Gratitude is most often written as a practice for the sake of well-being. Art Therapy and Positive Psychology presented in Chilton and Wilkinson’s (2009) article remarks on how art therapists can contribute to this emerging field that focuses on positive emotions and experiences as treatment outcomes. What I seek is valuable and essential to self-care, focus on maintaining credentials and staying connected with a community of art therapists. It is to look deeply into how others show their gratitude for us. William James stated, “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”
Sometimes, challenges unique to an art therapy clinician—always having to explain art therapy, how art and psychology work together effectively in our profession, proving that we are excellent clinicians, etc.– can overshadow the purpose and intent of becoming a credentialed art therapist. We may find ourselves questioning our professional choice of pursuing the specialized art therapy degree and our commitment to credentialing, when in some states, licensing is all that’s needed. “Tis the season” to make a gift to ourselves as credentialed art therapists and remember that what we do positively impacts the lives of others, providing value and worth.
In my 35 plus years of clinical art therapy work, self doubt continues to challenge me. Observing my co-worker case manager one Friday, working frantically calling agencies, arranging transportation and shelter for homeless patients discharging before the weekend I thought of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and my patient contributions. How valuable can my work be to patients with so little resources? It inspired me to paint this existential theme. My art response was my resolution that we are here to celebrate our gifts, share them with others and not judge their worthiness.
“Gifts” by the Author
I work in an adult psychiatric inpatient setting, facilitate a monthly “Open Art Studio” at a non- profit agency that serves our community, and supervise to art therapy Interns. I, like many credentialed art therapists, have my hands in many pies. That can make for a hot and stressful kitchen. Preparation and clean-up alone can wear one thin. Are our pies enough to sustain those with whom we share our skills? The answer can be found when we take the time to look and listen to them.
Active duty service members at my workplace articulate their appreciation to me through a gift of their art or a note. Most are able to see how my passion for art therapy is contagious. One wrote, “You bring and share the joys of art therapy to our lives and will be forever changed. You also help us express ourselves and find hope in our imperfections.”
Many populations with which we work may not be able to express gratitude as easily. Credentialed Art Therapist, Yadi Puente, from Artvango Therapeutic Services exemplifies this in the case of two foster children moved to seven foster homes within two years due to their “unwanted behaviors.” She noted that the children found their outlet to express their abuse and neglect through weekly art therapy sessions. Their foster parents saw the positive changes in these children through their involvement with Artvango. As a result of their significant progress, the parents adopted these “two great kids no longer on medication” in July 2019. (Puente, personal communication, November, 2019)
Jaimie Peterson, credentialed art therapist at Kerrville State Hospital for forensic psychiatry wrote, “Due to the forensic component patients have no choice in being at our facility. This can bring a lot of resentment and frustration to the table. Individuals utilize the art therapy studio as a haven and find freedom within creativity. During people’s hospitalization I sometimes receive the occasional thank you note or holiday card that expresses gratitude. I receive a lot of phone calls around the holidays from artists that have discharged. They let me know how they are doing and how they have kept Art in their lives since discharge. These calls warm my heart and really validate my work and the relationships we built. This spring I received a graduation announcement from a former artist who graduated with a BFA with honors and was going on for MFA studies. I was thanked for believing in him” (Peterson, personal communication, November, 2019).
As artists we are skilled in observation, creative self-expression and giving other people a new perspective. Here are a few suggestions to maintain our healthy balance that strengthens the commitment to valuable work and art therapy credentials.
Include a written feedback form as part of your art therapy sessions.
Create a journal or container for your client thank you notes.
Make art after a positive session that reflects a behavior or emotion of client progress.
Connect regularly with other art therapists to share stories of success.
Print out this blog and keep it handy.
Gratitude is expressed in many ways. It may be tangible or difficult to detect. What is essential is to treasure any form in which gratitude is presented. It fosters the connections and relationships essential to professional growth and well-being.
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