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Art Therapy can be a surprising process within a group session. It is an incredible way of learning about one’s self and about others, in a safe and supportive environment. It can reveal pain, sorrow, joy and laughter…
This week’s Art Therapy Group Session revolved around selecting one to two cards, from a set of cards called ‘Healing with the Angels Oracle Cards’ by Doreen Virtue Ph.D. The pack consists of 44 oracle cards with unique Victorian-style or Old Master-style angel pictures on one side. They convey a simple statement on the front side of the card and on the reverse is the full meaning of the ‘angel readings’. During this session, these cards were used just as a means to creating another meaningful piece of art within this art therapy session.
After we had all thoughtfully considered which ‘Angel Card/s’ and it’s statement had appealed to us most, we were asked to collect them and assemble as a group at the table. The Art Therapist asked each of us to explain our reasons for selecting our specific cards. When it came to myself to explain, I suddenly found myself very emotional and began to cry. It was a shock to me and I didn’t think I would be able to continue but with a breath of time, I was alright to do so. My choice of the ‘Blessings Card’ was related to the fact that after my son had been killed in a single vehicle crash, I found it very hard to find joy and meaning in my life. It took so much inner strength to look at my life in a different way and it was very hard to look forward without my son but I worked hard at looking at what blessings I had, which eventually lead me to a better place in my life. The second card for me ‘Ideas & Inspirations‘ was all about finding that new path, rebuilding myself and finding joy in everyday life – it took a lot of ideas and inspirations to do – but I am there and grateful to be able to enjoy life again.
Once we had all talked about our reasons for choosing our particular cards, we then received instructions about our next art therapy project. We were to make little ‘candle holder covers’ from assorted provided materials. These covers once completed were then stuck to the outside of a glass jar and a little tea candle placed within it and lite.
I decided to base my glass candle cover around people; people in my life. Here below you can see how I have strung them together and when placed around the glass jar, they complete a full circle. Different colours represent different types of people, and the different heights represent the different ages of these people.
The image below I particular like as it shows one large purple person looking down at the small yellow person in a caring way – the green person is part of this group and at the same time is reaching, stretching out to connect with another within the circle of people.
Once we had all finished our glass candle holders with their new covers around the outside, we lite the tea candles. Each group member’s art work was reflective of the ‘angel cards’ statements. We then had the opportunity to share our thoughts and emotions we experienced during this art therapy process. Whilst these art works will not mean much to others, they are little treasures to the group members…art therapy at it’s best I feel…
NB: Please click on the below links to view Nos. 1, 2 & 3 Art Therapy Group Sessions:
- Art Therapy Group Session 1 of 7
- Art Therapy Group Session 2 of 7
- Art Therapy Group Session 3 of 7
- Art Therapy Group Session 4 of 7
- Art Therapy Group Session 5 of 7
Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson
ido art karen robinson 
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