Ideal Self Week 9

Being Accepted:

What does it truly mean to be accepted? For me, being accepted is not simply an external factor that relies solely on outside influences or opinions. Instead, it has become an integral part of my personal journey towards understanding the Self and the continual expansion of what it means to strive towards my ideal self. For me, acceptance begins from within, encompassing a willingness to be open to a variety of experiences, trusting in my innate feelings, and consistently engaging in the ongoing process of becoming. Openness entails a profound acceptance of my feelings and emotions, allowing them to exist without the barriers of denial or distortion. I am actively working at not shying away from negative emotions; rather, I am allowing myself to feel and process these emotions fully and honestly.

By staying attuned to my personal experiences, I begin to foster a deeper understanding of myself and my broader surroundings. According to Rogers, trusting one's feelings is another hallmark of a fully functioning person. I choose to rely on my own judgments and instincts, guided by an internal locus of evaluation. Instead of merely conforming to external standards or societal expectations, I am continuously challenging myself to listen to my inner voice in order to make important decisions. This trust in myself empowers me to navigate life with confidence and integrity, ultimately allowing me to stay truer to my authentic self and embrace who I am becoming.

Living a fulfilling and authentic life is truly at the heart of Carl Rogers' (1995) vision for personal development and self-actualization. A fully functioning person actively engages in life with a profound sense of creativity and resilience that empowers them to navigate various experiences. I am in the process of learning not to be paralyzed by the fear of the unknown; instead, I am focusing on cultivating a spirit of embracing life’s uncertainties and challenges as valuable opportunities for growth and meaningful learning. This proactive approach to life encourages a deeper sense of empowerment and enhanced vitality.

When I reflect on my initial interactions with clients, I have gained a broader understanding of one of the primary focuses that many clients are seeking: the need to be accepted for who they are, entirely. We come to these interactions with all of our faults and imperfections, both as therapists and clients, entering into a unique space that fosters understanding and a willingness to be vulnerable. Together, we guide clients towards being open, trusting in themselves, and discovering what authenticity truly means for each of us. Simultaneously, we are inevitably affected by one another in this process. Building relationships in these emotionally safe spaces requires a mutual acceptance that can often be quite challenging to cultivate in the outside world. I have been taking moments to reflect on the significance of the session’s experiences and the impact they hold. Perhaps you will take the opportunity to do the same? Let’s take a page from Rogers, actively giving and receiving the gift of acceptance in our interactions.

References

Rogers, Carl R. 1995. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Found My Way, Original collage by Carrie Occhino

Ideal Self Week 8

Being Understood:

Resolving internal conflicts continues to serve as a significant barrier to my personal growth and development. The thoughts that seemingly cycle endlessly due to these unresolved conflicts create ongoing challenges to gaining a deeper understanding of myself, therefore hindering my access to becoming my ideal self. In Carl Rogers' (1995) influential framework, several barriers can impede personal growth and obstruct the process of becoming a fully functioning person, which is essential for overall well-being. These barriers generally arise from a combination of internal conflicts and unresolved psychological issues that can significantly stifle self-actualization and hinder meaningful personal development.

One of the primary obstacles to personal growth identified by Rogers (1995) is the presence of incongruence. Incongruence occurs when there is a significant mismatch between an individual's self-concept—essentially how they see and perceive themselves—and their actual experiences in the world. This notable mismatch can create profound inner turmoil and anxiety, as individuals struggle to reconcile the discrepancies between their perceived self and their lived experiences, ultimately impacting their personal growth trajectory.

Defense mechanisms can also play a significant role in hindering personal growth in various and profound ways. These are psychological strategies that individuals unconsciously employ to protect themselves from feelings of anxiety and to maintain a stable self-concept amid emotional turmoil. I have observed that, for me, these mechanisms can offer a sense of temporary relief from discomfort, yet they often prevent me from effectively confronting the underlying issues that genuinely need to be addressed for substantial and meaningful growth. I struggle with the tendency to take the things that I am anxious about and, unfortunately, project those feelings onto other people, which complicates my interactions. Moreover, when my deepest vulnerabilities and hurts are activated, I tend to completely shut down emotionally and mentally.

