The Prevention Platform podcast is very excited to bring you our first episode, Art & Mental Health! Join host Ashley Dallas, Director of Prevention Services at Valley Youth House, as she sits down with two passionate experts in the field – James Wells, Education Manager at Crayola, and Kaitlin Snyder, a school-based counselor at Valley Youth House.
Together, they delve into the transformative world of art and its profound impact on mental health. Kaitlin Snyder brings her wealth of experience as a school-based counselor to the conversation, shedding light on the therapeutic power of art for young minds. Drawing from her interactions with students, she unveils how artistic expression provides an avenue for self-discovery, emotional release, and a sense of accomplishment. Listeners gain insight into the ways in which art can bridge communication gaps, enabling children and adolescents to communicate their thoughts and feelings when words may fall short.
James Wells, representing Crayola’s commitment to fostering creativity, dives into the innovative initiatives that combine art and education. He explores how art-related activities not only nurture cognitive skills but also foster resilience, self-esteem, and emotional well-being among students. James shares heartwarming anecdotes about Crayola’s involvement in promoting art as a tool for self-expression, including partnerships with schools and organizations.
Throughout the episode, Kaitlin and James highlight the symbiotic relationship between artistic engagement and mental wellness. They discuss practical strategies for parents, educators, and individuals to incorporate art into their lives, whether through traditional mediums like drawing and painting or more contemporary avenues like digital art.
Tune in to this enlightening episode as James and Kaitlin paint a vivid picture of how art serves as a transformative tool, promoting healing, empowerment, and resilience within the realm of mental health.
RAFFLE INFORMATION:
To enter the raffle to win a basket of Crayola art supplies, make sure you follow Valley Youth House on social media, and “Like” the raffle social media post. Deadline to enter the raffle is 11:59PM on 9/14/2023. A winner will be randomly selected on 9/15/2023.
