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The German philosopher Nietzsche valued an individual's perspective and ability to create meaning in their lives. He was also an advocate of the Arts, declaring that "the essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude." Indeed, gratitude is a powerful creative force. As we enter into a holiday season packed with social and financial commitments that are both triggering and overwhelming at times, here is a gentle reminder to be gentle with yourself, breathe, opt out, and slow down whenever you need to. Focus on your breath and how your body feels in this moment. What does it need to feel comfortable or safe? Notice your immediate environment with an emphasis on the five senses. What colors can you see next to you? What do you hear in the foreground or background? Can you notice any scents? What is the air temperature like, or the temperature in your body? Is there any lingering flavor on your palette? This is what it feels like to be alive, regardless of how messy, emotional or chaotic the moment may be. An attitude of gratitude invites us to fully embrace this realization with curiosity and joy, as being fully awake and alive is to feel it all. However you choose to celebrate or endure the holidays this season, perhaps this can offer a comforting reminder that every fleeting sensation will soon shift into another one, like the changing of the seasons or setting of the sun. Post by Sharon Itkoff Nacache ATR-BC LCAT LPAT PMH-C 
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It was wonderful to recently be featured on "The Feminist Mom Podcast" with fellow perinatal therapist extraordinaire Erin Spahr, LCPC, LCMHC, PMH-C of Inclusive Providers Directory. We discussed the current socio-political climate and it's impact on caregiver mental health--specifically mothers--and how art can be used as an empowering, grounding tool for stress management and sustainable self care. Check out the full episode here with a brief video excerpt below.   So grateful to have been able to provide a space for the fabulous clinical team at The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) to creatively process all that is happening around and within them during an emotional election week.
#artastherapy #creativeresilience #artheals #cocreatearttherapy #burnoutprevention  The Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti wrote, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” My job as a therapist is to provide compassionate support and hold space for those who are struggling regardless of their personal–or political–beliefs. But I am also human, a Jewish American woman and mother of two, living in a society that does not systemically protect or value the lives of our most vulnerable–women and children–especially those from minority communities and/or of lower socio-economic status.
Even though I am ambivalent about the prognosis of our country, I am aware of the privilege it is to be able to express this safely. I am also proud to live in a state where abortion is not only legal but now expanded with an Equal Protection Clause. This includes “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex–including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, reproductive health care and autonomy.” The passing of Proposition 1 has helped to enshrine abortion rights into the NY state constitution. This may feel like a small victory for those of us disappointed by election results. But for those of us also advocating for reproductive freedom and perinatal mental health, our work is more important–even revolutionary–now more than ever. Protecting and empowering women’s bodily autonomy and supporting our caregivers now has a direct impact on the well-being of the next generation–infusing humanity, hope, and compassion into a deeply troubled country. Nevertheless, we persist. Post by Sharon Itkoff Nacache ATR-BC LCAT LPAT PMH-C Original photograph by Thái An via Unsplash |
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April 2025
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