This is a significant growth edge for me, one that I am actively working to navigate. Going through this reflective process has forced me to acknowledge and fess up to the unresolved hurts that still exist within me. Instead of attempting to shut them out entirely, I have learned to embrace these feelings as valuable catalysts for change and transformation, which they can ultimately become.

Another significant barrier that I have encountered is the fear of change. Personal growth inherently involves navigating various types of change, which can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. Change requires moving out of one's comfortable and familiar surroundings and confronting the uncertainties of the unknown, which can naturally trigger feelings of fear and resistance. I often find myself clinging tightly to familiar patterns and behaviors, even when they are obviously detrimental to my well-being, simply because they provide a comforting sense of security. I am currently in the process of identifying specific areas in my life that have become a crutch; for instance, I have been shutting people out and treating my body poorly by neglecting both its nourishment and necessary movement. These are just a few of the identified barriers that I am consciously working through. I recognize that I do not want to continue allowing fear to accompany me as a hindrance to my personal growth and progress. Letting go of this fear will require adopting better tools and strategies designed for effective personal growth. I know that channeling my inner strength, along with the support of others around me, is essential as I take the steps necessary to move forward on my journey.

References

Rogers, Carl R. 1995. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Cash Cow, Original collage by Carrie Occhino

Ideal Self Week 7

Being Heard: Relationships

“I feel happier by just for being myself and letting others be themselves” Carl Rogers (1995)

How many people can genuinely say they truly know you? Is this level of understanding even realistically obtainable? A significant characteristic of open, honest, and reciprocal relationships lies within the realms of truly being who you are, while also granting the authority for others to exercise that same right as well. Relationships can often be tricky and complicated, but at the very heart of any mutual relationship is a solid foundation built on authentic living. That being said, are there indeed appropriate levels to authenticity, or are we truly only considered authentic when we are all in, being fully ourselves? This is a particularly tricky subject to breach when it comes to therapeutic relationships. Authenticity in therapy manifests through the therapist's genuine willingness to be themselves, which encompasses acknowledging and sharing their own feelings when appropriate and beneficial. This practice must be balanced carefully, as it is not about shifting the focus from the client to the therapist, but rather about offering a thoughtful model of authentic interaction. By doing so, therapists provide a safe and welcoming space where clients feel empowered to explore their own genuine feelings and thoughts without fear of judgment. The authenticity demonstrated by the therapist encourages clients to lower their defenses and engage in the important process of self-exploration more deeply and meaningfully.

Clients benefit immensely from an authentic therapeutic relationship on multiple levels. First and foremost, it dissolves the hierarchical barriers that are often present in traditional therapeutic settings, thereby fostering a more collaborative and equal dynamic between the therapist and the client. This sense of equality significantly helps clients feel valued and understood, ultimately leading to a boost in their self-esteem and confidence. Moreover, when therapists embody authenticity in their practice, they convey a sense of unconditional positive regard, which not only reassures clients that they are accepted just as they are, but also that their feelings and experiences are valid, without any conditions or judgments imposed. This acceptance is profoundly powerful, playing a crucial role in helping clients learn to accept themselves, which is a fundamental and necessary step towards personal growth and overcoming deeply ingrained issues that may have held them back for years. When I reflect on some of the interactions I have had with clients during our sessions, I find that the most profound movement emerges from moments characterized by a genuine exchange of experiences. Every so often, a hint of “humanness” needs to surface as a vital platform for self-expression and exploration. It is often in these moments that an extraordinary amount of courage is demonstrated, creating energy that has no place to go except through something significant, often breaking down a barrier that has long existed.

So, the moral of the story is quite simple: just be yourself, and allow others the freedom to be themselves as well. This authentic exchange not only fosters mutual respect but also facilitates personal growth and movement towards something often greater than the individuals involved. By embracing our true selves and encouraging others to do the same, we create meaningful connections that can lead to transformative experiences and deeper understanding.

