Our Values
I have always been drawn to the research. I engaged in neuroscience research while as a college student and for a time shortly after I graduated. Research in the hard sciences have led to phenomenal advancements in human physical health and I would image greatly contributed to why the average human lifespan has increased in the last few hundred years. Now as an art therapist and counselor I look to the research for guidance on best practice in the field working with patients AND in the work environment.
I have worked in environments that have led to burnout, and I would trade burnout for burnt ends any day. As a result, I have used my experience and the experience of others as feedback to create a well-intentioned work environment here at Coastal Art Therapy Services.
Coastal Art Therapy Services provides a work culture that is humanistic, genuine, sustainable, effective, and trauma-informed, because when we as clinicians feel safe and supported we can truly do our best work.
Humanism
Humanism is an inherently optimistic and compassionate view of humans. Humanist beliefs stress the potential value and goodness of human beings, in that humans have the innate ability to become the best version of themselves, be creative, and use rational ways of problem-solving life’s challenges. The way this comes out in the work environment is that we respect ourselves and our patients, believe in the work we do with our patients, authentically connect with our patients, and nurture our creative selves with consistent art-making.
Genuineness
Genuineness is defined as the quality of truly being what something is said to be; authentic. The way this comes out in the work environment is the invitation to come as you are, however that looks and feels in the moment. There is transparency in the process, whether that be guiding patients through the therapeutic process who have never been to therapy before, or providing clear, defined work policies and procedures that are reviewed annually to proactively stay on top of trends in the industry.
Sustainability
We do our best to implement business practices that support human health and vitality. Resources, such as energy levels, are finite and are encouraged to be used conservatively and wisely to promote long-term growth in the work environment. This is one of the reasons why we strive to diversify services and incorporate employee strengths and interests into overall work load.
When we feel our best, we can do our best work.
Effectiveness
Creating a safe and supportive work environment by extension allows our clinicians to provide effective care using art therapy and evidence-based practice. Evidence-based practice is effective mental health treatment that has been scientifically studied and shown to have significant results. Time and time again, the results can be replicated by other researchers across other populations. Research shows the use of evidence-based practice significantly decreases the risk of clinician burnout (Wilkinson et al., 2017).
Trauma-Informed
Guided by SAMHSA’s six principles, our trauma-informed approach includes:
Safety - all are welcome, come as you are.
Trustworthiness & Transparency - there is no question about what we do and why we do it, and if there are questions, we answer them! No surprises, no blindsiding for both patient and clinician.
Peer Support - you are not alone.
Collaboration - we elicit feedback via asking questions in session, program evaluation, and self-report measures.
Empowerment - you always have options and are capable of making your own choices on your terms.
Humility & Responsibility - we are receptive to feedback and take accountability for our actions.
If you would like to connect with us, collaborate with us, or have any other feedback, please contact us!
References:
Wilkinson, C. B., Infantolino, Z. P., & Wacha-Montes, A. (2017). Evidence-based practice as a potential solution to burnout in university counseling center clinicians. Psychological Services, 14(4), 543–548. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000156
