Julie LaCreta

My journey of becoming an art therapist began at an experiential therapy training for addiction counselors in February of 2018. I was a brand new addictions counselor intending to begin a masters program in addictions counseling in the fall. However, God had another plan. It was at this training that I met an art therapist and experienced the power of art therapy firsthand. During an art therapy session, I had an “Aha” moment and became aware of my true calling in a single moment. I returned home, withdrew from my master’s program, and immediately began searching for a master’s in art therapy program in Indiana.  

I came to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods identifying as an artist and as an addiction counselor. Over the past three years, I have come to know who I am as a person and as a therapist. Through art making I have been able to connect to parts of me I had forgotten or perhaps never really knew. As an artist, I had always been focused on outcome and product. I wanted to make art that was beautiful or at least meaningful. The experiences I have had as a result of this program have taught me how to interact with my art in a new way. Artmaking has become more about process and revelation. I have used it as a portal to connect with my inner self allowing me to better know and understand myself. This knowledge has brought new insight into how I can better help my clients. Art has become something completely new. It has become a vehicle for connection to self, others and to my spirituality.  

My journey has been one of self-discovery, personal growth, and becoming. In the beginning, I had little idea what art therapy was. I began as an artist and a therapist, and I thought I could somehow combine the two identities together by taking classes and learning new things. While I did learn much, I didn’t simply combine two identities through learning. I experienced a coming home to my true authentic self.