Art Health Hub
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Art can be used as a powerful medium to guide people toward healthier living and healing. Art has been proven clinically beneficial in studies. Art is a natural sensory mode of expression, it reduces anxiety increases memory retrieval and organizes the narrative. Authentic creativity improves the neuron-plasticity of the brain.
Benefits of Art
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Perception and self-perception: Art helps participants focus on the present moment, identify their emotional responses, and connect their emotions and body awareness.
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Personal integration: They strengthen their identity and self-image.
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Emotion and impulse regulation: The improved ability to regulate and control emotions.
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Behavior change: learn to change behavioral responses
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Insight and comprehension: They verbalize their emotions and experiences.
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Self Mastery - moving from I can't to I can.
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Improves focus
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Relieves stress
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Creates a non-judgmental space for self-expression
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Helps to express emotions and feelings
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Regulates heart rate
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Assist in Anger or Anxiety expression
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Provides coping skills
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Gives Freedom to explore and experiment
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Assists with goal directing
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Self Actualization and finding beauty
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Develops self-trust and assists in building trust
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Promotes Self-care
Counselling using Art
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Art promotes the neuroplasticity of the brain. It helps it grow and change. Creativity stimulates the brain to change.
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When creating Art, you use many parts of the brain, it integrates your Limbic system where emotion is stored.
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Because making art is a Sensory act it integrates mind and body – you don’t just stay in your mind. It’s a process that helps take you out of your head into your body.
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It helps to place your inner experience on the outside. This is very important in counselling. It stimulates you to express things that you sometimes can’t find the words for It also taps into the subconscious/unconscious mind.
I will never interpret art; I will always ask the client what they see or expressed and then explore what I see or ask questions to stimulate a conversation around the artwork.
Counselling is not a quick fix it takes time. It’s a process!
Individual
Art Counseling sessions - 50 Min - R400
Art Expression sessions - 50 Min - R400
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All sessions are also available online on Zoom
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Group Sessions
Team building sessions
Reflective and growth sessions
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Heidi is a registered Social worker (SACSSP:10575537), with an Honors Degree in Psychology. She received a postgraduate 3-month part-time course for social workers and psychologists by Réne Potgieter of the RP (Reactions in Play) Clinic. She completed a course in Graphic Design at UCT in 2018. In 2022 she completed a Art Therapy Introductory Seminar by Samantha Davis, Internationally Trained & Registered Art Psychotherapist.
Heidi has been working with students at a faith-based Trust that ran a GAP-year arts program (2000-2012) called 13th Floor. Heidi worked for 13th Floor serving the company on both the artistic side (as a dancer, actor, choreographer, dance teacher, videographer, multimedia creator, and producer) and on the human resource and general management side. In the Human Resource Department, she worked as a skilled teacher, individual mentor, life coach, and counselor.
Heidi has an exceptional ability to read individuals and a gift for intuitively dealing with a person in a way that not only makes a difference but makes them feel valued and inspired. She is creative and students trusted her and evaluated their sessions with her as beneficial to them.
Heidi provided counseling to students needing to debrief trauma or current life issues or stabilize the emotional impact of past traumatic experiences that infringed on an individual capacity for healthy group functioning under pressure.
She also received training in emotional communication, especially focused on stabilizing difficult team dynamics, and training in personality profiles and how they influence team dynamics.
During the time she worked at 13th Floor she impacted students through teaching, training, mentoring, and counseling.
Heidi worked as Head of Communication at Doxa Deo Brooklyn in 2017-2020.
During her time at Doxa Deo , she managed to effectively run the arts department which involved working with leaders of arts ministries including drama, dance and video.
Heidi was also responsible for managing the communication department which included creative and strategic input.
She has a understanding of group dynamic and has a high Emotional Intelligence to approach people with understanding and sensitivity.
She has extensive experience in group dynamics and creative processing.
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Heidi resides in Pretoria, she is married and has 3 kids and an extended family of 4 dogs and a cat. She loves jogging, tennis, and gym. She also enjoys illustrating. Follow her digital platforms.