Art & Soul Clinic creates a nurturing environment where people of all ages and abilities can explore their creativity and learn about the power of the arts as a means of transformation and healing. Tapping into the creative spirit leads to social-emotional, spiritual, and creative health by promoting stress relief, problem-solving skills, self-reflection, and mindfulness.
The current political, social, and economic systems we exist within do not prioritize the creative health and wellbeing of the People, driving us to divide instead of unite in order to take our power back. That is why the creation, rest, and joy we engage in to nourish ourselves is #RebelWork. Art & Soul Clinic prioritizes providing accessible services to low-income and BIPOC communities and celebrates the value of cultural knowledge and lived experience. Engagement in the arts is a form of social justice action based on the core belief that communal and societal change starts from nurturing the creative spirit within.
Founded 2023
About the Creator
Brenda Echeverry (she/her) is a Colombian American expressive arts therapist and teaching artist based in Dorchester, MA. She has a background in vocal performance, visual art, dance, musical theater, education, and mental health counseling. Brenda has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University and a Master’s degree in expressive arts therapy from Lesley University. She enjoys working with community members of all ages and has led classes and workshops at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Public Libraries, Upham's Corner Health Center, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, and public schools across Boston and New York City. She incorporates the creative arts, spirituality, equitable accessibility, and the natural world into her practice. She most recently worked as a school-based mental health counselor with youth in Roxbury, MA.
Some elements of Brenda’s therapeutic approach:
Trauma-informed - Individuals participating in workshops or sessions have ownership over their experience. No forced decisions, participation, or disclosures. The in-person and virtual space is curated to be flexible and welcoming.
Unconditional positive regard - Come as you are. The energy behind our work is meant to be judgement-free and validating, with plenty of space for critical thought, challenge and personal growth.
Transparency - Honesty and integrity are necessary to building trust and a willingness to try new things. The therapeutic and creative practices and policies of Art & Soul Clinic are always open to discussion. Please email at artandsoulclinic@gmail.com with questions or feedback.
FAQs
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“The expressive arts combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development. Expressive arts therapy incorporates an evolving multimodal approach within psychology, organizational development, community arts and education. By integrating the arts processes and allowing one to flow into another, we gain access to our inner resources for healing, clarity, illumination and creativity.”
Learn more at IEATA’s website. The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association® (IEATA®) is a non-profit, professional organization founded in 1994 to encourage the creative spirit.
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No! Anyone and everyone has the capacity to create. The therapeutic aspect of the creative arts centers the process of creation and experimentation as the driving force of healing. You do not have to identify as an artist in order to reap the benefits of expressive arts therapy.
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We are open to discuss partnerships and opportunities for collaboration, please email us at artandsoulclinic@gmail.com