The Reset Canvas Workshop

I was once again invited to facilitate a mental health discussion at the Africa Centre through a creative wellness workshop, designed to promote community healing through creative expression.

The theme: Cultivating Peace

My therapeutic approach with clients integrates interventions from Existentialism and Narrative Therapy, which greatly inspired my presentation on "Cultivating Peace."

The event took place in the fall, just days before Thanksgiving, so our discussion focused on language around transition, gratitude, and acceptance.

We reflected on what we appreciate most about fall... and for most of us, it's the fall foliage, the optimal weather, the seasonal treats, and the cute outfits.

I can definitely relate; I feel like my most confident self in Fall.

As we continued our discussion on wellness and emotional regulation, we began to explore what "peace" meant to us all.

What it tastes like...

What it smells like...

What it sounds like...

What it looks like...

What it feels like...

This got participants to think about ways they can incorporate peace into everyday lives.

This reflective exercise got folks to realize that self-care doesn't take much, especially as we all held our hands to our chest and collectively affirmed: "I deserve peace too."

Spending the evening with black people in a community of healing was truly such a beautiful experience.

Together, we shared laughs, reflections, and appreciation for the seasons of life. And although I enjoy mental health conversations, I was looking forward to participating in art therapy guided by the talented Lorelle Whittingham of Studio Marrow.

We learned tools for mindfulness through bilateral drawing

Then came time for us to have fun with landscape painting, challenging ourselves to just enjoy the process without holding ourselves to the expectation of perfection.

And just like the previous event, we all left feeling better about ourselves... all thanks to the power of community healing.

#BIPOC #Edmonton #CaribbeanTherapist #BlackTherapist #DestigmatizingMentalHealth #Burnout hashtag#SelfCare #CompassionFatigue #BlackMentalHealthMatters #AllSeasonWellness