The Healing Memory Project
In-Service Talks
Congregation Talks
Workshops
What is in place after a client graduates from therapy? What exists to ensure that a client remembers all the positive work done in sessions? This is what is at the heart of The Healing Memory Project, a collaboration between myself and Pittsburgh-based psychotherapist Lauren Lazar Stern MA, ATR-BC, LPC. Stern specializes in patients with eating disorders and other addictive behaviors, employing a variety of techniques in addressing the needs of her patients. These include expressive arts therapy and EMDR, a technique used most often for "Big T" traumas, but also effective with "Little T" traumas, such as the hurtful words we've heard in the past, which unconsciously still color our every move.
My work begins as soon as a client enters treatment. My job is to tease out a visualization called a "Healing Dreamscape" that will resonate and lead to positive change. I design the final deliverable - a fine art photomontage - not only to fit a particular issue(s), but also to fit a unique temperament and mindset. In other words, some clients need a piece that shocks and awes; others need a daydream that comes to life.
Here is how we get there:
- I conduct a separate intake process from Stern's, without any prior knowledge of the patient. This covers onset and triggers, relationships, meal-time, secret aspirations, fears and disappointments. Next ...
- I address the prescriptive visualization. What are the pre-emptive baby-steps they can take to stay in a good place and not backslide? What are the reminders they need to keep, literally, in their "back pocket"? (as a Dreamscape can be as small as a credit card or as big as a poster on their dorm room door). Next ...
- I collect photographs and then begin to re-envision their past to create a more joyful outlook. Drawing from narrative therapy, my methodology begins with myth-building. I employ Photoshop to create the impeccable reality of a Dreamscape. In these fine art photomontages, I co-mingle and repurpose the fragments of memory - personal photos - creating an epic story that rebuilds a client's character and timeline through humor, irony, symbolism and metaphor.
The objective is to reach the unconscious - the place where we truly begin to see our lives on a new cognitive plane. Whether The Healing Memory Project encourages us to imbue our lives with more spirituality, religiosity or optimism is up to the individual. But for clients who have a history of veering off course, The Healing Memory Project is an important safeguard. Think of the Healing Dreamscape as a snapshot of your progress and positive mindset ... a vision of dreams to come ... a record of where you came from, where you are now and where you are going.
Whatever side of the equation you are from - mental health, spiritual or pastoral care - or if you are someone seeking therapy at this time, consider The Healing Memory Project.
Nancy Gershman, Chicago studio: 773-255-4677
Lauren Stern MA, ATR-BC, LPC, Pittsburgh practice: 412/361-8040
Is your organization or support group looking for new ways to encourage dialogue between your patient and family members as a result of a relationship rift? I can be engaged for an in-service talk aboutmy positive visualization techniques and how they might be applied across a spectrum of cases, such as with issues of acceptance or with forgiveness. Contact me at 773-255-4677 or email nancy@artforyoursake.com.
See letter of recommendation by Chaplain Al Warren, Unity Hospice
Does your congregation lean towards more spiritual programming; for talks that tie into the week's sermon or high holiday messaging? It's one of my supreme pleasures to show audiences how we can use healing artwork to tear down walls and bring hope to the most incorrigible situations. Contact me to discuss openings, at 773-255-4677 or email nancy@artforyoursake.com.
See letter of recommendation by Sheri Simon Cupkovic, Sisterhood President
Are you interested in a hands-on workshop that encourages clients to express their feelings in the form of narrative, prose or poetry? In my Healing Dreamscape Workshops, participants tell their stories via photo collage, while a "buddy" (a family member, friend, or social worker) captures their oral stories on paper or by computer. Typically, participants bring copies of their photographs. Your organization supplies the magazines, scissors and glue. Art For Your Sake creates the montage-ready backdrops and facilitates the session(s). Workshops can range from two (2) hour sessions to all-day sessions.
See letter of recommendation from Rabbi Heather Altman, Anshe Emet Synagogue
"Carry On Workshops." Conducted for bereavement clients of Unity Hospice (see inset photo), this workshop for seniors revolved around creating a "CarryOn" box: a transitional object to help us "carry on with our lives" during the most stressful period of the year. The multi-paneled Chinese take-out box became a powerful metaphor for remembering each and every facet of a loved one's character -- helping us accept the good with the bad.
See letter of recommendation from Chaplain Al Warren of Unity Hospice
For a proposal that meets your needs and budget,
call Nancy at 773/255-4677 or email nancy@artforyoursake.com.