Carrie Cardwell is a Registered Psychotherapist and Expressive Therapist practicing in Toronto, Ontario. She has previously worked in community based mental health programs in Toronto and Milton serving deaf communities.
“I am particularly interested in the process of containing and integrating past trauma into a more adaptive view of self, while emphasizing skill development. Witnessing clients re-work parts of themselves into new and more resilient material, continues to inspire me daily.
To illustrate: a client struggles how to inform their partner about her trauma history. When she tries, she breaks down into tears, feeling too vulnerable and powerless. Through role play, we accessed her “tough protector” who, in the past, prevented intimacy to avoid being hurt. We gave this part of her a new job description: to clarify aspects of the client’s past to her partner in a voice that was more pragmatic and less emotional, which allowed the client to more fully connect with her partner in the here and now.
I am amazed and joyful to see, increasing over the years, the pockets of everyday people engaged with community based theatre, art, and dance. This is my passion, to support meaningful engagement in the arts. Personally, I walk the talk by engaging with the arts to express and channel responses to life’s dark complexities. I dance whenever possible and my goals include continuing painting to work through personal stories.Without the arts, in the mire, there would be little room for sparks of beauty and hope.”
Comments