Meg completed her graduate training at Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM where she took classes in both art therapy and counseling and earned a master’s degree in 2003. During her time at Southwestern, Meg completed a number of courses in the grief and loss program as well. Following graduation, she worked as a grief counselor/art therapist at several hospice organizations and has served as an art therapist for a number of years at a summer grief camp for children run through Lower Cape Fear Hospice of Wilmington.
Most recently, Meg has facilitated art therapy groups geared toward people with substance abuse and addiction problems at the Wilmington Treatment Center. In addition, Meg offers workshops in the community, with a special focus on mindfulness practice. Her “mandala drawing” workshops have offered participants an opportunity to practice being in the moment and to increase their sense of self-awareness. “Mandala “ is a Sanskrit word for “circle” or “sacred circle” and mandala circle images have been used in many ancient traditions as a representation of self, wholeness, healing or the universe . Mandala drawing involves drawing within a circle template in a meditative fashion in a non-judgmental, relaxed atmosphere. Participants have reported feelings of relaxation and many have noticed a decrease in emotional and physical tension during the workshops, while also making meaningful discoveries about themselves.
Meg has over 20 years’ experience working with children, adolescents and adults with various developmental, emotional, or physical issues including those with issues related to grief and loss, people with autism and other developmental disorders, and people dealing with pain issues or a life limiting illness.
Over the years, Meg has used a person-centered counseling approach, while also utilizing techniques from other theoretical backgrounds, such as cognitive behavioral approaches. She is especially interested in using the expressive arts to assist others in becoming more mindful and self-aware. This is reflected in her belief that an accepting, non-judgmental attitude geared toward the here and now can lead to a lessening of pain and suffering.
Meg makes every effort to provide a safe, trusting environment where each person can explore their unique concerns or issues with her. Her goal is to work collaboratively with others using various creative tools to help release tension and deepen self-awareness, which in turn can lead to positive change.
What is Art Therapy?
It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Art therapy is a clinical specialty, which makes use of artistic communication to help clients address their issues. In art therapy, the client uses materials to make artwork. The art therapist, who has expertise in psychological theory, image making, and therapeutic intervention, guides the client through the exploration of the art process and product. The client and art therapist “listen with their eyes” to the compositions in order to foster integrative healing in mind, body and spirit.
(Excerpt from the Art Therapy Association of North Carolina brochure)
For more information about art therapy: www.arttherapy.org
Contact information for Meg McGrew: megmcgrew@bellsouth.net Cell: 910-465-6763
Fee and payment: $65/hr.