Hello from Eve Brownstone and Brownstone Therapeutics
All I can say- it is hot! Hang in there everybody!
Here are five tips for staying cool:
1. Smile, smiling lessens tension
2. Drink iced lemonade on a shady porch. Please pour me some and text me where you are. :)
3. Please, please use sun tan lotion, but not 50spf. Your skin has got to breathe. 30spf will do.
4. Sweat a lot. It is good for us.
5. Water, water, water, water
We’ve had a busy spring and summer here at Brownstone Therapeutics.
We’ve had the opportunity to work with some wonderful and varied groups.
• Seniors at CJE Senior Life
• A group of dedicated women who are learning how to be EMTs with ICNC
• Junior high school girls at the Regina Dominican Girl School in Wilmette
• Cancer survivors and loved ones at Gilda’s Club of Chicago
The practice is building. Thanks to my clients. We now are able to bill Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (PPO), Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Compsych (EAP).
Community Events
Artists of the Wall-June 17-18
We had a lot of fun with seniors from Lakeshore Health Care and Rehabilitation Center on Saturday and kids and their parents on Sunday. Key to fun was this glow in the dark spongy ball that I found at Walgreen’s for five bucks. Next year-more games!!
International Art Group-Art Show: Where do I belong?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139584762721358&ref=mf
North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 N.Sheridan,Chicago, Il.60660, USA
Opening July 16
Closing August 14 5pm-8pm
My subject: What are you left with when everything changes?
Upcoming Events
JUL 24, 25 SAT-SUN CLARK STREET FAIR
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=111388505558017&ref=ts
"A Cultural Explosion in Rogers Park". Clark between Morse and Estes. Sat 1-11 pm; Sun 1-10. $5 person; $10 family. Two stages. Music, ethnic foods, vendors, entertainment.
The Rogers Park BizArts continues at the B1E Gallery on
July 28 6902 N. Glenwood
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gallery-B1E/298905960169?ref=search
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Responses from Therapist from around the country on the subject of change
What are you left with when everything changes?
An enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power
A person still has everything because change is constant, and we adapt in order to embrace and accept that change. It would be a boring, and less stimulating and challenging life without change.
What if change involves major losses all at the same time? Divorce, Family of origin estrangement, loss of past friends... Relatives, siblings? That would be traumatic. Perhaps we would look inside to find internal strength, our sense of self, and the resilience and motivation to begin to rebuild not what we have lost, but something new.
Eve, your answer works for me. Maybe for Victor Frankl... My clients over the past 40 years find this to be true, after they recover from the immediate trauma. At least that's what we look for together. Great question.
Change, although exciting is usually very scary for people. To delve into the unknown and into a place we aren't as comfortable in can be unnverving. It usually is very hard for people to change because innertia is very hard to overcome and it takes a lot of energy to do. Given that, when a person does change, they still have skills, memories, results, etc. that still exist and cannot be undone. Those don't change.
Change is constant and nothing remains the same. When we can understand and accept this we can see the potential in any change. Even painful change provides opportunities to experience our strengths, develop deeper relationships, spiritual transformation. Likewise, change can be an opportunity to address fears and lack of connection in our lives. It's not change that is inherently difficult, it's what we do with change. When someone is having a particularly difficult time with any change in life, professional guidance and support can be very helpful.
"What are you left with when everything changes?" I'm left with thoughts: about what precipitated the change; how will the change effect my life right now and in the foreseeable future; what steps do I need to take to protect myself both physically and emotionally. If I'm patient, time always shows me whether or not any change is beneficial to me, and if the change isn't working out for me, I'm left with more reflections on what needs to be adjusted in my life to eventually get things onto an "even keel."
All change is precipitous by nature, whether it's positive or negative, benign or traumatic. The issue is how resilient the person experiencing the change is. Even people that win the lottery can find the experience at first thrilling and then traumatic. Alternatively, people that have gone through great loss, like that of a parent, can grieve and then suddenly be filled with loving and tender memories that will get them through the grieving period. Having professional guidance and support will certainly benefit the person, as Ms. Brown McNally suggested. But how does one work with those that find the change traumatic and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel? Moreover is there an "outreach" system that can reach patients that don't have the resources available to them (money, accessibility to mental health care, etc.)? Great question Eve.
