hipster love and more about the therapeutic value of collage making than you'd ever want to know

Last week, my old roomie, Meg, married Jared. I lived with her last summer when these two first started dating. It was really great to see her so happy and to see how perfect the dress turned out thanks to my amazing sewing lady (who also made my wedding jacket). 

Hipster love. 

(I look like a hamster.)

Yesterday at work, we did collages in one of my groups. I don't always make art alongside the patients but sometimes I do. It can help to provide a sense of support, healthy modeling, and containment.

Why would I have a group of acutely psychologically unstable adults make collages? Lots of reasons. If you've never made a collage, I highly suggest you try it. They are great for not only self-expression but also self-soothing/relaxation and self-organization (which is a poignant accomplishment for people who are cognitively disorganized and not reality-oriented). People often comment that its not only a pleasurable experience but also a healthy form of distraction for them. Higher functioning patients are then able to share the stories behind the selected images with other group members, allowing the art to become a vehicle for greater awareness and connections with others. 

Ok, and now I feel like I'm writing my thesis again.

Anyways, I'm really excited about the collage I made in group. I hung it on the wall next to my side of the bed so I can point to it lots and tell Chas to look at it. 

I love being an art therapist. Lots of people don't have any idea what it's all about and how much of a secret weapon it is. I'm coming to accept that more and more. I know how real (and magical) art therapy is and that's enough for me.