Welcome back to our “8 Things We Swear By” series, where we get to know the Alexandria Art Therapy team. This post is inspired by Cup of Jo’s “8 Things We Swear By” blog.

This blog post does not contain affiliate links.

Associate Art Therapist Jenna Kelley specializes in individual therapy for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. 

Here, Jenna shares 8 things she loves…

1. Daily ritual: Making cappuccinos. I usually start off my day with coffee or a cappuccino and try to find a spot to look out the window and take in nature for a minute.
    

2. Artwork: Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. I also thought the Van Gogh Immersive Experience was beautiful. It allows you to view the art differently and see each painting with more detail. The art and music really transports you to a different world and allows you to experience his art in a powerful way.
   
   

3. Art supply: I have been getting into fluid art and pour painting lately. Watching fluid art videos is a great way to learn new techniques, and it’s also relaxing to see all the colors blending together. This process is really fun and surprising and creates cool designs. (Here are a few of my favorite videos: 1 | 2 | 3).
   
   

4. Inspiring Space: Being out in nature has always been a source of inspiration for photography and other art projects for me. The colorful fall leaves are my favorite, but winter has its own quiet beauty, too.

5. Song: Oh, so many to choose from! Right now I am enjoying Vance Joy’s new album In Our Own Sweet Time. “Missing Piece” is my favorite song from that album.

6. Scent: The “Winter White” candle from Illume.  I love the balsam fir and evergreen tree scent and the citrus and amber notes. 

7. Book: I often find myself recommending Emily & Amelia Nagoski’s book, Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle.

8. Aha Moment: This video clip from Mel Robbins made me think a lot about change, fear, and what motivates us. She says if you’re constantly procrastinating, you can use the “5 second rule” and count backwards from five whenever you’re met with a chance to take action. This ritual can interrupt your brain’s patterns of overthinking, fear, and anxiety.  

To join Jenna’s waitlist, first tell us more about you. 

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