Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samantha Lesan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Samantha, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
While overseeing part of a recovery program for survivors of s*x trade, I witnessed clients using visual ART materials to process their stories. This was INTRIGUING to me and I knew I must learn more. I spoke with their art teacher, I listened to YouTube videos, I read books -anything I could get my hands on to learn about art as therapy.
This was 6 years ago.
I now own my own business creating Art myself and Facilitating Therapeutic Art for others.
How did all this happen? And why was it significant to witness that first art session in the recovery center?
I’d been working for many years supporting survivors of domestic violence and s*x trade by connecting them to community resources that would help them navigate the vast legal system, help set up a support system, and help navigate a multitude of overwhelming decisions that accompany massive life changes.
When it came to witnessing that art class years into my career, I honestly can’t explain what exactly was sparked in me, but I knew to pay attention. I was witnessing clients’ eyes light up after a lifetime of abuse and I knew that was profound.
After much research, I can now confidently explain the neurological benefits of visual expression after trauma. And I now have personal experience facilitating therapeutic art experiences and without a doubt know it works for survivors of trauma, especially when they joyfully exclaim they have a new perspective on life after a session.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am THRILLED to be offering these services. Guiding you to recreate a new life is my Joy.
1) The ART FOR HEALING Program
This is a 12 week intensive virtual course for survivors of abuse. This doesn’t have to look like physical or s*xual abuse only. Recovering from verbal, emotional and narcissistic abuse is JUST AS VALID. Your symptoms might look like: hyper-vigilance, people pleasing, numbing out, overwhelm, INTENSE emotions, avoiding conflict, mood swings, and many others.
We use Art to Sketch emotions and create a hopeful vision of the future. We answer Thought-Provoking questions and experience a meaningful time of debriefing afterwards to share and learn from one another.
(No art experience necessary, simply come as you are.)
2) TEEN Art for Healing
12 weeks for Teens in Round Rock, Texas. The focus of this group is to Create Emotional Resilience. We use Art to practice mindfulness and learn many useful tools to Regulate Emotions, Tolerate Distress & Improve Relationships.
3) Art for Seniors with Memory Loss
There is much evidence for the power of creative activities on the waning mind. In fact, research shows that while memory is fading, creativity is INCREASING! Especially in loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Creativity can spark memories and make this a very meaningful bonding experience with your loved one.
4) Corporate Events & Retreats
Call me to talk about Event Options! I will facilitate a thoughtful and fun bonding experience for your team.
ARTWORK
Last but not least, my own artwork is available for purchase and can be viewed at various galleries around Austin.
I pour my heart into my abstract pieces and landscapes, they are my own type of therapy and my hope is that they will breathe life into your home and office! Visit my website for available works and exhibits.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Embrace your differences and the way you think OUTSIDE of the box.
This feels cliché typing this, but I’m learning more and more this is VITAL.
This is your SECRET SAUCE.
What is that one thing you could do a TED talk about? Maybe you’ve kept it under wraps because you’re embarrassed by it or fear the implications of being associated with it, but that’s your
ZONE OF GENIUS.
I am personally learning this big time because I wanted to hold back my #1 program of Art for Healing Survivors. I used to fear that offering this 12 week program would demand too much of me, but instead it is EXHILARATING and, so far, I have an endless flow of creativity for it.
Bonus: That is something that can help ward off burn-out. When you’re operating from your Zone, you’re not wasting precious energy conjuring extra excitement, it’s already there.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Tenacity, Resilience, Consistency.
This is not a new concept, but I’ll echo it’s praises.
Simply continuing the work, regardless: when you don’t feel like it, when you’re tired, when you’re unmotivated, when you’re doubting yourself.
I’ve found it’s more helpful to think of it as “playing the long game” of consistency and less about “catching a big break” early on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://SamanthaLesan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artforhealingofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samantha.lesan.art
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slesanart/
- Other: the Artwork Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samantha.lesan.art/
(but if you can only show one, please use the one above.)
Image Credits
Samantha Lesan