We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rebecca Olson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rebecca, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Well, the idea came when I was in college graduating with my masters in clinical art therapy and mental health counseling. Naturally, that’s everybody’s dream in college is to open up their own practice and be successful. Through the years, it’s just been this continuously built-up idea. It started with my Etsy account, and making a logo. I really love the beach or any body of water, so it’s a wave and what would typically be a sunset. Sunflowers are my top 2 favorite flowers, so that is the sun with the painters pallet in the background. Prior to moving out of New York I was working at a psych hospital, running therapeutic groups and providing individual therapy. I love running groups! It wasn’t until I moved to NC that I thought about turning this into a little business. I really feel that whether the therapeutic aspect is addressed or not, the art making gives a sense of healing in itself and it’s fun. Aside from running monthly groups, Creative Healing With Rebecca also has events so plan your next event with me and elevate any corporate team building exercise, birthday party, or girls night!

Rebecca, 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?

My name is Rebecca, I obtained my M.A. in Creative Arts Therapy & Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University in 2018 & I’m a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) through the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

My practice is NON-CLINCIAL meaning it’s flexible, fluid, creative work.
Not for treating disorders, but more for general & everyday context/goals.

The main difference between “Art Therapy” and “Therapeutic Art” is the lack of formal psychotherapy.
Even in the absence of the formal art therapy process, therapeutic art still brings many benefits to the mind & body. Providing a means of self-expression, communication, stress reduction, decision making, and of course creativity.

Creative Healing With Rebecca is a therapeutic art group practice that helps people express their emotions and heal through the creative process during therapeutic art groups. During planned events you can choose to have a reflection and talk about work, being more of the therapeutic aspect. But typically for planned events like birthdays, I like to stick to the craft, discussion just happens naturally.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Honestly, so far showing up as a vendor in different communities has really helped if not for the therapeutic groups more so for the events. Keeping up with social media is also a huge plus. Utilizing Facebook groups has helped a great deal as well.

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

I’m pretty eclectic. I’ve had an array of different jobs and life experiences that has inspired me to go in the direction that I am. Aside from being a therapist, I’ve had many jobs during and in between. I was a diner waitress, I worked for the production union in Manhattan, Local 52 as a set dresser. I painted, cleaned, and assisted in engine maintenance on boats part time one summer. I’m educated, ambitious, experienced and it has opened doors for me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.creativehealingwithrebecca.com
• Instagram: @creativehealingwithrebecca
• Facebook: @creativehealingwithrebecca