etc. This can build up a very visually interesting and complex surface.

Layers can be great metaphors for what we reveal, hide, or protect.

I hope this is helpful, and happy art making!
Amy

I am mostly working with women of various ages.
I am finding that self care is a huge issue for women, so I have been looking for ideas that address that issue. I like the idea of playing with layers, I’d love to hear more about that. Thanks!

Hi Laura:

Thanks for visiting Maricle Counseling’s blog. I am thrilled to hear that you are doing art journaling with your clients. I’m curious if you are working with adults, teens, or kids, and what sorts techniques they most enjoy?

I’m curious what drew you to art journaling and how you are using it? It’s great to hear that someone just starting their career is already reaching out to seek resources and ideas. I find it’s a huge part of what keeps me energized and inspired, do you? Lately a lot of my folks are loving playing with layers – with paint or paper. This gives us lots of room to play with layers of feelings, or things they want to keep concealed, etc. What about you?
All the Best,
Amy

Hi Stephanie:

Welcome to Maricle Counseling’s blog! I love your website and all of the creative and empowering resources you share with parents and providers for children with medical issues. The idea about getting a digital copy of an x-ray would never have occurred to me. Creating art out of it, and then understanding the process more and taking control in this way is so empowering. Thanks for the great work you do.

I have a lot of respect for Child Life Specialists and the amazing work you do with medically involved kids. I am so glad that an idea you found here will be included. With your population, I would imagine you might also include some black card stock and “seductive” materials such as glitter and metallic pens?
I hope you drop in again!
All the Best,
Amy

Hi Jennifer:

Thanks so much for visiting Maricle Counseling! Your blog on the intersections between mothering, the postpartum experience and mental health is clever, informative, and fun. Helping your daughter recognize and express her emotions on these little cards is such a great idea. If you did it together, you could model for her, while also getting in some art for yourself. I could see creating layers of feeling by layering the cards too. Please let us know how it turns out!
Best,

Amy