At a recent Mind-Body Expressive Arts Workshop, participants worked with music lyrics and created poems of their own from a variety of popular songs. This post is inspired by their work and also the way it feels to witness clients in their mental health journey and practice in the expressive arts. I created the lyric compilation below in an expressive response to my experience leading this group.
The relationship between therapist and client is a complex and beautiful one.
We get a front row seat to the story of you, told from your perspective. We care about what you’re going through, and probably (definitely) think about you in between appointments.
In expressive arts therapy, I witness your story more than just through your words. At our fingertips, we have a plethora of materials, colors, art prompts, and ideas for you to engage with to express your stories. “Trust the process” is my mantra in these moments, not knowing what will emerge, but knowing that the work is happening, just below the surface.
This process for me starts as I plan an expressive prompt, then sending it, like a message in a bottle, afloat on the waves. It washes up ashore as the group forms, and it is uncorked as we begin. The message sets us off in vague directions, informed by each person’s own story and feelings. The result is rarely predictable, but authentic, and always feels a little magical.
To those who have joined a group, thank you for the opportunity to witness your work.
To those who are considering it, we have a workshop forming now.
Discover more by scheduling a call with us or text us at 941‑867‑0047, or visit us in-person at our Sarasota office or via telehealth anywhere in Florida.
From What I Can See
Can you imagine what’s about to happen?
I get a unicorn out of a zebra
I wear my uniform like a tuxedo
But the river is wide
And it’s too hard to cross
I won’t disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
Hey, we’re all in the same boat
Life can really suck sometimes.
My voice, a beacon in the night
My words will be your light
To carry you to me.
Confusion clouds the heart, but it also points the way.
It comes to me upon the strings
When I hear it, I sing
I can’t say it’s my creation
It’s change
The poetic justice of cause and effect
I still believe in summer days
The seasons always change
And life will find a way.
