42. 9 Ways Expressive Art Therapy is Magic and Makes Mom-Life More Bearable with Catherine Mellinger

Apr 11

In today’s episode, Catherine Mellinger and Kayla Huszar share insights on curiosity, connection and creativity and the magic that expressive art gives you as a mother.

"Even when I feel like I've messed up due to my own dysregulation, or when I'm bombarded with 'perfect' scripts in books or Instagram, I know that as a mother, I can always turn to my art journal to find reassurance. It's where I always find a glimmer of hope." - Kayla Huszar

As trained Expressive Art Therapy Therapists, we have discovered the most significant advice for parents: be curious and lean into the glimmer.

We chat about why expressive art is so important for moms (who are often overlooked by society) and how women can cultivate a sense of curiosity to recognize their true worth.

By the way, Catherine is really curious about your shoes, the adorable onesie your baby is wearing, and what kind of support you're looking for from therapy.

Here are 9 ways expressive art therapy is magic for mom-life, tune in to hear more about it!

Expressive art therapy is a rad way for moms to express themselves without having to overthink it.
Sometimes, you just need to let your art do the talking.
It's a cool way to find a solution without someone else telling you what to do.
It helps you build trust in yourself- even when you're feeling stuck or doubtful.
Best of all, you can be as bitchy or sad as you want without anyone telling you to cheer up.
Art therapy can also help you find hope in dark times.
It's like a mental reset button that can help you get unstuck from negative thoughts.
By making art, you can start to see things in a new light- even the stuff that makes you squirm.
And, you get to be seen and heard by your therapist and by yourself, which can help you realize that you're actually a pretty awesome human.

We mentioned Olivia's Book Impossible Parenting. You can check it out here.

Mama, you might find these interesting:

Download this free guide: 101 Ways to Be Chill Like a Mother

Follow Kayla on her Instagram account @kayla.huszar

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Catherine Mellinger (she/they) is an Expressive Arts Therapist (EXAT), Perinatal Mental Health Therapist (CC-PMH) and mixed media collage artist who’s works have been exhibited across Turtle Island and published Internationally.

Originally from land belonging to Treaty 6 (Colonially named Saskatoon, Saskatchewan) she currently lives and works in what is colonially named Waterloo, land included in the Haldimand Tract and belonging to the Neutral, Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples. Catherine is a parent of two children, an avid urban grower, and lives within a family structurethat is an exploration space for neurodivergent celebration and ways of being. They are the co-founder of Together: For Perinatal Mental Health Waterloo Region.

Catherine identifies as a queer femme artist living with invisible disability.

https://www.catherinemellinger.com

https://www.instagram.com/catherine_mellinger/

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This information is for educational purposes only. Kayla cannot provide personalized advice or recommendations for your unique situation or circumstances. Therefore, nothing on this page or website should replace therapeutic recommendations or personalized advice. If you require such services, please consult with a medical or therapeutic provider to determine what's best for you. Kayla cannot be held responsible for your use of this website or its contents. Please never disregard or delay seeking medical or therapeutic treatment because of something you read or accessed through this website.

Kayla Huszar

I believe that women are not given the tools to succeed in parenting. Constantly striving for an unattainable standard leaves mothers feeling inadequate and overwhelmed.

Through the use of creative arts, there is a beautiful moment of sacred stillness. A simple act of intentional creativity can remind a mother of who she is, what is truly important, and what she is capable of.

I aim to provide the best creative arts services both online and in person, because every mother deserves a simple and effective outlet for finding chill, being vibrant and feeling alive.

http://www.kaylahuszar.com