In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor speaks with Nikki Lewis, a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist. They discuss the integration of art into therapy, particularly as it relates to processing grief. Nikki shares her personal journey into the mental health field, the benefits of using art as a therapeutic medium, and specific art therapy exercises useful for grief work. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creative expression in managing complex emotions and how art can serve as a powerful tool to externalize and diffuse grief. Niki also touches on the communal aspects of grieving and the transformative potential of group art therapy.

With close to fifteen years of experience as a mental health and substance use clinician, Niki Lewis, LMHC has spent her career committed to enhancing healthcare supports for those in need. Holding an MPS in Creative Art Therapy and Creativity Development, she's successfully implemented art therapy programs across multiple treatment settings to help patients navigate their journey to recovery.

Licensed as a Mental Health Counselor and Substance Use Dependence Professional in the state of Washington, her expertise lies in providing substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health counseling. She's had the opportunity to work in several professional capacities, including being a Family Therapist and SUD Professional at the Recovery Center in Monroe, WA, and a Case Manager and SUD Professional at Fairfax Hospital.

Presently, Niki serves as the Addictions Administrator at Wellpoint, WA, where she is focused on SUD program management for WA Medicaid Members. In all her roles, she's not only provided individual and group therapy, but also helped with intricate tasks like carrying out SUD and mental health assessments, care and discharge planning, and connecting patients to essential resources related to social determinants of health.

Over the years, Niki has fostered an integral understanding of the complexities of mental health and addiction, prioritizing compassion, creativity, and comprehensive care at the heart of all she does.

---------------------

I'm Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist in Washington state. I've been practicing grief therapy since 2012 and am passionate about changing the narrative of grief in our current cultural climate. Grief is a universal lived experience and as such needs to be something we talk about without the taboo attached. I hope you'll join me as we work to adjust to the new normal we are living in and support one another in that process.

https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com

hello@griefisthenewnormal.com

Dr. Taylor is also a co-founder of 'The Mourning Movement,' with Jen Reisinger, LMHC. The Mourning Movement aims to create spaces for grief education and community support to reduce isolation and stigma around grief. Be sure to sign up for more modern grief insights and resources at https://themourningmovement.myflodesk.com/resourcesandnewsletter

https://www.themourningmovement.com

hello@themourningmovement.com

-------------------------------------

Opening Music by The Dadicorns

Copyright 2024 Grief is the New Normal: A podcast with Dr. Heather Taylor

All Rights Reserved.

This podcast is meant for educational and entertainment purposes only. The information discussed in this podcast is not a replacement or substitute for therapy.