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.

Registered Art Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor Matthew Brooks specializes in working with people who have been impacted by grief, medical diagnoses, anxiety, depression, or life transitions. 

Here, Matt shares 8 things he loves…

1. Daily Ritual: I am a tea drinker, so I always start my day with a cup of tea. Then I walk my dogs for three miles while I listen to audiobooks. 

2. Inspiring Space:  I have created a space in my home that I intentionally made for creativity. I grew up making art with my grandfather, and one inspiring space I often think of is his art shed where he taught me to paint.

3. Artwork: I also often sneak off to the Smithsonian American Art Gallery to sit at one of my favorite paintings, Among the Sierra Nevada, by Albert Bierstadt (1868).

4. Art Supply: Because I grew up painting and drawing with my grandfather, those were my go-to mediums for years. In 2020, I began learning how to digitally paint, so now I find it an easier form that I can pick up and take anywhere. For digital media, I use the app Procreate on the iPad. For painting, I tend to use mixed media with plaster, paints, ink washes, and other materials. 

5. Song: My favorite songs change on a daily basis, but I tend to play City and Colour in my daily playlist, especially “Twilight,” a cover of a song by Elliott Smith. 
6. Scent: I do love a balsam fir scent, but my house usually has a diffuser scent of gardenia or jasmine. 
7. Book: I am an avid fan of fantasy novels by Brandon Sanderson, Joe Abercrombie, and the like. My favorite series is The Stormlight Archive.
8. Aha Moment: I have been finding that being a male in the profession and working with children, there have been several experiences during sessions in which my clients have witnessed a male breaking gender roles. Some of the children have discussed with me about how they believe emotions and behaviors are a certain way. Boys don't cry and when they get angry–they break stuff or yell a lot, etc. Working with several children and discussing how a healthy emotional balance can exist, there have been moments in which the kids go, "Wait, you can do that? It doesn't have to be this way." It's a joy to witness that lightbulb moment for them.  

Want to see more from Matt? You can follow him on Instagram here. Matt has a few remaining openings for new clients. If you’re interested in getting started, send us an email at info@alexandriaarttherapy.com.

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