Depending on the level of change; and, after much anger and angst, one eventually comes to the understanding that there are really some things that can't be controlled .e.g. Loss of a loved one precipitates massive changes in one's life. How this is dealt with can be the beginning of long term personal dysfunction ; or, it can be the catalyst to new beginnings. So, what is one left with ? Humility and the need to start over.
I think that Eve may have answered her own question quite well. Even during the worst of times, we will grieve and we shall heal; but in the final determination if you have "an enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power," then you will probably do OK. Change is immediate and constant, so the best that we can hope for is that it is mostly for the positive.
An enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power
A person still has everything because change is constant, and we adapt in order to embrace and accept that change. It would be a boring, and less stimulating and challenging life without change.
What if change involves major losses all at the same time? Divorce, Family of origin estrangement, loss of past friends... Relatives, siblings? That would be traumatic. Perhaps we would look inside to find internal strength, our sense of self, and the resilience and motivation to begin to rebuild not what we have lost, but something new.
Eve, your answer works for me. Maybe for Victor Frankl... My clients over the past 40 years find this to be true, after they recover from the immediate trauma. At least that's what we look for together. Great question.
Change, although exciting is usually very scary for people. To delve into the unknown and into a place we aren't as comfortable in can be unnverving. It usually is very hard for people to change because innertia is very hard to overcome and it takes a lot of energy to do. Given that, when a person does change, they still have skills, memories, results, etc. that still exist and cannot be undone. Those don't change.
Change is constant and nothing remains the same. When we can understand and accept this we can see the potential in any change. Even painful change provides opportunities to experience our strengths, develop deeper relationships, spiritual transformation. Likewise, change can be an opportunity to address fears and lack of connection in our lives. It's not change that is inherently difficult, it's what we do with change. When someone is having a particularly difficult time with any change in life, professional guidance and support can be very helpful.
"What are you left with when everything changes?" I'm left with thoughts: about what precipitated the change; how will the change effect my life right now and in the foreseeable future; what steps do I need to take to protect myself both physically and emotionally. If I'm patient, time always shows me whether or not any change is beneficial to me, and if the change isn't working out for me, I'm left with more reflections on what needs to be adjusted in my life to eventually get things onto an "even keel."
All change is precipitous by nature, whether it's positive or negative, benign or traumatic. The issue is how resilient the person experiencing the change is. Even people that win the lottery can find the experience at first thrilling and then traumatic. Alternatively, people that have gone through great loss, like that of a parent, can grieve and then suddenly be filled with loving and tender memories that will get them through the grieving period. Having professional guidance and support will certainly benefit the person, as Ms. Brown McNally suggested. But how does one work with those that find the change traumatic and cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel? Moreover is there an "outreach" system that can reach patients that don't have the resources available to them (money, accessibility to mental health care, etc.)? Great question Eve.
Depending on the level of change; and, after much anger and angst, one eventually comes to the understanding that there are really some things that can't be controlled .e.g. Loss of a loved one precipitates massive changes in one's life. How this is dealt with can be the beginning of long term personal dysfunction ; or, it can be the catalyst to new beginnings. So, what is one left with ? Humility and the need to start over.
I think that Eve may have answered her own question quite well. Even during the worst of times, we will grieve and we shall heal; but in the final determination if you have "an enduring spirit, a stronger connection with yourself and your higher power," then you will probably do OK. Change is immediate and constant, so the best that we can hope for is that it is mostly for the positive.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Happy Spring from Eve
From Brownstone Therapeutics
And Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
773-859-1276
brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com
Happy Spring! A lot has been happening with Brownstone Therapeutics and me Eve Brownstone. I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately, networking and getting the word out about Expressive Arts Therapies through presentations. Enjoy the Sun!
"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt
Bullying
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”
I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim” read more here
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/?p=blogs
Working with Performers and Artists?
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she may verbalizes, “ He is ___DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.
