Art Therapy Intern Chloé's Impact at Piece by Piece
Piece by Piece has been selected as a placement location for Loyola Marymount University's Art Therapy internship program. This has brought Chloé, an Art Therapy intern, to work with the Piece by Piece artists from January through May of this year. Art therapy offers a unique and powerful approach to healing for adults who have experienced trauma, providing a safe, creative, and transformative space for processing emotions, gaining insight, and fostering resilience.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Chloé and learn more about their role at Piece by Piece and their experience thus far.
Throughout their practicum, Chloé, a graduate student at Loyola Marymount University specializing in marriage and family therapy with a focus on art therapy, has made meaningful contributions to the artists at Piece by Piece. Through their dedication to both individual and group art therapy sessions, they have created a supportive environment where artists, especially those facing housing insecurity, can express themselves freely.
Employing narrative theory and therapy, Chloé has guided the artists in reclaiming their identities and deconstructing societal power structures through their art. This approach has empowered them to explore their personal narratives and find strength in their stories.
Chloé's emphasis on confidentiality, pacing, and non-judgmental acceptance, informed by their training at Loyola Marymount University, has fostered a safe space for artistic exploration. Artists feel understood and supported, enabling them to express themselves without fear of criticism.
In individual sessions, Chloé has utilized their education and specialization to help artists develop self-awareness and establish achievable goals for personal growth. In group sessions accommodating up to eight participants, they have facilitated the exchange of coping mechanisms for stress while fostering a sense of community among the artists.
As a first-time therapist, Chloé has learned to navigate boundaries while maintaining empathy and accessibility, skills honed through their education at Loyola Marymount University. Their commitment to self-care and assertiveness has strengthened the therapeutic relationship, ensuring that artists receive the support they need.
Overall, Chloé's contributions have fostered the well-being and resilience of the artists at Piece by Piece. Their dedication to art therapy, enriched by their studies at Loyola Marymount University, has provided support to Piece by Piece artists, empowering the artists to embrace their creativity and face life's challenges with confidence.