References

Rogers, Carl R. 1995. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Self-Esteem Week 6

One thing I have noticed that has helped with my self-esteem in the work place has been my ability to cultivate an environment of change.

For effective therapy to take place, Rogers (1995) holds that certain essential conditions must be present in the therapeutic environment. First, unconditional positive regard, a key principle introduced by Rogers, entails accepting the client without any conditions or criteria. This fundamental acceptance allows clients the freedom to express their innermost feelings and thoughts without the paralyzing fear of rejection or judgment from the therapist. When I think too much about what I am going to say and what art directive is most appropriate for the moment, I often find myself fixating on all the wrong things instead of focusing on the creative process.

Empathy, another critical condition in this framework, involves the therapist deeply understanding the client's experiences and emotions from their unique perspective. Rogers states that when clients feel genuinely heard and fully understood, they are much more likely to explore difficult emotions and past experiences that may be troubling them. This empathetic understanding helps to build a solid foundation of trust, which is a crucial element in any therapeutic relationship. Additionally, authenticity on the part of the therapist plays a significant role in effective therapy. Rogers emphasizes that therapists must be genuine in their interactions and should not adopt a façade of professionalism that feels insincere. Authenticity encourages clients to be open and honest about their own feelings and experiences, thus creating a reciprocal environment of trust and openness that fosters healing and personal growth. I am often conscious of how I present myself in a physical space. Does my body language give off an air of superiority that might be unintentional? I am truly hopeful that all clients feel completely welcomed and safely supported as they explore their thoughts and feelings in the nurturing environment I strive to create.

Safety is paramount because it effectively mitigates the fear and anxiety that often accompany self-disclosure and deeper personal exploration. As clients courageously confront and express their true feelings, they can progress towards greater self-awareness and self-acceptance, which are essential components of meaningful personal growth. Carl Rogers stresses that the therapist must fully embody these attitudes not merely as professional techniques but as a genuine way of being that reflects authenticity. The impact of the therapist's authenticity, along with their empathetic understanding, cannot be overstated, as these critical qualities significantly influence client outcomes. When clients encounter a therapy environment that is rich in empathetic understanding, congruence, and unconditional positive regard, they frequently experience profound personal transformation that can have lasting effects.

References

Rogers, Carl R. 1995. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Self-Esteem Week 5

I heard it said that you can only love others as much as you love yourself. How true is that statement? Can we truly give to others if we feel depleted in our understanding of who we are as individuals? To what extent do we genuinely like ourselves? Self-esteem and the extent to which you like, accept, and value yourself play crucial roles in shaping your self-concept. Our self-esteem can be influenced by a number of factors, including how others perceive you, how you think you measure up against your peers, and the specific role you hold in society. Carl Rogers believed that incongruence has its earliest roots in childhood development. When parents place conditions on their affection for their children, such as only expressing love if their children "earn it" through specific behaviors or by meeting certain expectations, these children begin to distort their memories of experiences. This process can leave them feeling unworthy of their parents' love and approval. In my practice as an art therapist, I examine the complexities of identity and the image of ourselves that has been constructed through a multitude of factors, including our environment, the influence of our guardians, and societal norms. These elements play an integral role in shaping how I approach my work in this field, as I seek to help individuals navigate their self-worth and understanding.

My own unique childhood experiences have played a pivotal role in shaping how I viewed and understood myself as an adolescent and early adult. Having had a narrow, distorted view of my own identity significantly altered the way I saw myself, and, in return, this impacted how I approached and engaged with the world around me. In essence, I found that I could not love others well, and I maintained that my efforts to get others to love and accept me often came at a cost—ultimately, it cost me my own sense of self. Diving into the intricate process of becoming who I was truly intended to be required a deep deconstruction of my thoughts and established patterns. I needed to understand the values that were important to me, to recognize what I genuinely believed in, and to clarify who I perceived myself to be as an individual. I started to listen to the innate intuitions about what felt good, which guided me to begin experiencing a life that was much more in line with my true self and aspirations.

