We recently connected with Helen Spaw and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Helen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I started as a therapist (art therapist) but switched to leading programs. In 2016, I began adapting Healing Circles combined with art exercises based on my art therapy experience. It seems I am now beginning to lead the workshops, individual sessions, and classes I imagined when I was just beginning. My advice would be to trust the process and understand it takes time to realize your dreams.

Helen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I offer Healing with Art Circles, individual sessions, workshops, programs, and events online and in-person. I have a wide range of experience as a therapist, art instructor, wellness through art program and group leader for all ages and abilities. I have a master’s degree in Art Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute, and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an Art minor and focus in Art Therapy from the College of Santa Fe.

Through these individual art sessions, classes, circles, and workshops, participants explore how to use art as a wellness practice for centering, gaining insight, stress relief, self-expression, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, creative growth, inspiration, mindfulness, discovering and removing obstacles to seeing yourself as whole, and experiencing joy. No art experience is necessary, and ages 2.5 – adult are invited to participate. These sessions are individualized to the participant’s social, cognitive, psychological, and physical functioning.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I think life, career, and business all involve pivoting. When something isn’t working or there is a block, then it gives an opportunity to find a new way.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A great lesson is that you can’t fix or help anyone. When beginning as a therapist I had an idea that I was going to help people. In a way this is true, but in reality humans are already whole and there is nothing to fix. It is more about finding and addressing the blocks to experiencing our wholeness. This is a process that only the individual can do for themselves. The support and tools from the art experiences I offer help this process.
There is not a specific back story for this; just experience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @healingartcircles
• Facebook: Healing Art Circles