MEDITATIVE ART THERAPY
with Oz Paker
What is Meditative
Art Therapy
Art Therapy uses integrative methods to capture emotions through art activities. Working with mind, body and spirit, 'meditative art therapy' utilizes sensory, perceptual, and symbolic communication to work with emotions and experiences. When words alone are not enough, art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone.
It is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Especially when people are struggling, facing a challenge or crisis, an art therapist can help clients express themselves in ways beyond speaking. Meditative art therapists are trained in art, meditation techniques and psychological theory, and can help clients integrate nonverbal cues and metaphors that are often expressed through the creative process.
Key Aspects of Art Therapy
The main focus is on the therapeutic journey of creating, not on producing a masterpiece. You don't need to be an artist, and your creations don't need to be perfect. You're allowed to create freely, without any judgement and expectations. You don’t need to think of yourself as a 'creative' person in order to benefit from art therapy.
Typically, consultees need min. 3 sessions. However, depending on our progress and your personal needs we can keep working until you feel satisfied.
With professional guidance, I provide a safe, non-threatening outlet for exploring your emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. Our each session is a private, non-judgmental and safe outlet for expression.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not a substitute for professional psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
What is an Art Therapy Session like
Just like any other therapist, every art therapist has a unique approach. Likewise, every session is planned differently according to client's unique needs. The approach I might use with a client who is looking for personal growth is very different from the approach I might use with a teen who is struggling with anxiety and self-esteem.
Our sessions start with mindfulness & breathing exercises to help you feel grounded and present. We then continue with various art activities: drawing, painting, collage making, sculpting with clay, journaling... While you are working on your piece, my job is to be the witness to your process. 'Witnessing' has three purposes: to note the process of art making, to assist if needed, and to give the gift of my full attention and observation.
At the end of each session, you will decode your creations and their meanings. I'll be by your side asking the right questions and guiding you towards progress.
Areas that we Explore
Who do I work with
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Self-esteem
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Coping skills
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Stress
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Life changes
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Immigration trauma
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Processing difficult emotions
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Unleashing creativity
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Personal growth
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Children (6+)
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Teenagers
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Adults
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Private or Corporate Groups (min. 3 people, max. 15 people)
* Group sessions are structured differently as more of a collective creativity event that is tailored to the group's needs.
Our sessions for individuals take place in my office at Unita - Manhattan Beach. For group sessions, we have different options: Unita Manhattan Beach (up to 6 people), Unita - Hermosa Beach or - El Segundo (up to 15 people), a coffee shop, an art studio or your place. Or you can be anywhere and we can meet over Zoom.
Work Hours
10am-7pm, Monday / Tuesday
10am-4pm Wednesday / Thursday
11am-9pm Friday /Saturday
Intake Form
If you are curious about what we can achieve together, please fill out this form. I will get back to you as soon as I can to schedule our first meeting.