Coleen Merlie

“Art has given me an outlet to express, reveal, and manifest my emotions. I have been creating art my entire life. Throughout my life I have learned so much about myself through my creative process. I want to share my creative process with others and encourage others to express themselves through their own creative process. Being connected to yourself and your emotions holds immense worth, fueling incredible artistic inspiration. I decided to pursue art therapy because I want to utilize my artistic skills and creative journey to positively impact the world by aiding others in their healing process. Art therapy is a structured journey where clients engage in various artistic activities. These experiences empower them to gain confidence not only in the materials they work with but also in themselves. I care immensely about my relationships with others. I love to listen and learn. Art making opens us up to vulnerability often without us even realizing it. This underscores the critical importance for art therapists to establish strong connections with their clients. Through these connections, clients can feel a sense of trust and be provided with a sacred space to express themselves freely.”