Dr Katrina Plato is an experiential therapist at Charlie Health, helping people through art.
A Day In The Life: Art Therapist
FROM the moment I discovered art therapy, I felt called to use this modality to help people express themselves.
This has encompassed the homeless, troubled youth in residential centres, or school-age children.
I am currently employed as an experiential therapist by Charlie Health, a virtual intensive outpatient treatment programme serving youth throughout the United States.
I facilitate art and it
express ve ar s
therapy groups, and help a wide range of children and young adults aged twelve to twenty-eight.
My therapy takes place online, which provides its own challenges, but I also have private clients who I see in person.
Before work begins, I like to prepare myself for the day ahead.
I am usually up by five thirty and will write in my journal, create art in a favourite medium and go for a walk.
Every other day, I will integrate aerobics into my routine. I believe it’s very important to take care of our physical body.
If I am helping other people to achieve good health, then it’s important that I practise self-care.
A typical day might involve me meeting with a private art therapy client in the morning.
One such client is a woman who has survived breast cancer and strokes.
Together we have found that the art medium of stencilling is something she enjoys with her present motor skills, and seeing her progress and enjoyment has been really rewarding.
If I’m not meeting anyone, then I will write essays for journals or curriculum materials for arts therapy conferences.
In the afternoon, I facilitate the therapy groups.
Their composition depends on several factors including the clients’ age and particular issues.
The majority of clients choose to be there but may resist engagement.
The most important thing I can do for them is to hold a calm space where they feel safe and valued.
A typical therapy session will involve the introduction of a theme, for example seeing and being seen.
We will do a check-in exercise, with
