Brianna Aurora Vazquez

As an emerging art therapist, I have struggled to view myself through a professional lens. Viewing myself as an art therapist has always been a perplexing topic that makes me uncomfortable. The uncomfortable response I had to these questions of identity gave me reason to explore my feelings of distress to understand who I am while also learning about who I am becoming. Transformative growth has become a major topic in my life as of recently. I have had experiences that have shown me my own personal growth and given me the confidence to continue down this path to becoming a professional art therapist. My initial concerns were that I had not adequately considered my desires in a career before beginning the art therapy program. What aided me to overcome that burdening fear was twofold, my love of the craft, and becoming both helper and healer to those in need. I have had immense support from peers, family, and mentors, who believe in me wholeheartedly. I now sincerely feel capable and confident; emotions that I did not have previously.

This program and my internship have shown me that I have the skill and the heart to be in this profession, and I am more excited to be part of this trailblazing community of emerging art therapists. My recent artworks have had a theme of growth and transformation through turbulence. It has been an evolving concept as of lately. My identity is becoming solidified through the reflections I work on. I desire peace, stability, love, and healing for myself and all those I come across, in my work and my life.

My journey in becoming an art therapist has been one of self-discovery and acceptance.

These next few pieces are part of a series I call Recipes for Growth, Healing, and Discovery. Inspired through my personal altered book, originally, a book of recipes.