About Me
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1956, I was enormously influenced by the energy of the changing times and challenges in the '60's. I realized early that I was not so much a 'specialist', as a 'generalist'; meaning that despite my early grooming for becoming a fine artist, I found too many things interesting to focus on just one.
Later, I did become an artist- but I've also developed many other skills and interests. It has been my experience working with clients that most people evolve through a development of diverse skills as they mature, strengthen their egos, emotional stability and spiritual connection.
My brief career at Bennington College in the '70's was disrupted when I dropped out following a car accident. Several years of living an alternative life, exploring all thing New Age, working in food co-ops, bookstores, social service agencies, eventually led to a leap into the commune life. For over a year I lived at Carmel-in-the-Valley, a community in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, based on the philosophy of earth as “mystery school.” And although the life of the community itself was short, the tenets, people and broad perspective I began to develop has never left me. We are indeed students of a vast School of Life. Our ability to thrive is linked to our ability to learn. We now know from brain research, that 'plasticity' is the adaptive nature of the brain in it's environment. And the more we challenge and stretch our limits and abilities, the greater our ability to change, and grow. Therefore, we grow from an affinity to learn.
I lived in Virginia for 17 years, had my son, became a professional wood artist, and also became a volunteer mediator for the local mediation center. It was perhaps the combination of my artistic pursuits and mediation that led me to facilitate my own workshops based on the Right Brain, seat of creativity and creative communication. From there, it was an easier leap to imagine going back to school for all the appropriate credentials. In 1995 I obtained a Bachelor's of General Studies from James Madison University, with a concentration in mediation and facilitation. At the last possible moment, I discovered this field called art therapy. I was accepted into the program for Masters of Art in Art Therapy at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago that same year. In 1997, I obtained my MAAT.
Art Therapy combined all the loves of my life; art, mediation, facilitation, communication, healing and change. What I had been researching and discovering by myself all those years in Virginia I found out were out in the public domain, thoroughly researched and practiced in many conjoined fields, such as the creative therapies. My plan was to look for any kind of work as a clinician to develop my therapeutic skills. For 10 years I have held primary clinical positions in Virginia and Florida, working with adolescents and adults, mostly in substance abuse and mental health, or co-occurring disorders. Many are involved with the criminal justice system, indigent, and disconnected from all sources of support. I use art therapy and mediation skills integrated into what is evolving as a more holistic counseling approach. Art itself might not always be the medium; but assisting clients to recognize their lives as a 'work in progress' is part of my philosophy.
In addition, I am building a small private practice while I work towards State licensure. I welcome clients with any sorts of issues or challenges; feel free to contact me to develop a feeling if counseling with me is a good fit. Workshops are available upon request. Arrangements are possible for private or corporate groups as needed.
Currently, I live in south Florida. As a runner, I have found this climate to be ideal; I can train all year long and enjoy the beauty of the sub-tropics. I continue to pursue my creative passions in writing, art and music. And I invite you to Get into Your Right Mind as well!
Copyright by Ricci C.Robson