8 Things We Swear By: Art Therapist Kathryn Harlow
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 post does not contain affiliate links.
Associate Art Therapist Kathryn Harlow specializes in working with people who have been impacted by trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. She offers both art therapy and EMDR services.
Here, Kathryn shares 8 things she loves…
Daily Ritual: Movement. Over the last several years I have learned to love and look forward to starting each day with movement. Whether the movement is more intense exercise or a bit of gentle stretching, it puts me in the right headspace to get my day going.
Artwork: The Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo. Frida Kahlo has always been a favorite artist of mine. This painting was the largest piece she ever created and is a beautiful example of how Frida Kahlo utilized painting as a way to process her emotions and inner turmoil.
Art Supply: Watercolor has become a go to art supply for me. I love the fluidity of the material and the ability to create vibrant or subdued colors with the same paint palette. I have a set of small travel watercolors that also make watercolor a more portable material than the other paints I enjoy using.
Inspiring Space: My home office has quickly become a favorite space of mine. I have painted an accent wall, filled it with plants, and covered the walls with art that is just for me. On the weekends I put away my work materials and the space becomes a place to create art or do my at home manicures.
5. Song: “Radio Gaga” by Queen. This song always fills me with energy and makes me want to move. I purchased the record The Works on vinyl for this song.
6. Scent:I have sensitive skin so I tend to shy away from scented lotions or perfumes, but really like spaces that are lightly scented with cinnamon or lavender. I find both relaxing and soothing.
7. Book: I find myself recommending the book Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski to many of my clients. She takes an open-minded and respectful approach to sex re-education for her readers.
8. Aha Moment: I often work with my clients to begin viewing “emotions as information” rather than something to repress or hide from. Emotions are signals for us to notice and attune to, providing us with pertinent information about what we need, much like other sensations such as thirst, hunger, or fatigue.
Want to see more from Kathryn? You can follow her on Instagram here.
Don't miss an update--subscribe to our newsletter on Substack to receive new blog posts & the latest news in your inbox every other week.