Alisha Bavin

“Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable…”

Cesar A. Cruz

This quote, to me, has many layers and interpretations. Throughout the journey in getting my Art Therapy degree, I have often thought of this quote. On one hand, the history of mental health is a long and sometimes disturbing one, yet on the other, mental health is part of everyone, and some find mental health as disturbing or being disturbed. I truly believe in the process of art as a catalyst to change this way of thinking and provide comfort and understanding from all afflicted with mental health concerns. Through art, the fear and misunderstandings of mental health can be assuaged.

Art has a way to speak the words many individuals are unable to speak out loud. Through not only the process, but through the reflection of the art, one can begin to heal and understand their innermost being. Carl Jung was one who stood out to me the most in learning about this unconscious and sometimes subconscious process involved when making art. In a way, I feel that as Art Therapists, we are expanding our knowledge and understanding of these processes. Through my journey in becoming an Art Therapist, I feel that I have learned a great deal about being resilient and have been able to work through challenges by making art.

I have written much about the process in various ways thus far. I believe that is due to the fact that I have truly had to “TRUST THE PROCESS.” This motto has been with me throughout the many years it has taken me to complete my degree. I have honestly turned to it often when I have been stuck in life and my fears in going into this helping profession. Each time I have worked with a client, a student or made my own art, this comes to mind. It has helped me recognize that the only way of moving forward is to truly trust the process in all that we do and learn how to navigate all of the twists and turns, disturbing or comfortable, that we all face. I am grateful for the resiliency that becoming an Art Therapist has taught me and to face these challenges with art as the foundation.