Let's Talk: Wellness Workshops

This month is Mental Health Awareness Month and we want to address anxiety around the workplace. Did you know that 52% of Americans are anxious about returning to an in-person working environment?* People do not want to risk their health or put their families in danger, which has increased levels of stress and anxiety. With this new lifestyle, individuals are having trouble balancing work and children responsibilities in addition to self-care. There are fewer opportunities to take a break and reflect as we seem to be constantly acting in a fight or flight mode.

The Art Therapy Project has recognized this issue of balance and self-care which has been caused by the pandemic, our work, family, social, economic and political climate. We offer businesses and organizations Wellness Workshops led by licensed art therapists to help alleviate stress and provide opportunities for connection. They are customizable to meet your and your company's needs and goals as well as offer new support that might not have been considered before.

Workshops can be a one-time session or take place over several weeks - entirely up to you! Collaborating and connecting through creativity can boost morale, increase communication, foster self-care and promote inclusivity. In order to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and the increasing stress levels of returning to work, we wanted to highlight and dive deeper into why our Wellness Workshops could be a great fix for you.

To learn more about the benefits of Wellness Workshops, we interviewed our Clinical Director, Lindsay Lederman MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS, which you can find below.

How do TATP's Wellness Workshops build culture and promote wellness for employees?

What we have seen is employees are really looking for engagement and connection during this time. The past few years of life have been chaotic to say the least and not everyone gets the support they really need from an employer. When companies bring us in for Wellness Workshops, they are demonstrating their care for their staff and offering a space of support. 

The workshops consist of education about art therapy, an interactive art experience and a chance for employees to have a shared experience. While the workshops are not therapy, the ability to engage people with using art for wellness has shown to be a different and effective way to promote wellness for employees.

How does self-expression build relationships and foster the need for community?

My favorite part of a workshop is when we invite participants to hold up their art. Something incredible happens – we look around the room or the zoom squares, and employees get to witness the similarities with their colleagues in their artwork. We see smiles, nods, pointing and sharing happen. There is not always time in the workday, especially being remote, to connect with our colleagues. Being able to acknowledge each other in this non-verbal space builds feelings of connection that are so essential to companies trying to maintain, establish or reestablish community at work.

Have you noticed any recurring themes or patterns in conversations about mental health during your wellness workshops?

The most common discussion topic is stress and work-life balance. The pandemic brought to light so many issues that individuals and companies are starting to acknowledge more publicly and wholeheartedly. Mental health, stress and being seen are all things that can impact job satisfaction, retention and productivity.

Why do you believe mindful art-making should have a presence in the workplace?

We have found that when companies offer these workshops, many staff feel they finally have an outlet - a place to put into practice self-care and learn some helpful tips for including creativity for wellness in their everyday lives. We don’t have time in our day to always connect to and process emotions, so allowing for an art experience that can be done in a short amount of time, shows people that acknowledging these feelings can help them get through their day and become more patient, satisfied and connected at work.

What do you think is the most valuable takeaway from TATP's Wellness Workshops?

Seeing employers acknowledge their staff’s needs has been an incredible process. Participants who join, and who might not consider themselves creative, walk away with a fulfilling experience and have said how seen and heard they feel. The relaxation, the time to be mindful and connect to oneself and others has been a valuable addition to the care companies are showing to their teams.

To submit an inquiry today, visit our Wellness Workshop page on our site and get started!

*52 Percent of Americans Anxious About Returning to In-Person Workplace, Poll Finds, Newsweek. January 2022. https://www.newsweek.com/52-percent-americans-anxious-about-returning-person-workplace-poll-finds-1670952