Underline the Essence of Your Story

An Art Therapy Workshop Exploring Your Story Through Reflection and Collage
About this Event

Underline the Essence of Your Story:
An Art Therapy Workshop Exploring Your Story Through Reflection and Collage

Every life tells a story.

Some chapters are marked by challenge, others by hope, healing, change, or new beginnings. Often, we move so quickly through life that we rarely pause to notice the experiences that have shaped who we are becoming.

This two-hour art therapy workshop invites you to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your story through guided writing, creative exploration, and collage.

Beginning with a gentle free-writing exercise, you'll be invited to notice the words, memories, and images that feel most meaningful. Through a process of reflective inquiry and symbolic collage, you'll create a personal Journey Book that honours your experiences, your strengths, and the path that continues to unfold.

The Hero's Journey is introduced as one possible lens for reflection. Rather than following a formula, participants are invited to consider how themes of challenge, resilience, support, and transformation may already exist within their own lives.

This workshop is grounded in art therapy principles that value creativity as a pathway for self-expression, reflection, and meaning-making. There is no right or wrong way to participate, no expectation of artistic ability, and no pressure to share. The focus is on the creative process and discovering what feels authentic and meaningful to you.

During this workshop you will have the opportunity to:

• Explore your personal story through writing and creative expression

• Identify meaningful themes, images, and symbols from your lived experience

• Reflect on personal strengths, resilience, and hope

• You'll leave with a completed accordion book that reflects the essence of your story through collage and creative expression.

All art materials are provided.

This workshop is open to adults of all backgrounds who are seeking a thoughtful, creative space for self-reflection and personal growth.

Workshop Details

Date: Saturday, October 3

Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Fairview Baptist Church

About the Facilitator

Jennifer Kleinsteuber is an Art Therapist with more than 30 years of experience supporting individuals, groups, and communities through trauma, grief, recovery, and life transitions. Her approach integrates expressive arts with trauma-informed, person-centred practice, creating spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to insight, resilience, and healing.

This workshop is presented in collaboration with Fairview Baptist Church, who are generously providing the space. Everyone is welcome.

Space is limited. Advance registration is recommended.

Agenda

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Welcoming and Grounding

Info: Brief welcome, introduction to the afternoon's intention or prompt, overview of available materials, and gentle guidance to help participants settle in and begin.

🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:40 PM
Reflection and Creative Exploration

Info: Through guided writing, reflective inquiry, and collage, participants will explore the essence of their personal story and create a unique accordion book using words, images, colours, and symbols.

🕑: 03:40 PM - 04:00 PM
Reflection and Clean Up

Info: Participants are invited to reflect on their experience and, if they wish, share their artwork in a supportive and respectful environment.