Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nicole Porter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Calming a Panic, the second album produced by You and Us. Fun, upbeat kindie rock composed to bring children and families into the moment, all the while inspired by mass art therapy child trauma response across the United States. The songs are written to encourage freedom of expression and in the most playful form offer creative solutions for upset feelings. What is most impactful is knowing the lead creator of You and Us is a long time child advocate, Master of Art therapy, neurobiology, community response, and creativity.

Nicole, 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?

A life long creator, and Artist, I chose to focus my professional work in Art therapy and early childhood intervention at the very beginning of my adult life. The Emerald Sketch is an organization that first provided art therapy services for the young child. survivors of the Sandy Hook School tragedy that took place in Newtown, Connecticut on December 14th, 2012. Many. people are unaware of what creative arts therapy is and how it is invaluable to both children and adults experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many of the children who experienced this shooting had yet to fully develop language skills to integrate and describe their feelings, and in instances of PTSD adults verbal processes often shut down as a means of self-preservation. Under the guidance of a licensed creative arts therapist the creative art making process is a powerful method to overcome the effects of trauma.

Most grateful I continue to provide clinical services, train clinicians globally, and now joyfully produce You and Us family music to bolster increased child mental health advocacy! Creative arts therapy is a solution for families and organizations seeking change.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting artists, and creatives consists in doing exactly that. Individuals can do simple tasks, like download Calming a Panic by You and Us and share your favorite songs on all your social media platforms! Supporting human creators can come in many forms, and simply tipping friends the news is an interactive and cheerful method! Hire more artists every opportunity you can seize.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Inspiring children of all ages, and reassuring them that staying an artist is the best life choice one will ever embark. Igniting youth to stay curious, practice, and be bold excites me! Combining creativity, and child advocacy sparks my soul with joyful rock ‘n roll! My greatest creative achievements all exist in the presence of making art and music with fellow creators, as the creative process of relating is itself abundantly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emeraldsketch.com/you-and-us-music
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeraldsketchart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmeraldSketch
• Other: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/youandus1/calming-a-panic

Image Credits
Javere Pinnock Wyndham Garnett