In my numerous experiences with clients, this has consistently proven to be a crucial starting point for gaining access to a transformative healing journey. Believing in my clients wholeheartedly and allowing them the necessary space to explore their thoughts and feelings gives them the opportunity to truly understand themselves better and fosters deeper connections throughout the process.

References

Rogers, Carl R. 1995. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Vision Board

Self-Esteem Week 4

Self-esteem can be summed up as a comprehensive measure of how much a person values themselves in various aspects of their life. It also refers to the degree to which we approve of ourselves and how accepting we truly are of our own qualities and flaws. Self-esteem must necessarily involve some form of critical self-evaluation because it measures how much intrinsic value a person places on their own being; therefore, self-esteem is typically described as being characterized as high or low, reflecting a spectrum of personal worth and confidence.

During my internship experience, it was crucial to invest considerable time and effort in strengthening my self-esteem as a developing professional. Learning new skills, familiarizing myself with various programs, understanding diverse clients, and engaging in a dynamic new environment brings its own set of challenges that can often compromise how we perceive and value ourselves in the professional realm. This valuable experience showed me the importance of consistently viewing myself as a person equipped with skills and talents that are unique to who I am and the specific contributions I bring to the table professionally.

First, I needed to gain confidence in my abilities as a skilled and effective counselor. This is a process that requires an investment of time, extensive experience, and a keen awareness of growth areas, along with actively working to correct and strengthen the various techniques I bring to each unique therapeutic space. Through this ongoing process, I was also able to build confidence in my decision-making skills. There are moments in this work where quick, split-second decisions need to be made in order to ensure the safety and well-being of clients. These challenging moments prompted me to rely on both my intuition and the knowledge I have amassed, ensuring that my clients are well taken care of both emotionally and physically. Additionally, decisions need to be made regarding treatment plans, determining who to involve in the treatment process, and fostering collaborative efforts with other dedicated practitioners in the field.

When I was finally able to embrace my shortcomings and fully commit myself to being a supportive team member, my own self-acceptance significantly increased. I began to feel as though I truly belonged to a cohesive unit that was dedicated to the safety and well-being of individuals who were seeking mental health support. Supporting others in this meaningful way served as a valuable catalyst for my own journey toward self-acceptance and personal growth.

Art Reflection Week 4: Self-Esteem

Broken Pieces, Acrylic paint, 8.5x11

Perhaps the biggest hurdle I had to overcome during this time was the perception that I was being constantly judged by others around me. When we carry the heavy weight of judgment or the fear of being scrutinized, it significantly impacts our outcomes and how we feel about our own abilities. I was undeniably nervous to start fresh in a new place, but I found that building genuine relationships with those around me helped me to see that we are all essentially in the same boat together. Learning from my peers and engaging in open conversations was an exceptional way to abolish my fears of being judged and to create a supportive environment for everyone involved.

Finally, my overall outlook on life significantly impacted the way I was able to show up consistently to my site each day. By looking at every new day as a valuable avenue to learn and grow, I was able to maintain an optimistic perspective while I continue to build my skills, nurture relationships, and enhance my self-confidence. This particular field of work has shown me that people just need hope, and if I can provide that essential hope for them, then right there is the most important and meaningful work I can do to genuinely help others in their journey.

