Therapy And Art

[Reclusive]

So... I did something a little crazy yesterday. We had a joint session, my fiance and I (both of us have PTSD), and I mentioned that we had worked on some photography projects together and would seeing them help in understanding where we're coming from. We used to do horror photography, so there's no way I'm going to share that here because some of it is pretty disturbing. But it made us happy when we'd finish a project, so... I dunno.

But I emailed a link to the photos to my therapist and now I'm feeling so nervous about what he's going to think. Did I just make a huge mistake? I was having an up day yesterday, which can be a little manic, so the whole word filter thing wasn't working. Has anyone had any experience in here anywhere?

 

[Marie E.]

I think it is positive to be do collages together, a healing thing really and I think it was a good idea to share it with your therapist. I am looking forward to seeing the outcome. Be brave

 

[Reclusive]

Well, they aren't precisely collages, although that does sound like a lot of fun. They're photos that we created about a year ago and are solidly in the horror genre. I'm having a 'not making sense' day so I'm sorry if I'm not making sense.

 

[Marie E.]

Well, they aren't precisely collages, although that does sound like a lot of fun. They're photos that we created about a year ago and are solidly in the horror genre. I'm having a 'not making sense' day so I'm sorry if I'm not making sense.

Nah it is just me and my PTSD thinking haha!! I think what you are doing now is great though. (((Big Hugs)))

 

[Reclusive]

Thanks so much, Marie - I appreciate that! I'm gonna look more into the collage thing - maybe make a vision board or something like it.

 

[The Albatross]

Photography is a vitally absorbing created interest for you... (my vaci is learning indian and asian style cooking). Don't stress. It's done and kind of like that song, que sera sera (sp?) whatever will be will be. I think it's great that you shared something you enjoy and are creative doing with your therapist. I tend to keep those to myself.

 

[Reclusive]

Oh, I love Indian style cooking! YUM! Hopefully it was a moment of divine guidance that made me share. My concerns are that he'll read more into it than he should... the images are kind of twisted, but my fiance and I loved making them.

 

[The Albatross]

It isn't about what he thinks... it is more about what you were willing to share (and risk). You got some progress (the way I gauge it) because you took the action and volunteered something you didn't run through the risk assessment about. Who cares what he thinks, you got progress!

 

[The Albatross]

Hang on to the enjoyment of a creative and enjoyable experience... one that was a risk to share. We can't control outcomes, what others may think. But we can feel empowered when we overcome the percieved threats to self (low risk person here) and step up to the plate take a swing and genuinely share who we are, fearlessly. You did that! Awesome!

 

[Reclusive]

The Albatross! Thank you so much - I hadn't thought of that at all. I DID act without fear and I shared from a place of joy without monitoring myself or censoring myself and you're totally right that that's an achievement! I mean, I have enough trouble admitting I take pictures as it is, so that was really kinda a breakthrough for me.

Thank you so much for your eyes and your words - I'm gonna have some extra bounce in my step today just because of you! ::hugs::

 

[ronin47]

I've always said the role of an artist is to take anything and everything in the world and make it beautiful. You shouldn't worry about what your therapist will think, it's his/her job to meet you where you are and if those kinds of pictures are a reflection of yourself and where you are, then so be it. It's cool that you are able to express yourself through photography and even cooler that you felt able to share it with someone else.

 

[Reclusive]

Well, I don't know about making things beautiful..... But you're totally right - it is what it is and we'll work with it. I'm starting to realize, just because of you guys in this thread, that this project I've been wanting to do for over a year (and another that my fiance wants to do) really expresses how I kinda feel. I just thought I was sick and twisted, hadn't even considered it as expression. LOL I'm obviously a clueless artist!