Today we’d like to introduce you to Ricci Robson.
Hi Ricci, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After 17 years deep in the Shenandoah Valley area new age community and initiation by a Native American teacher, I took the leap back to school and a calling to work directly with people and institutions. The bridge was 10 years as a volunteer mediator where others noted my skills. This led to my bachelors in mediation and communication then a masters in art therapy in Chicago at SAIC. Developing the courage and professionalism in service to the addictions and psychiatric community is an honor and a privilege. I am still in private practice in semi retirement. My office and studio are in my home. I seek to provide and model a serene, creative space with Nature front and center. In this way I feel I am fulfilling a mandate to help clients feel the power of their own inherent creative life force and connect with life all around them. Jumpstarting not just insight but inspiration, Art, writing/journaling as well as my own unique conversational style are my tools.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most of all, dealing with my own mental health. The demands of school, work, training and internships, living lean for so long had a huge impact on my emotional wellbeing and at times I sought my own counseling; something all therapists should absolutely do. And because I had an extra spiritual component to my own path I was particularly conscious of the shadow work and codependency issues that came up.
I came to Florida in 1999 to help my aging parents and aunt: by the time I obtained my Florida licensure they had all passed on; I documented that experience which coincided with my running, is in a blog called rightbrainrunner!
The professional challenges, both from the clients side and management is a list too vast for a summary!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My graduate degree is in art therapy ~ I’ve either directly or indirectly utilized this throughout my career. Even as a primary therapist I look for ways to inspire people to allow themselves creative connection. I’m proud of how the various approaches in my own life have informed my professional development and practice and I feel clients benefit.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk without maturity and wisdom is reckless ; I had my share of those in my Valley days. However leaving that world was one of many more mature risks necessary to break out of certain circumstances and expand my own path. To be true to oneself will demand risks that if respected can be the open doors to self understanding and expansion. So I have a very healthy comfort with taking risks and making changes in my career or relationships.
Pricing:
- Private sessions 150/ hr
- Consultation 250/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riccirob13.wixsite.com/creativecounseling
- Facebook: @CreativeFacilitationsandCounseling
