What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a therapeutic modality rooted in the belief that creative expression paired with psychological theory can enhance mental health and foster healing. Talk therapy can be a helpful way to verbally process our experiences, however, sometimes it can be difficult to share our stories using words. Art-making can help clients process their experiences visually and metaphorically, which can take pressure off of finding the "right words". 

Did you know that West Grove Clinic has 2 art therapists on staff? 

Our art therapists are master-level clinicians work with clients that are seeking treatment for a broad range of mental health concerns, including substance use. Art therapy is integrated into the IOP groups that our art therapists lead. Group art therapy can enhance group cohesiveness and comfortability, build teamwork skills, and provide unique moments in which clients can support each other creatively. 

Currently, our art therapists use materials such as collage, graphite pencil, color pencil, oil pastels, chalk pastels, watercolors, acrylic paint, and other 3-dimensional materials. 

Want more information about Art Therapy? Check out the American Art Therapy Association's website: https://arttherapy.org/ 

Sarah Daentl, Intern

Julie Witthuhn - February Provider Spotlight

Julie Witthuhn has been nominated for Februarys Provider Spotlight. Julie has been with West Grove Clinic since December 2018 and has been a wonderful addition to our team. Other providers and staff highlighted that she is a great supervisor, bright and cheerful, helps out when needed and she is supportive.

Healthy Relationships

What Does a Healthy Relationship Look Like?

As human beings we seek out connection to others through relationships. Those relationships we create with others are crucial to our wellbeing not only emotionally, but mentally and physically as well. Healthy, functional relationships are something that everyone deserves to experience. It can be difficult though to identify what the characteristics are of a healthy relationship, especially if someone was raised in a toxic environment and was consistently modeled dysfunction as a baseline for relationships. Whether a relationship is romantic or platonic, it is important to make sure that the following characteristics are present in order to experience a properly functioning relationship:  

·         Trust

·         Communication

·         Patience

·         Empathy

·         Affection and Interest

·         Flexibility

·         Appreciation

·         Room for Growth

·         Respect

·         Reciprocity

For more information on this topic, click here.

Marissa Duncan, Intern

West Grove Clinic is hiring!

West Grove Clinic is an established outpatient and State Certified mental health and substance abuse clinic in the greater Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Appleton area. These thriving clinics provide a collaborative, and supporting environment for clinicians with a variety of levels of experience.

The benefit of being a provider at West Grove Clinic is that you are given the autonomy to make this position fit your professional goals and desires. Our goal is for providers to feel respected as a provider and not seen as just another number in a system. Also, this working environment gives you flexibility to work hours that fit your life needs, so that work life balance is a priority and not an after thought.

If interested in learning more about available positions click here or find our ads on indeed.com

We currently have open positions at all three of our locations!

The power of "I" statements

Communication Tools: “I statements”

It is inevitable that at some point in our lives a person will make you angry, frustrated, sad, disappointed and so on. In these moments, we have the opportunity to stay silent and build resentment or we can use strategies to effectively communicate how we are feeling. Typically, we use “you-statements” to describe what happened. For example, “you made me so frustrated.” These statements tend to focus on blame and create defensiveness. Instead, we can use “I statements” that allow for us to take responsibility for how we feel, and think while the other person can understand how their actions impact others. For example, “I feel frustrated when you tell me what to do. I would prefer it if you would let me try to do the project first, and then I can ask for help.”

Follow the simple formula below to develop “I-statements.”

1. I feel…. State how you are feeling

2. When you… state the specific action, words or behavior

3. The story I am telling myself… take responsibility for how you are interpreting the actions

4. I need/want/prefer…. State how the behavior might be adjusted for your needs

Example: 

I feel hurt when you show up late to all the plans we make together. The story I am telling myself is that I am not important enough for you to show up on time. I would prefer if you let me know ahead of time if you’re going to be late so I can adjust accordingly. 

Click here to read more!

Written by: Quin Brundney, Intern