Meet Felicia Li a 2023 graduate of our Certificate Training Program. We are excited to feature her as our monthly Alumni Spotlight! We think you will be inspired by her work as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker! |
I started out as a school social worker in Singapore in the early 2000s. Since then I have learned that healing can come in many forms. It is not a linear path, and there is no “one size fits all” approach. I have experience working in community mental
health, residential treatment, university counseling, and private group practice. I recently opened my own private practice and chose to specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy because of the way it helps people unearth emotions, thoughts, and memories beyond talking. |
Felicia, what drew you to the field of Expressive Arts, or motivated you to get Expressive Arts training? |
My first encounter with expressive arts started in Singapore after I completed my BSW while working as a school social worker. I was first introduced to expressive arts training under the Melbourne Institute of Expressive and Creative Art Therapy (MIECAT) where I received two weeks of intensive training
focusing on working with young people. The training completely changed me, and I found that I really enjoyed the phenomenological approach that I was introduced to during the training and realized how powerful it was in a therapeutic setting. As a social worker going through my continuing education, this training felt like the
butterfly effect that spurs within me. I received firsthand personal and professional growth with a glimpse into myself. I utilized that expressive arts approach to work with youths in an after-school program using music and art to engage them. Vandalism and graffiti from their teenage angst were redirected to art exploration about their teenage identity. Years later I completed my MSW in the United States, I was given the opportunity to co-lead an expressive arts group at the university counseling center for 3 years. During those 3 years, I was exposed to the intermodal process and many more workshops surrounding expressive arts. It became a desire to enhance my training. While the Covid pandemic brought about immense disruptions to our lives, it provided me with a window of opportunity to access the training via zoom online,
and getting the intensive training I've always dreamed about without the worries of the additional expenses and time from traveling. Expressive arts workshop facilitated at Krannert Center for Performing Arts after the Honolulu Theatre Performance. March
2024 |
As you began to immerse yourself in this work, were there any unexpected gifts or surprises? |
The expressive arts has renewed my love for art and I felt that I went through a rebirth and finally learn to embrace who I am in the creative realm, and allow my creative spirit to guide me. I started to take ceramics classes and was introduced to “Wabi Sabi”. This phrase comes from Japanese wisdom that encapsulates the essence of imperfection, impermanence, and incompletion - teaching us life lessons about letting go of perfection and accepting
ourselves just as we are. My work takes from the inspiration of the practice of expressive arts focusing on “process-oriented” art to unearth more about ourselves. This process promotes the letting go of the incessant need for control and learning to trust the process and importantly to trust ourselves using art as a powerful tool towards the journey of emotional freedom. I also gained new insights towards the rhythm of nature and the cycle of life, and have become more attune to the resources
that nature can offer.
|
Ceramic raku using glaze in an expressive manner. |
How are you currently implementing expressive arts in your personal and/or professional life?
|
I
continue to find grounding through creativity be it music, movement and visual arts. Since my graduation from EAFI, I have decided to let go of the thought that “I can’t” and conscientiously work on the belief that “I am not good enough to do art” by taking up creative classes in the community. I went on stage and performed an improv show, participated in a local art show with my ceramics, and recently just finished my first piano recital. There’s going to be more ceramics and painting classes
this summer. I also made an effort to introduce myself to the artists in the local community and shared my artist statement with them. The confidence to engage in arts was guided by my expressive arts training to let go of my “inner critic” and lean into the “creative spirit”.
I started my private practice last year focusing on expressive arts therapy. As an Expressive
Arts Therapist, I offer a contemplative way of reflecting upon what's present for my clients and help them resolve issues through the creative process. With my intuition, training, and personal experience guiding the way - the creative process can offer them an access point to what's beneath the surface of their mind and life struggles. Time and time again, I see this approach supporting my clients in igniting movement toward positive transformation (often to their surprise!)
|
Soft pastel image inspired by
the surrounding nature. |
What are your goals in this work, or how to you envision your involvement with EXA unfolding in the future? |
My
special interest in expressive arts lies in the clinical setting focusing on 1-1 therapeutic relationship, similar to the work of Natalie Rogers. More recently, I have collaborated with the University to co-lead expressive arts workshops for caregivers in the local community working with children and have presented in webinars focusing on similar subjects. I hope that one day I can use expressive arts as a tool for community-based trauma where different groups can come together to explore their
struggles through expressive arts to work through their differences. Sidewalk chalk process listening to the 5Rhythms of Gabrielle Roth. How has EXA enriched or expanded your career path (if applicable)? |
Honestly I have to thank expressive arts for launching my private practice. The cicada is an example of one who waits patiently in the ground for 17 years before emerging. In a very special way, I feel connected to the cicada because it has taken me about 17 years to come full circle with my calling as an expressive arts therapist. After coming to the United States to further my studies, I came back to Expressive Arts Therapy and now feel like I am fulfilling a
destiny - emerging from the ground in my own way, like the cicada.
I also regard the cicada as a powerful message for my clients to follow their own timing and rhythm within their lives. I hold respectful space for them to emerge in their own way and at their own pace. I am curious what lies ahead for me as well but I definitely have been much more at ease
in dealing with the unknown.
|
Expressive arts workshop facilitated at Krannert Center for Performing Arts after Leonardo! A wonderful show
about a terrible monster. February, 2024 What is your current personal practice and how does it enrich your life? |
My
personal expressive arts practice are mostly quick drawing to promote self care and emotional regulation. Occasionally I find myself to become overwhelmed by my emotions and that’s where I lean into the arts and utilize the creativity to soothe my soul. I particularly like using soft pastel as a medium to create images and process them through writing and sometimes using a poem or haiku as the intermodal process. I also make Soul Collage cards to support me in my emotional regulation and
exploration of my inner world. Each month, I have a ritual where I intentionally create space to reflect on the previous month and pick a photo to reflect about my experience that month. I also will pick a Soul Card and see where the universe guides me in the new month. I love connecting with nature as it inspires my creativity and reminds me of the importance of body mind spirit and soul as I take the long walks to pause and be in awe of what the universe offers.
|
A few cards from my SoulCollage®
practice. What do you wish you could tell the world about Expressive Arts? Give yourself a chance, go get lost in the arts, and you will find your true self eventually. Mandala from EAFI Training hanging in my office. What are you currently offering, and what are the ways that people can work with you? I’m currently offering expressive arts therapy through my private practice. I’m looking at how I can give back to the community and always open to new ideas and collaboration while trying
to balance my busy family life! |
Anything else you would like to say?
|
There is no right, there is no wrong, there is just you.
I am being nurtured by the predictability and the unpredictability of the familiar unknown. |
Professional links - Learn more about Felicia
|
Watch for our Alumni Spotlight on the 15th of each month. We feature graduates of our Certificate Training Program - Expressive Arts Facilitators, Therapists, and Educators. We hope this series will inspire you, help spread the work of our alumni, and demonstrate the scope of
practice of the expressive arts field. To see past Alumni Spotlight features & our Alumni Directory visit the link below. www.expressiveartsflorida.com/art-professional-links For more information about our Certificate Training Program, Professional Development, and Workshops - both online and in-person,
visit us at www.expressiveartsflorida.com Tamara Teeter Knapp MA, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern, REACE® Kathleen Horne MA, LMHC(S), REACE®, REAT® |
|
|
|
