No matter our experiences in life, art is what brings the entire DeviantArt community together. We use art as a means of expressing ourselves, how we feel, and how we see the world around us, even in moments when we feel we are at our most vulnerable.
As we commemorate World Mental Health Day, we want to help empower you in using your art as a way to cope with the ups and downs of life. In this journal, we'll shine some light on how art therapy can be a beneficial and effective means of using art to better your mental and emotional well-being.
Meet the Therapist
A teacher by profession, Gina Alfonso (ginalfonso) has over ten years of experience as an art therapist. She was the Global Lead Trainer for Save the Children's Healing and Education Through the Arts (HEART) program, which helps children in over 20 countries—particularly in conflict-ravaged areas—use art therapy to cope with trauma and stress. In addition to her work with Save the Children, she also runs her own private art therapy practice in Manassas, Virginia, as well as an art-centered center for healing and education in the Philippines.