My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, “weirdos” and magicians. Read more here
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/working-with-performers-and-artists.html
For Women with Cancer at Heartwood
Assembling the Allies
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
In every life there are choices. For women with cancer there are still many choices to consider: treatment options, foods, friends when to fight and how to find the strength to keep living. That internal spark that tells us life is good is hard to feel when chemo is kicking your butt.
I will help you assemble a team of internal and external allies to fight cancer. You’ll know you won’t be alone. Through the arts we can find ways to create these allies. It could be a warrior, a wise crone, a medicine woman, a teacher, a good caring parent that comes from within you to care for you. Also clients are encouraged to create or engage with their support system. Friends and loved ones are important for healing. It takes a village to fight cancer. Read more here http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/assembling-allies.html
Conversations with Eve
"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel
Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.
Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article. Read more here.
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/04/conversations-with-eve-revised.htm
Upcoming Events
April 16
Creating Your Life at the Regina Dominican High School
701 Locust Road Wilmette, IL
April 28
Rogers Park Business Alliance FUNraiser
http://www.rogers-park.com/2010/03/save-the-date.html
May 16
Mitiziut Art Show Opening at the North Lakeside Cultural Center
6219 North Sheridan Road
June 3
Creating Your Life at Gilda’s Club in Chicago
537 North Wells
June 3
Creating Your Life at Robineau CJE
June 19 Creating Your LIfe for
Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC)
And Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
773-859-1276
brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com
Happy Spring! A lot has been happening with Brownstone Therapeutics and me Eve Brownstone. I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately, networking and getting the word out about Expressive Arts Therapies through presentations. Enjoy the Sun!
"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt
Bullying
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”
I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim” read more here
http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/?p=blogs
Working with Performers and Artists?
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she may verbalizes, “ He is ___DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.
My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, “weirdos” and magicians. Read more here
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/working-with-performers-and-artists.html
For Women with Cancer at Heartwood
Assembling the Allies
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
In every life there are choices. For women with cancer there are still many choices to consider: treatment options, foods, friends when to fight and how to find the strength to keep living. That internal spark that tells us life is good is hard to feel when chemo is kicking your butt.
I will help you assemble a team of internal and external allies to fight cancer. You’ll know you won’t be alone. Through the arts we can find ways to create these allies. It could be a warrior, a wise crone, a medicine woman, a teacher, a good caring parent that comes from within you to care for you. Also clients are encouraged to create or engage with their support system. Friends and loved ones are important for healing. It takes a village to fight cancer. Read more here http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/03/assembling-allies.html
Conversations with Eve
"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel
Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.
Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article. Read more here.
http://brownstonetherapeutics.blogspot.com/2010/04/conversations-with-eve-revised.htm
Upcoming Events
April 16
Creating Your Life at the Regina Dominican High School
701 Locust Road Wilmette, IL
April 28
Rogers Park Business Alliance FUNraiser
http://www.rogers-park.com/2010/03/save-the-date.html
May 16
Mitiziut Art Show Opening at the North Lakeside Cultural Center
6219 North Sheridan Road
June 3
Creating Your Life at Gilda’s Club in Chicago
537 North Wells
June 3
Creating Your Life at Robineau CJE
June 19 Creating Your LIfe for
Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago (ICNC)
Conversations with Eve revised
Conversations with Eve
"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel
Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.
Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article.
I had the opportunity to get to know the a lot of my neighbors in Rogers Park by interviewing them. For www.rogerspark.com, I interviewed more than fifty Rogers Parkers.
Among various projects, I served as the Project Director of the Rogers Park Personal Oral History Project. In the summer of 2004, we brought teens together with seniors at a nursing home and within the community of Rogers Park here in Chicago. Meaningful relationships were developed and teens learned how to complete oral histories themselves. A video documentary came from this experience called Community Building: One Story at a Time. This project was completed in partnership with the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society.
