Yi Li-Brown, M.S.Ed
(current psychology intern at University at Buffalo Counseling Services)
I was told from a very young age that “only useless people would become an artist” – no offense to all my artists out there. Growing up in mainland China, I was immersed in the strong belief on productivity and utility. The industry of creativity was considered “unproductive and no real-life values” as a career choice. Funny enough, I took piano lessons for many years, but for the purpose of getting certified at different levels so I could use those certifications to add few more points on my college entrance exam, rather than tailoring to my own interests in music. I was not great at it, but I passed the highest level as an unprofessional.
When I first got into the educational system in the United States, it opened my eyes in all the possibilities in personal interests and career choices. The concept of creativity was de-stigmatized in my mindset. Throughout my training in clinical work, I have had many opportunities to incorporate creativity with my clients. One of my favorite activities is to use emotional rocks with clients who struggle using words to express their feelings. Those little rocks with facial expressions provide a more direct way of showing me how clients may be feeling. I’m always amazed by all the different ways of describing a feeling without using a feeling word.
During my internship training, I challenged myself by co-facilitating the art journaling group with another senior staff. The title of the group seemed very fitting for my training experience, “Perfectly Imperfect”. The group aimed to provide a space for group members to be creative in addressing concerns relating mental well-being. Each week, we had different themes and activities. In addition to learn about how to facilitate a more structured group, my creativity was recognized during the 8-week time. With my co-facilitator’s encouragement and support, I outlined a session using fallen leaves as a theme to represent changes and adjustments in life. My group members also surprised me, where I was left in awe with the power of their creativity. As group members reflected on their experiences and takeaways, I noticed that many of them highlighted on the smoothing effect of those art activities would bring them, and how much they enjoyed having fun with the process.
The great Van Gogh once said, “If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced”. When life tries to tell you “you cannot heal”, then by all means heal, and that journey begins.