Blue Pines Counseling
Blue Pines Counseling is a holistic, boutique therapy service nestled among nature on the Wisconsin Museum of Quilt and Fiber Arts campus in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. We believe in addressing not just the symptoms, but the root of the matter utilizing an integrative, personalized, evidence-supported, systems approach that considers physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing.
In the Spring of 2022, we collaborated with Sugar Maple Nature School to provide early intervention and prevention services for the students and families of SMNS with nature-based art therapy and mental health education. We are happy to continue offering our services and are committed to growing and expanding our offerings every year.
Currently our team is composed of Tiernee Schatz and Autumn Horn. We share a similar approach and both studied at Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI. Trained as both mental health counselors and art therapists, our team is well versed in human development, psychological theories, clinical practice, neuroscience, multicultural and artistic traditions.
In-School, Individual Art Therapy
Individual art therapy sessions are available on Tuesdays with Tiernee, and Wednesdays with Autumn, and are held outdoors whenever possible. Sessions are 30-45 minutes in duration where your child will have the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings, develop strength-based insights and work towards individualized goals through nature based materials and art therapy activities.
In-School, Small Group Art Therapy
Small art therapy groups are available as a natural progression from individual sessions, or in place of individual sessions. Groups are limited to 3-4 children who are all working on similar skills and goals. Some examples of groups include emotion regulation, social skills, and self-confidence. Groups are 45 minutes in duration and held on Wednesday afternoons with Autumn.
Nature Centric SEL Art Curriculum
Once a month we visit each classroom with an art therapy activity that integrates design fundamentals with developmentally appropriate exploration of social, emotional, and behavioral learning through nature centric materials and themes, with an emphasis on self and social awareness.
For example, we might visit the Kindergarten classroom with a veggie printing activity utilizing primary colors, to discover shape and create repetitive patterns. At this developmental stage it is important for children to experience success through process-orientated kinesthetic and sensory exploration. Veggies provide a natural sensory experience while exploring various shapes and naming primary colors. The repetitive movements of printing a pattern engage the body, encouraging body awareness and mindful focus. Of course, a pattern may become purely self-expressive and that is also wonderful learning! We always encourage students to share their artwork, developing beginner social skills and social awareness.
After School Art LAB
We are currently exploring the interest levels of the SMNS community and the feasibility of hosting an afterschool Art LAB! This Art LAB will be modeled after the therapeutic Open Studio model, where an art directive will be provided, however there is always the choice and freedom to engage in self-directed art making and experimentation. Natural and nature based materials would be readily available in addition to traditional art supplies.
Engaging creatively with art materials allows people to explore and experiment i.e. "make mistakes" in a safe setting where disappointment, discouragement and doubt will be expected, accepted, and acknowledged. Art therapists on staff will be available to guide students in "trusting the process", by working through these tough feelings via continued exploration of options, making choices, and implementing solutions.
The skills learned in the Art LAB have the potential to translate into self-confidence, self-efficacy, perseverance, creative problem solving, cognitive flexibility, and an overall sense of wellbeing in knowing "I can figure this out!", while trusting that sometimes our plans don't always work out, but in the end, can turn out better than we ever imagined!
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Monthly Mental Health Education and Quarterly Newsletter
Every month we share an infographic with mental health education tips and resources. Examples include Screen Safety and Eating for Brain Health. These are shared through the school’s communication avenues such as email and class dojo.
In addition, we are starting a quarterly newsletter that will go into greater depth with mental and brain health topics including neuroscience research, lifestyle medicine, our therapeutic approaches, and communication about the therapeutic art workshops we host throughout the year at our Cedarburg location.
