Today’s guest is Kelly Darke. Kelly is a Michigan based art therapist who has been using art as a portal to joyful living since she was a child. Lately she’s been collaborating with the organization Stand with Trans to lead art therapy groups for transgender kids. Creating a safe, creative space for these kids and their families has allowed her to learn from their wisdom and increase her understanding of the unique concerns the transgender community. Her authenticity shines through and I loved talking to her, not only about the work she does but also because of her powerful reminder that unconditional love is the key to raising healthy children. If you have an interest in adding more art or creativity into your own life you’ll love this episode. I can’t wait to share Kelly’s amazing perspective on art, parenting and personal growth and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

After the interview Kelly sent me a sample of her Daily Visual Journaling program. I already had art supplies but went ahead and picked up journals for myself and my kids. Having the structure and techniques demonstrated in short videos is so cool! It’s like having a mini art workshop at your fingertips and it’s such a powerful way to practice mindfulness in an expansive and creative way. Like Kelly says, it can be hard to implement a habit even if we know it’s good for us. If you are looking for a mindfulness practice that includes a bit of creativity I highly recommend you check this out.  I have to say that just this morning I had to pull one of my kids away from her visual journal. I’m loving it too! I will share some of our journal pages on the Joy Factor Facebook Page page and I hope you’ll join me there and share your own. The really cool news I want to share now is that Kelly has generously offered a discount on her year long Daily Visual Journal program. She’s offering 100 listeners 40% off the price of this course! Make that 99 listeners because I grabbed mine already! Use the code JOYFactor. Make sure the word JOY is in all caps and join me! I really do consider it an investment in me but it’s also going to be a great activity to do with my kids. If you’re not sure if you want to invest in the whole program, do yourself a favor and check out her free sample. Like I said before that’s what drew me in and I think you’ll love it too.

More about Kelly

Kelly Darke, ATR, M.Ed., BFA is an art therapist, certified art teacher, and professional artist. Darke works from her private practice studio, Mindful Art Center, in Livonia Michigan where she provides individual art therapy sessions, group workshops, and creates online self-care workshops. 

Darke graduated from Wayne State University with a Masters in Education for art therapy and has worked with adults with traumatic brain injuries, children and adolescents with developmental and emotional disorders, and transgender youth and their parents. In 2013, Darke had the honor of presenting with colleagues at the Expressive Art Therapies Summit on the topic of digital art therapy

Resources:

kelly@kellydarke.com

http://www.MindfulArtCenter.com

Daily Visual Journal Course There's a nice free preview of the class. When you invest in the full year program take advantage of a sweet 40% deal by adding the coupon code JOYFactor when you register. This is for the first 100 listeners only (make that 99 because I'm grabbing the deal too!). 

Daily Visual Journal Supplies Here are the journals we're using along with a few different art supplies (water colors, pens, markers etc.) to get you started. 

To learn more about organizations helping the transgender community...

Stand with Trans

"The mission of Stand with Trans is to provide the tools needed by transgender youth so they will be empowered, supported and validated as they transition to their authentic life."

Human Rights Campaign

Trans Youth Family Allies

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