Back in person, stitch by stitch.
/After two years doing telehealth only, I have a new art therapy and counseling studio space in the loop, just off the Jackson CTA stop in downtown Chicago. I am having a studio warming on Friday, June 24th from 4 - 7 pm. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.
image description: a large window over a radiator is on the left wall, along with a framed collage. there is a cozy orange vintage chair with a high back in the corner. next to that are metro shelves full of collage, painting, drawing, and sculpting materials. a red table in front holds a container with colored pencils, some glue and embroidery thread, and a couple in progress quilts.
I will continue to offer telehealth— I believe it is important for access for disabled and immunocompromised people, people taking care of babies, people who live farther away from the office, or other reasons that would prevent access to care.
But for those who are able, doing art therapy in person offers so much. First, the obvious— choice of art materials. On telehealth, we are limited to what may exist in your own space. In the studio, we can be spontaneous and flexible. We can look at what challenge you are bringing to the room in the present moment, and how your nervous system is reacting to that challenge. We tap into your strengths and areas you’d like to grow. Then we can ask, which art materials or methods will best meet these needs? The answer may be different each time we are together and we will have options on hand. I will keep your projects safe in the space, so you can leave therapy “stuff” at therapy, without taking it home with you.
image description: a large metro shelf is fully stocked with various fiber art materials. a cozy orange chair with a pillow and a big lamp sit in front of the shelf. there is an aqua table in front, with a basket full of yarn stored below.
Beyond art material options, going to therapy in person can offer a sense of safety, an island of calm. A sanctuary away from a busy life, giving you time and space to reflect. No more wondering if your roommate/partner/children are listening in from the next room— this is time just for you. When you come in person to my new space, you will be greeted with tea and a cozy rug made by artists at Envision Unlimited in the private waiting room.
Image description: a shaggy rug made of various shades of blue fibers is on the floor next two a small table with a basket of tea and mini-hand loom materials. There are two mustard colored chairs next to the rug and a table with a vase of flowers and a couple zines. there is a small quilt hanging on the wall. on the left is an open door looking into the main art therapy & counseling space, which includes a couple tables and a large window.
I am considering both physical and emotional safety for this transition to an in person therapy option.
I know we are still living in a pandemic. As far as physical safety, I am fully vaccinated and boosted, and I ask that you be as well (otherwise, telehealth is still an option). We can wear masks, wash our hands at the sink, use hand sanitizer. I will have an air purifier on, and I can crack the window for ventilation. We can both agree to switch to telehealth if either of us is sick.
But I know there’s an emotional risk in beginning to do more things in person, as pandemic life continues to shift. The past couple years we have had to adjust, again and again. I understand any trepidation about more change. In the photo above, you can see a small quilt hanging on the wall. It’s the first of a triptych I’m making of improvised quilts for the waiting room, meant to convey a sense of comfort, warmth, and flexibility when you first walk in— emotional safety. As I piece together scraps and make one stitch at a time, I remember that’s all we can do. Take one step at a time, at the pace that feels right for us, in the direction we want to go. If you want to learn more, please contact me or learn more about art therapy and counseling services.
Image description: Katharine’s hand is stitching with rose colored thread into a small quilt made of green, yellow, blue, and cream colored scraps.
