My Nonprofit Reviews

Art & Creativity for Healing Inc. gave my years of mental pain a more peaceful place in my heart and mind.

I first came to this organization just to do a stress relief workshop for my business, knowing we would do some painting without alcohol. We even joked saying we could drink in the parking lot afterwards since this was not one of those Painting nights. Well, I didn't need any alcohol to relax or to learn that I need to go back for more painting.

In each workshop, every color of my choice gives my "crazy" thought a meaning. Every layer of paint gives me a chance to cry, to be angry, to forgive... or not, without having to explain to anyone anything. It is abstract painting, so I can do whatever I want. My thoughts about abusive relationships are now on canvas instead of running wild in my mind. I actually can "tell" that person on my canvas, you are the cause of my pain, what I learn from this bad situation and how I will move on. What a freedom! A side note, I had never ever painted before. I failed horribly in my art classes throughout my childhood in Vietnam.

With such a profound method created by Laurie, the organization did not take the pain away, tell me to deny my pain. Instead, it helps me to accept, process and move on. Years of therapists allow me to hang in there and act normal but ACFH heals me, one color at a time.