Art Therapy and Mental Health Care for Chronic Illness Patients

Bonnie from Dream Big Wellness discusses art therapy and mental health care for chronic illness and cancer care patients.

Bonnie is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Washington state as well as a nationally registered and board certified art therapist. As an undergrad in psychology and art, Bonnie knew she wanted to help people but was initially hesitant to take on the graduate school needed to become an art therapist. After years of working with organizations helping connect people with the resources they needed, Bonnie was tired of referring clients to others for help and took the plunge on her own education. After 3-4 years of grad school and 2 more years of post graduate training she was able to provide art therapy services to those in need, with a focus on chronic illness and cancer care. She now works with adults providing art therapy services to help those with chronic conditions process their experience in a new way.

Alongside Katie, another therapist working with patients with chronic pain (including the host of this program), Bonnie co-founded Dream Big Wellness. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was dedicated to helping people with chronic pain, chronic illness, and cancer care access art therapy and mental health care services as they navigate the healthcare system. Today, with a team of 7 clinicians and 4 board members, they provide services to Washington state focused in the Seattle area. Through Dream Big Wellness, they provide unique opportunities for patients to express their emotions, struggles, and symptoms using art instead of words. This process can often help find new ways to express hard to convey truths and a new way to think about experiences through different perspectives.

In this episode of the Major Pain Podcast we talk with Bonnie about the many benefits of art therapy and mental health care for those dealing with loss, grief, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Chronic illness can be such a large part of a person’s lived experience, and art therapy can help escape that sense of isolation. Patients can gain understanding of their own experiences and new ways to communicate them to loved ones and care providers alike.

Connect with Dream Big Wellness online at https://www.dreambigwellness.org/

While Dream Big Wellness serves patients within Washington state, there are many great organizations throughout the rest of the US. Arttherapy.org, the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB.org), the American Psychological Association (APA.org), and Psychology Today all provide ways to find the right therapist for you.

Podcast editing and write-up by Casey McKenzie.

Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.