Breanna Cox

I came to Art Therapy as a culmination of my service as a Medic in the U.S. Air Force and a lifetime as a storyteller photojournalist. In my journey to be an Art Therapist, I have worked on my sense of presence, active listening, and being still for my clients. It is a work in progress. On my journey of more than five years as a student art therapist, I have worked on my sense of self and self-awareness. I identify as an Empath and I constantly work on boundaries as well. Since my background is in photography, I worked on becoming more proficient in art materials and the creative process. All of these concepts are present in my art. 

Traditionally, I captured photos to see how a person or place shows light during a moment in time. I believe in using the raw essence of a photo to document and learn from a narrative. This is what informed my methodology for research and my thesis with veterans who are readjusting to life after the military. The results showed that veterans can take photos and slow down; it gave them mindfulness, benefits of the creative process and new insight.  

Art Therapy is a way to process trauma, develop more self-awareness, mindfulness and self-care. Now, art can be a way to show who I am and how I understand another person’s journey (this is also called empathic response art). It has been powerful to see what my art says and how my art process has grown. Another person or client’s art can be about their vulnerability and their journey. It is powerful to see client artwork and how it informs their process. 

Some of the themes are from nature, mindfulness, vulnerability, acceptance, authenticity, connection, countertransference, growth and empathy and understanding of clients. The Art Therapy Transformation Process art work is my understanding of how I learned and understand what Art Therapy is. The artwork The Mask I Wear (the Mask) and How Others See Me and How I See Me (the inside/outside box) were of me examining ways of how I put on a face, intentions and perceptions. This was important work to be an effective therapist. The digital photo of Self portrait of My Rainbow Baby is important for me to include as a growing Art Therapist since that is of me learning to trust and accept myself.  

The artwork of Do these boots make me look pretty, The Fire Behind Me and the Transformation, and Mirroring and Matching are all examples of my response art understanding clients in some way. These represent the mirroring that is required of a therapist to do of a client in a session. The two digital photos of a tree and white flower are included since they represent mindfulness, stillness, grit, strength and growth of the natural world around me. These are important elements to utilize as an Art Therapist as well both in practice with clients and to encourage clients to build these characteristics. This is the healing work of being still and at peace in my photographic process and this helps me to be present for clients. The final art piece of Family of Origin Tree is included since that is my intense work to see “the roots” I come from and the “the blooms” that are growing in my own family and me. 

I hope to be a guiding light for clients and a trusting witness on their journey. As a Wounded Healer, I can provide the intuition and empathy that one needs in a creative process to be seen and heard. I hope to be an Art Therapist and Counselor that helps people develop into their authentic self. As an emerging Art Therapist, I am available to be present for someone who can feel safe to flow and be connected so that they can transform in their own way.