The Arts are Soul Care
Darlene Garner Kuehn Ph.D., RP (CRPO)
I have always found art to be a compassionate companion in the journey of life. Through exploring life artistically I find insight, understanding and solace. I am passionate about creating experiences for others where they can ease into a process of creativity incarnating their wonder into form that in turn provides wisdom as feedback. Creativity and deep engagement in the arts is an integral part of what I call 'soul care'.
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In this journey of life I have gone on an adventure of experiencing, examining, and reflecting on the role art has in enhancing our shared humanity. I have collected, ideas, books, education, trinkets, approaches and inspiration along the way. I have shared what I have learned in my practice as a psychotherapist for the last 25 years and as an expressive arts therapist and facilitator. In turn, I have had the pleasure of learning from the people I have engaged with along the way as we explore life through art.
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Setting a up a Creative Quest involves music, poetry, visual arts and encouraging an atmosphere of warmth and openness to discovery. It is my joy to engage participants in a process that will activate their imagination and invite them in to an artistic adventure of exploration.
About Me.
Education
2015-2020
PhD Expressive Arts in Thearpy
Lesley University, Cambridge, Mass. U.S.A.
My studies at Lesley enlarged and illuminated for me the depth and breadth of how engagement in the arts is foundational in our humanity. I now understand art as an epistomology - a way of exploring and learning about ourselves and the human condition. My dissertation involved qualitative and art based research into how art facilitated the process of forgiveness.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_dissertations/100/
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https://intellectdiscover.com/content/journals/10.1386/jaah_00163_1
2000-2002
Masters in Counselling and Spirituality (concentration in couple and family therapy)
St Paul University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Spirituality is fundamental to who we are. Whether we wear it overtly or walk with it covertly, it surrounds us. With its solid grounding in clinical practice and spiritual significance, this degree prepared me for my work as a psychotherapist as I learned how to hold space for a holistic approach to healing by exploring self-understanding and facilitating healthy relationships and communication.
1997-2000
B.A. Psychology (minor in religion)
Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
I began my education and exploration into the healing arts within a framework of psychology and religious studies. This degree highlighted research studies in psychology, neurobiology, social sciences, and human development. The psychology of religion, Christian theology, death and dying, and courses on world religion enriched my interest in the discovery of existential meaning.