From 1998-2001, I developed and coordinated The Reminiscence Project. It was an oral history project in the Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville /Edgewater in which 40 senior citizens were interviewed in their homes, local restaurants, hang-outs, senior day programs, nursing homes on the beauty of reminiscing. This endeavor was archived by making a 30-minute video-documentary of the process called "Wise Friend," I was fortunate to have my video camera at Women and Children First Bookstore, when I videotaped legendary oral historian Studs Terkel saying "Ordinary people do extraordinary things." “Wise Friends” opens with Mr.Terkel’s remark. Those words have become my motto. This project was completed in partnership with the Edgewater Historical Society and was shown at their Opening in 2001. This project was also featured in the Chicago Tribune.
As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have worked with folks from eighteen months to 106 years old for twenty years. I believe I have a knack for putting people at ease. I like to be a witness to people realizing they do have something to say and helping them feel safe to say it. It continues to be an honor and privilege to do this work.
I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or (773) 859-1276. Thanks for your time and attention in advance. Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Eve Brownstone, MA. LCPC
"Ordinary people do extraordinary things." Studs Terkel
Hello, my name is Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC I have had the great pleasure and honor to interview and record 200+ oral history stories through video, audio and written media for twelve years through out the Chicago-land area. Please check out some interviews on my website http://www.brownstonetherapeutics.com/.
Most recently, I partnered with CJE Senior Life to interview 100+ residents in one of their Assisted Living buildings over a 22-month period. As their Creative Arts Coordinator, I was reminded again of the importance of being able to tell your story through the creative arts.
The experience was documented in “Alive With the Arts”, published in The Urban Coaster. See Attached article. Pioneer Press also highlighted my work with Brownstone Therapeutics in ”Oral History Speaks
Volumes”. See attached article.
I had the opportunity to get to know the a lot of my neighbors in Rogers Park by interviewing them. For www.rogerspark.com, I interviewed more than fifty Rogers Parkers.
Among various projects, I served as the Project Director of the Rogers Park Personal Oral History Project. In the summer of 2004, we brought teens together with seniors at a nursing home and within the community of Rogers Park here in Chicago. Meaningful relationships were developed and teens learned how to complete oral histories themselves. A video documentary came from this experience called Community Building: One Story at a Time. This project was completed in partnership with the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society.
From 1998-2001, I developed and coordinated The Reminiscence Project. It was an oral history project in the Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville /Edgewater in which 40 senior citizens were interviewed in their homes, local restaurants, hang-outs, senior day programs, nursing homes on the beauty of reminiscing. This endeavor was archived by making a 30-minute video-documentary of the process called "Wise Friend," I was fortunate to have my video camera at Women and Children First Bookstore, when I videotaped legendary oral historian Studs Terkel saying "Ordinary people do extraordinary things." “Wise Friends” opens with Mr.Terkel’s remark. Those words have become my motto. This project was completed in partnership with the Edgewater Historical Society and was shown at their Opening in 2001. This project was also featured in the Chicago Tribune.
As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have worked with folks from eighteen months to 106 years old for twenty years. I believe I have a knack for putting people at ease. I like to be a witness to people realizing they do have something to say and helping them feel safe to say it. It continues to be an honor and privilege to do this work.
I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or (773) 859-1276. Thanks for your time and attention in advance. Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Eve Brownstone, MA. LCPC
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Bullying
"When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?" -- Eleanor Roosevelt
Bullying
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”
I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim”
Coming from Chicago to Akron, I didn’t know anybody. I didn’t wash my hair everyday or wear fancy clothes. I was coming from Hyde Park and the Chicago Children’s Choir to the bowling capital of the world and the middle of the Bible Belt.
I tried to get out of class as much as possible in seventh grade. I’d tell my teachers I wasn’t feeling well, which would be taken up by bullies who would say, ”Eve is woozy.” The guidance counselor and I got to know each real well.
I hear about kids today killing themselves because of bullying and adults just standing by letting it happen. It doesn’t make me cry anymore. It infuriates me.
Somehow these bullies learn that their behavior is justified or “okay”. They continue to harass the families even after the young person killed himself or herself. I am glad those nine students in Massachusetts are arrested.
It troubles me that these young people felt like they didn’t have an option. The psychopathic bullies won then.
