Polly Esther Goes to Art Therapy School

Karen Thomas entered Kutenai Art Therapy Institute with the intention of becoming an Art Therapist and integrating her experience and skills as a clown in her art therapy practice. This capstone demonstrates how she was able to integrate these two fields to become an Art Therapist Clown. When she brings clowning and art therapy together, she helps people build stronger connections with others and helps them to be braver by letting go of what is “right or perfect,” and they can experience their emotions in a healthier way. Often, we are told not to ask why but, that might be the place to start.

The answer lies in the fact that for Karen, clowning has helped her build more confidence and has had a profound healing influence in her life. Karen wants to share this profound way of healing with others so that they can experience it too. There is something magical that happens when one starts to play and improvise in life. This play allows one to see possibilities and can lead to growth and healing. She knows that everyone will be affected in their own unique way and that this way of working with people will be extremely helpful for some and less helpful for others. The “Playing Authentically Workshop” was designed to combine playful clown activities with creative art therapy activities. The participants were Early Childhood Educators who often get to play in their work.

The first part of the capstone introduces the clown characters who will all share in the writing of this capstone, and they will help the reader to better understand some of the important aspects of clowning. Art Therapy and Expressive Art Therapy will be described later in a fun conversation with Karen and the clowns. The next section will describe the workshop activities and highlight the important aspects of art therapy and clowning thatoccur in each activity. The activities will embody the themes of listening, emotions and authenticity. The final section shows the benefits that occurred during the workshop and bring together the value of working with clients as an Art Therapist Clown. This capstone has been written using three voices Karen – the person, Polly Esther - the courageous clown and Alpha-Alpha Klutey Pants - the talkative clown. These three voices use their strengths to show the readers the many benefits of combining art therapy and clowning in healing, life and therapeutic relationships. This combined strength is what makes Karen Thomas a unique and capable Art Therapist Clown.