often when we are down we are looking for somewhere to shift our attention, looking towards things that can help us manage get through it. We all have a place that we have been to that has a powerful effect over us- it helps us calm, it lets us get lost and be in the moment... here is a painting of mine. (Painting it had the same effect)

Change can be difficult but it can also be very useful and powerful. It is often mixed with a lot of varying emotions, sometimes conflicting ones but by staying true to ourselves we can create our new balance

I know it was due last week, but better late than never:
Last week I created my own Superhero. I thought of strengths and weakness, how it can support me but also how she may take care of herself.

What is your superhero? How can he/she help you through?

As I have more therapeutic work I have slightly let go of my own art making.
Thinking of self-care and how helpful making art is, as it allows the mind to have a break, which enables creativity and and play and can also help you resolve difficult feelings, I am giving myself the task of making one weekly responsive art piece.

I was thinking about touch some more; but more for personal situations as opposed within a therapy room.
A couple of years ago a colleague once told me about a very powerful hug. He said that sometimes in the heat of an argument, or when things look like they are crumbling it can be helpful to hold your partner. The two “rules” he added where that a) you both need to be comfortable (so the hug can be held for as long as needed) and b) your heart is as close as possible to your partners heart. Indeed this way of hugging is very powerful. It brings two people, (and two hearts) closer.
 
Hugs boost oxytocin and dopamine levels and reduce serotonin, meaning that they can reduce stress, feelings of depression and anxiety. This can lead to the development of self-esteem and confidence. It is also a sign that you are accepted and are accepting of others. It therefore teaches you to give and receive love and affection and even how to be compassionate and grateful. It creates feelings of safety and acceptance.
 
So go ahead….
Challenge yourself and give/receive a hug a day for a week and see if you notice any difference.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bibliography:
 
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5756/10-Reasons-Why-We-Need-at-Least-8-Hugs-a-Day.html, 4/11/17
 
http://www.collective-evolution.com/2015/12/03/the-chemistry-of-hugging-11-benefits-of-hugging/
4/11/17
 
https://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2016-02-03/the-health-benefits-of-hugging
4/11/17
 
 

I recently made the piece thinking of the power of a hug, and physical connection. 

As therapists we are often encouraged to limit touch within a session even if it is a pat on the back. Touch is something very intimate and personal to each individual. Although there are some standard unspoken laws around personal space and touch we also have our own personal rules and boundaries which can be affected by out past experiences. For some clients it may be what they need, a supportive, grounding pat on the shoulder or maybe even a hug but for others it can be trigger as they may have experienced abuse and it can reconnect them to the trauma. 

Personally I lie somewhere in the middle. I always consider: 
•    what the need is and who’s need it is i.e. are you wanting to pat a client because you may need or because it will be grounding for the client? 
•    Think of the client’s past and reasons for therapy
•    If I choose to go ahead, I ask the for the client’s consent

​What are your thoughts?

A friend had asked for me to make her a bowl as she had seen one I made for myself. As it was her birthday I made her two!! One small and one larger!
They are simple black and white with an elephant or two for good luck (also an animal I LOVE).

She now has them on her new table with lovely smelling petals!