After years of bullying, I could have felt reduced to a nothing, just mush on the floor. I know today, some of my self-doubt comes from the taunting. I guess what helped me was getting involved with choir, performing and lots of therapy. Having a loving family and some close friends also helped. I also used to walk and jog a lot. I remember my walks to Summit Mall on Saturdays. I’d work out my frustration pounding the pavement. I still do.
I believe that if you are still alive things can change and get better. I guess that belief ultimately was what kept me going in Junior High School. My hope kept me moving on.
If I were to have some of those bullies in front of me today I would say:
“ You missed out on knowing a very special person. I didn’t let your taunting and harassment stop me from having the kind of life I want. I truly believe in myself.”
Then I would laugh and beam with all the Devine light inside of me. One by one the bullies would become charming and kind men and they would dance with me. They wouldn’t be able to help themselves.
I don’t want revenge.
I want more hearts to open and more love in this world.
I think young people who use their energy to hurt and bully others are missing the mark on life. They don’t feel loved and can’t love. They need love.
That may sound to mushy. Being vulnerable and compassionate are signs of strength. It is a waste of my time to hold on to my anger and rage. I got a lot out of therapy. I want to use my energy to heal, love and create. I want my anger to move me into action for the better like writing this article.
I wish you peace, action, an ability to laugh out loud, a voice to say ”no” and a loving hand to hold.
Bullying
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
My seventh grade teacher’s advice to me, “Eve if you don’t react they will stop teasing.”
I was a sensitive twelve year old. I would cry. A bully would say something to me and I would start crying right in my seat. Looking back I wished I could have used humor or have had the strength to give it right back to them. It would have been more fun to be the “class clown” than the “class victim”
Coming from Chicago to Akron, I didn’t know anybody. I didn’t wash my hair everyday or wear fancy clothes. I was coming from Hyde Park and the Chicago Children’s Choir to the bowling capital of the world and the middle of the Bible Belt.
I tried to get out of class as much as possible in seventh grade. I’d tell my teachers I wasn’t feeling well, which would be taken up by bullies who would say, ”Eve is woozy.” The guidance counselor and I got to know each real well.
I hear about kids today killing themselves because of bullying and adults just standing by letting it happen. It doesn’t make me cry anymore. It infuriates me.
Somehow these bullies learn that their behavior is justified or “okay”. They continue to harass the families even after the young person killed himself or herself. I am glad those nine students in Massachusetts are arrested.
It troubles me that these young people felt like they didn’t have an option. The psychopathic bullies won then.
After years of bullying, I could have felt reduced to a nothing, just mush on the floor. I know today, some of my self-doubt comes from the taunting. I guess what helped me was getting involved with choir, performing and lots of therapy. Having a loving family and some close friends also helped. I also used to walk and jog a lot. I remember my walks to Summit Mall on Saturdays. I’d work out my frustration pounding the pavement. I still do.
I believe that if you are still alive things can change and get better. I guess that belief ultimately was what kept me going in Junior High School. My hope kept me moving on.
If I were to have some of those bullies in front of me today I would say:
“ You missed out on knowing a very special person. I didn’t let your taunting and harassment stop me from having the kind of life I want. I truly believe in myself.”
Then I would laugh and beam with all the Devine light inside of me. One by one the bullies would become charming and kind men and they would dance with me. They wouldn’t be able to help themselves.
I don’t want revenge.
I want more hearts to open and more love in this world.
I think young people who use their energy to hurt and bully others are missing the mark on life. They don’t feel loved and can’t love. They need love.
That may sound to mushy. Being vulnerable and compassionate are signs of strength. It is a waste of my time to hold on to my anger and rage. I got a lot out of therapy. I want to use my energy to heal, love and create. I want my anger to move me into action for the better like writing this article.
I wish you peace, action, an ability to laugh out loud, a voice to say ”no” and a loving hand to hold.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Working with Performers and Artists
Working with Performers and Artists
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she verbalizes, “ He is _____DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.
My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, weirdos and magicians.
If a client of mine comes into a session wanting to sleep, eyes down and teary eyed she may be feeling over whelmed by life. If she comes in with a revved up vibe, head up, good eye contact, she may be having a good day and a kick butt attitude. This client is feeling more empowered in her life.