Self-Image Week 3

Genuineness

The physical parts of us that often haunt and distract us seem to linger in our minds. Are we ever truly satisfied with what we see? As we get older, we inevitably change, and it begs the question—do we focus primarily on the physical aspects of this transformation? Self-image plays a crucial role, along with the deeper causes of our perceptions, as we strive towards a more meaningful self-fulfillment. How do we satisfy ourselves in order to reach that elusive state of fulfillment? As I continue to develop my identity, both in a professional context and on a personal level, I have maintained my search for a healthier self-image through the important act of being genuinely true to myself. At the heart of one’s identity lies authenticity, which is a fundamental attribute of genuineness. From a professional standpoint, demonstrating this genuineness can lead to profound therapeutic bonds characterized by empathy and respect. Clients who feel supported are much more apt to open up, explore their true emotions, and deeply engage in the process of self-exploration. Therefore, in my role as a professional, I strive to glean experiences that facilitate and foster authenticity. How do I present myself on a particularly bad day? How can I genuinely care for someone else when I have neglected to care for myself? This radical exchange of genuineness between the client and the facilitator ultimately leads towards a space of empowered self-acceptance. It is here, in this dynamic exchange, that significant personal growth has occurred as I strive towards cultivating a deeper and more meaningful sense of self-image. Am I genuinely bringing authenticity into this space, and am I creating the optimal environment for meaningful change to unfold? I

I am constantly reminded that my journey beautifully co-exists with the meaningful work I do as an art therapist. Throughout this process, I have learned that by pouring into myself and nurturing my own well-being, I am directly impacting the lives of those I strive to come alongside in their healing journey. I have come to realize that I am no longer remaining stuck in the limiting thought that this important work begins only as soon as I manage to get everything all together. I have firmly rejected the outdated notion that professionalism equals perfection in any form. My experiences on a deeply personal level continue to move me towards spaces of feeling, experiencing, and behaving in ways that truly resonate with my self-image. This journey is truly not a hastened race, but rather a continual movement towards discovering and reaching my core self. The closer I move towards aligning my self-image with my ideal self, the more authentic I become in my interactions and in the work I embrace. Creating the least threatening environment becomes not only a space in which I need to provide comfort and safety but also a place where I must actively exist and engage with others. By fostering such an environment, the aim is to promote open communication and a sense of belonging among all individuals involved.

Art Reflection Week 3: Self-Image

Infusion, Pastel on paper, 8.5x11

Self-Image Week 2

Movement:

Defining a direction seems to follow me wherever I go in life. The persistent pressure to choose, to make a choice in a fleeting moment, and to be fully all in can be overwhelming. These are the myriad pressures I have felt across many different areas of my life. It’s no wonder I have often felt consumed by these expectations. From a very young age, we are programmed to make choices—both good and bad. As a result of this programming, we often find ourselves facing punishment for our bad choices. If we are never taught the valuable lessons that come from making mistakes and learning from them, how can we ever feel the comfort and freedom to genuinely become who we are meant to be, instead of merely conforming to the identities that others impose upon us? Learning to look to others to define who I am has sadly been deeply ingrained in my personal belief system. There is little freedom in that approach, as it restricts opportunities to explore, reject, and redefine our identities throughout life. As I continue to examine my own self-concept, I have come to realize that in order to truly build a sense of self, I have had to dismantle the rigid system within which I often discover and define myself. This newfound curiosity, which allows me to explore and rebuild my identity, greatly enriches and defines my practice as an art therapist. However, there remains a significant pressure to define who a person is based solely on the limited knowledge gleaned from initial intake sessions. As I navigate through this internship experience, I feel a strong compulsion to be mindful of how I am attempting to define another person. Once again, the pressure to make a choice, to define, and to move forward looms large.

The process of accompanying a client on a journey of healing is not simply a platform to convince anyone of how much we know or understand, but rather an open road that warmly invites one to move steadily at their own pace and comfort level. Carl Rogers (1995) implores the clinician to practice stillness and to elevate the client to the role of expert in their own experience, stating, “It began to occur to me that unless I had a need to demonstrate my own cleverness and learning, I would do better to rely upon the client for the direction of movement in the process” (p.12). This perspective highlights the importance of fostering a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to guide their own healing journey.

