Art & Soul Clinic creates a nurturing environment where people of all ages can reconnect with their creative spirit and learn how to incorporate the arts into care practices as a means of transformation and healing. Creativity is a form of play and it promotes stress relief, problem-solving skills, self-reflection, and mindfulness.
The political, social, and economic systems we exist within (i.e. capitalism, patriarchy, ableism, etc.) do not prioritize the creative health and wellbeing of the People which ultimately leaves us feeling exhausted, traumatized, and isolated. Art & Soul Clinic’s mission is to create accessible spaces for creation, connection, rest, and joy to directly address these dividing forces. Engaging with the arts in any form is an act of resistance based on the core belief that communal and societal change begins by nurturing the creative spirit within.
Art & Soul Clinic prioritizes providing accessible services to low-income/BIPOC communities and celebrates the value of cultural knowledge and lived experience.
Founded 2023
FAQs
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Art & Soul Clinic offers an eclectic mix of healing arts services that incorporate a mix of visual art & music, meditation and mindfulness, and tarot services. The creator of Art & Soul Clinic, Brenda Echeverry, has training in expressive arts therapy and mental health counseling that informs her practice.
“The expressive arts combine the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to foster deep personal growth and community development. Expressive arts therapy incorporates an evolving multimodal approach within psychology, organizational development, community arts and education. By integrating the arts processes and allowing one to flow into another, we gain access to our inner resources for healing, clarity, illumination and creativity.”
Learn more at IEATA’s website. The International Expressive Arts Therapy Association® (IEATA®) is a non-profit, professional organization founded in 1994 to encourage the creative spirit.
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No! Anyone and everyone has the capacity to create. The creative process of experimentation and play is the driving force of healing. You do not have to identify as an artist in order to engage with your creativity.
In other words, Beginners are welcome!
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You are always welcome to book a free consultation call to ask questions about your particular circumstances and get a feel for Brenda’s approach. You may be a good fit for an individual session if:
You experience moderate mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, poor body image, low self-esteem, or struggling with work/life balance
You are open to exploring past or current trauma that affects your daily life
You want to learn more about using the arts to cope with stress
You are not actively in a crisis that requires a higher level of care. For example, if you currently hospitalized or experiencing psychosis
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Sessions last 60 minutes and incorporate a creative arts activity tailored to your interests and therapy goals. You are welcome to share as much as you feel comfortable to and engage with the arts in any way that feels right to you. You can attend sessions at a consistent rate (monthly, bi-weekly) or every so often as needed.
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No, Art & Soul Clinic does not accept health insurance.
Sliding-scale and bartering options are available for low-income, uninsured, or undocumented people. Learn more here » https://www.artandsoulclinic.com/sliding-scale
Art & Soul Clinic is partnered with Art Pharmacy to accept payments on behalf of the clients in their program. If you are located in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, or New York consider signing up with Art Pharmacy to access free sessions and other cultural events in your city » https://www.artpharmacy.co
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We are happy to discuss possible partnerships and opportunities for collaboration, please email us at artandsoulclinic@gmail.com with more information.
About the Creator
Brenda Echeverry (she/her) is a Colombian American healing artist and creative facilitator based in Boston, MA. Brenda has a background in studio art, vocal performance, dance, and musical theatre. She has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University and a Master’s degree in expressive arts therapy from Lesley University. Born in New York to a Jewish educator and a Colombian artist, Brenda grew up surrounded by the colorful chaos and musical catharsis emerging from a unique blend of cultures. Her creative practice is deeply inspired by psychology, spirituality, mujerismo, and the natural world. Brenda created Art & Soul Clinic in 2023 to increase access to the arts as a healing resource. She has organized community arts events and workshops for all ages at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Public Libraries, Upham's Corner Health Center, Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, and public schools across Boston and New York City.
Some elements of Brenda’s therapeutic approach:
Trauma-informed - Individuals participating in workshops or sessions have ownership over their experience. No forced decisions, participation, or disclosures. The in-person and virtual space is curated to be flexible and welcoming.
Unconditional positive regard - Come as you are. The energy behind our work is meant to be judgement-free and validating, with plenty of space for critical thought, challenge and personal growth.
Transparency - Honesty and integrity are necessary to building trust and a willingness to try new things. The therapeutic and creative practices and policies of Art & Soul Clinic are always open to discussion. Please email at artandsoulclinic@gmail.com with questions or feedback.
A statement regarding licensure: I’ve chosen to work outside of the traditional mental health licensing system in order to practice in a way that feels more aligned with my values, ethics, and the kind of healing work that I believe our communities truly need. The current mental health system in the US is founded on racist and ableist ideals and doesn’t always leave space for culturally relevant or liberatory approaches to care—in fact, it can cause prolonged harm and dependence on flawed models of care. I practice transparently under appropriate mentorship and I am committed to offering care that is ethical and respectful of each person’s lived experience.
Partnerships
Testimonials