I am present for clients wherever they are at. Sometimes they need comforting or a pep talk. Most of the time clients want to know I am listening. I feel like listening is a skill I’ve learned over time. Not everybody is a good listener. Some people appear to be listening but are just waiting for their time to talk.
Listening to me means being a witness to someone else’s story. When someone shares their story it is a sacred moment. They trust me enough to open up. I’ve heard thousands of precious stories over the past twenty years as a therapist and oral historian. I feel honored again and again.
Communication, respect and safety are keys to developing the therapeutic relationship, which is a place where healing may come.
I encourage my client to make art, sing their heart song, and dance their dance that gets to the heart of things. They are encouraged to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable. Sometimes clients come in just wanting to talk.
I do pay attention to the blabber versus reflection factor. Are clients just recounting their day or reflecting on their life experiences and making meaning for themselves? Do they seem disconnected with themselves? Connected? There is no judgment or right or wrong answer.
If someone comes in jabbering and feeling disconnected, I will encourage them to get quiet for a moment, check inside, to get in touch with what their heart wants in the moment. This may lead to meditation or drawing or maybe even silence. I am okay with silence. Being okay with silence, sitting with doubt or mixed feelings bring good lessons.
I’ve learned over the years to trust the process. I trust my clients will learn skills to empower themselves. I don’t heal anybody. I just help show my clients to learn that all the tools for healing are already within them and they just need to just trust themselves enough to dig and see them.
I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or 773-859-1276.
By Eve Brownstone, MA, LCPC
Sometimes people express themselves first through the arts then through verbal language. As an Expressive Arts Therapist, I have found this very true in the performing/artistic communities. A dancer is more like to express hurt feelings towards her boyfriend with her stomping feet. The stomping feet come first then she verbalizes, “ He is _____DDDGshdjdjfhshsd”. Everything is stored in the body. I like to listen to what my clients are saying and not saying. I pay attention to body posture, pace of movement, eye contact, and tone of voice and level of energy.
My clients want to know that they aren’t freaks. They aren’t alone. The strong emotions and the creative visions are part of being creative. They may not be considered always “appropriate” in mainstream, but what a boring world it would be without us artists, weirdos and magicians.
If a client of mine comes into a session wanting to sleep, eyes down and teary eyed she may be feeling over whelmed by life. If she comes in with a revved up vibe, head up, good eye contact, she may be having a good day and a kick butt attitude. This client is feeling more empowered in her life.
I am present for clients wherever they are at. Sometimes they need comforting or a pep talk. Most of the time clients want to know I am listening. I feel like listening is a skill I’ve learned over time. Not everybody is a good listener. Some people appear to be listening but are just waiting for their time to talk.
Listening to me means being a witness to someone else’s story. When someone shares their story it is a sacred moment. They trust me enough to open up. I’ve heard thousands of precious stories over the past twenty years as a therapist and oral historian. I feel honored again and again.
Communication, respect and safety are keys to developing the therapeutic relationship, which is a place where healing may come.
I encourage my client to make art, sing their heart song, and dance their dance that gets to the heart of things. They are encouraged to express themselves in the language they feel most comfortable. Sometimes clients come in just wanting to talk.
I do pay attention to the blabber versus reflection factor. Are clients just recounting their day or reflecting on their life experiences and making meaning for themselves? Do they seem disconnected with themselves? Connected? There is no judgment or right or wrong answer.
If someone comes in jabbering and feeling disconnected, I will encourage them to get quiet for a moment, check inside, to get in touch with what their heart wants in the moment. This may lead to meditation or drawing or maybe even silence. I am okay with silence. Being okay with silence, sitting with doubt or mixed feelings bring good lessons.
I’ve learned over the years to trust the process. I trust my clients will learn skills to empower themselves. I don’t heal anybody. I just help show my clients to learn that all the tools for healing are already within them and they just need to just trust themselves enough to dig and see them.
I can be reached at brownstonetherapeutics@gmail.com or 773-859-1276.
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