This week, I find myself reflecting on the concepts of movement, pace, and the various patterns of belief that have significantly defined who I am. What if we were truly given the freedom to grow at our own individual pace, without external pressures? What if we created a space where clients could fully immerse themselves and bring their authentic selves to each session, with the controller in hand and ready to explore? As I examine my own journey, I seek to understand under what specific conditions growth feels most dominant and vibrant. What are the elements that enable me to continuously cultivate that sense of curiosity and exploration in my life?

References

Rogers, Carl R. 1995. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Journey Through Curiosity, Original collage by Carrie Occhino

Self-Image Week 1

Carl Rogers (1995) effectively applies his theory of personality centered on self-concept, emphasizing the crucial components of self-worth, self-image, and ideal self. Engaged in the realm of art therapy, I find myself drawn to Roger’s theory, particularly in relation to my interactions with clients. A prevalent theme among those I assist is the intricate struggles they face with their sense of self, serving as the cornerstone of my artistic therapeutic endeavors. The notion of identity, a fluid construct influenced by experiences, environment, and personal growth, forms the foundation of my practice.

As an art therapist, my focus lies in uncovering ruptures that have altered an individual’s identity. Initial sessions revolve around fostering trust and pinpointing instances where ruptures have led to a fractured self. Acknowledging and addressing these pivotal moments of trauma, abandonment, or isolation becomes paramount in guiding clients towards self-restoration. By offering trauma-informed care rooted in empathy and permission, art therapy serves as a medium for expression and healing, aiding in the reintegration of fragmented pieces.

In a space of my own personal identity, I have encountered numerous instances where the foundation of my self-concept has been reshaped. Upon contemplation of my journey, I discern the presence of gaps that have contributed to a limited perspective of my identity and beliefs. The evolution of my identity through various life experiences revealed a lack of self-awareness, a result of being anchored in unstable ground. Straying from my authentic self, I found myself conforming to a self-image dictated by external factors. I adapted and modified my identity in response to my environment and the perceived requirements for acceptance. The current phase of defining a renewed self-concept has heightened my inclination towards introspection. Questions such as "Who am I?" and "What truly resonates with me?" illuminate the path towards understanding the elements that inspire and bind me to my authentic self.

Art Reflection Week 1: Self-Image

Fragmented Parts, 12x16

References

Rogers, Carl R. 1995. On Becoming a Person: A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Introduction and Proposal for Creative Inquiry Project

introduction

It is indeed quite surreal to realize that my journey at Southwestern College is slowly drawing to a close. The duration of the past three years has been incredibly enriching, imparting numerous invaluable lessons upon me. As I approach the culmination of my time here, I find myself grappling with a blend of emotions - a poignant mix of nostalgia and anticipation. The insights gained during this period, both in terms of my professional growth and personal evolution, have been truly transformative. Beyond the realm of academics, engaging in diverse creative endeavors has been instrumental in fostering profound introspection. As I prepare to bid farewell, I am determined to carry forward these learnings, merging them into a vision that portends my forthcoming path as an art therapist.

In Capstone B, I have elected to pursue the Creative Inquiry project, leveraging insights gained from my internship experience to delve into the essence of personal and professional identity. This initiative represents a natural progression in exploring the intricacies of self-concept and the factors that contribute to its formulation. Intrigued by Carl Rogers' work, "On Becoming A Person," I aim to examine my self-concept, drawing parallels between personal growth and professional development. By examining the components of self-image, self-esteem, and ideal self as delineated by Rogers, this project will provide a comprehensive analysis of my self-perception and its alignment with my aspirations.

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project outline

·      2 hours a week; 1 hour of reading, 1 hour of creative reflection/journaling

·      I will document this project through a blog on my personal website using photographs and excerpts from journaling.

·      I will spend 3 weeks on each area of self-concept: self-image, self-esteem, ideal self and the final week will be a final reflection piece.

·      Ethical considerations would be client confidentiality when referencing quotes and imagery from clients. (I am not sure if I am going to bring these pieces in) I am more looking to gain insight of how others perceive these areas of self-concept and reflect on that.

·      I plan to video my final presentation pulling from my personal website to create a PowerPoint presentation.