This interview with art therapist Andrea Boyadjis emphasizes the need for art therapists to address today's mental health crisis and help people with a variety of issues.
By Emily Carlson
Herald Review
Dec 14, 2019
Andrea Boyadjis, MFA, BS is one of Lakeview Behavioral Health’s newest staff members. As an art therapist and mental health practitioner, Boyadjis commutes to Grand Rapids from the Twin Ports area.
Q: What is your title and educational
background?
A: I am an Art Therapist and Mental Health
Practitioner. I took both my undergrad and my masters in Art Therapy at the
University of Wisconsin Superior. The program in Superior emphasized the
combination of counseling education and learning how to utilize art materials
effectively. . Currently, I am enrolled in an online program through Capella
University for a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. My plan is to
achieve an LPCC licensure to become a Therapist that specializes in Art Therapy
in the great state of Minnesota. Between my educational experiences and the
jobs I have held, I have completed a total of 5000 hours of experience in the
mental health field.
Q: Why did you want to work in Grand Rapids?
A: I enjoy working in Grand Rapids. I have
found murals and sculptures all over the city. I find it both inspiring and
hopeful for the acceptance of Art Therapy as an effective approach to mental
health counseling. On top of that, I am enthralled by natural scenery. It is
very therapeutic to interact with natural elements and Grand Rapids has a
wonderful variety of parks in the area.
I knew I wanted to work at Lakeview Behavioral
Health the instant I sat down for the interview. The support they provide their
employees is vital to the work environment I was looking for. I like to know
that an employer is empathetic to the stress that can arise from being a mental
health professional. I also found that Lakeview's approach to the growing
mental health crisis is one that aligns itself with my professional approach
and future goals as a mental health professional.
Q: What is the purpose of your work?
A: As an Art Therapist, I find the function of
creative expression to be vital for a client to process their life experiences
and how it impacts their mental health. To some clients, it can be difficult to
verbally open up to a Therapist. Creative expression through Art Therapy
allows for a larger range of communication styles. By giving a client different
ways to express their internal conflicts, it allows for a more poignant
reflection which, in turn, allows the client to grow, explore, and empower
themselves on a deeper level. Art Therapy provides a colorful range of
approaches to the therapeutic process.
I use a variety of materials in sessions.
Anywhere between sculpture, painting, drawing, writing, collage, spoken word,
music, sand, legos, games and costumes can all be utilized in the therapeutic
context. When I tell people that I am an Art Therapist I often hear the
response, "I am not creative enough to try that. My art would look
horrible!" To that, I explain the purpose of creativity in session. In Art
Therapy, it isn't about the finished product of your artwork. It is about the
process it takes to make it. An Art Therapy session is a safe and supportive
place to interact with your artwork. I encourage clients to rip up their
artwork, throw it away, or leave it unfinished. As the artist or creator in the
session, it is your art, therefore, it is your right to do with it what you
will.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I do a lot of prep work for clients. Some
days are just focused on that. After the first session, I take into
consideration their interests in different materials and hobbies. I often
research topics of interest and apply them to a directive. Part of making these
directives is to prepare the materials effectively so that session isn't
interrupted by extra obstacles or snafus. It's pretty common for me to reuse
recyclable materials in unique ways; cutting up cardboard for sculptures, using
plastic covers as stencils, or reusing jars and small boxes. My favorite is
cutting down bubble wrap because I get to play with it too!
Q: What type of art do your clients do in
their sessions?
A: The art we do in session is catered to each
client. Sometimes that means using the materials they are interested in and
other times, it means trying something new in order to develop growth.
Depending on the situation, I will formulate directives that are more
psycho-dynamic and personal in order to engage the client in their therapeutic
journey. And, sometimes, a session means making art for the sake of making art;
which allows for sensory stimulation that can help break down vulnerable
barriers.
Q: Is there a high need for art therapists in
this area?
A: Because of the current mental health
crisis, there is a high need for Art Therapists everywhere. Art Therapy can
reach a multitude of people from a variety of demographics. I have practiced
Art Therapy with a variety of people and communities. I know how effective it
can be for the therapeutic journey and, all that's really required from a
client, is their interest to try a different approach to therapy.
Q: Who would you recommend utilize art
therapy?
A: In my years of practice, I have been able
to work with adults, individuals living with post-traumatic stress disorder,
people experiencing homelessness or poverty, those experiencing depression and
anxiety, people of indigenous communities, older adults, families, toddlers and
young adults.
Q: Is there anything else you would like the
community to know about your work and art therapy?
A: I am really excited to continue working
with the Grand Rapids community and I am looking forward to exploring how to
contribute Art Therapy within the city. For more information, feel free to
connect with the American Art Therapy Association. They can connect you to Art
Therapists all over the United States. Also, the International Expressive Arts
Therapy Association provides many resources for people interested in contributing
to the field both nationally and internationally.
To contact Boyadjis for more information
email andreab@lakeviewbh.com.
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