Biography

I am a registered and board certified, art therapist, Reiki Master Teacher, and certified Integrative Breathwork Facilitator. My passion is facilitating the reawakening of the creative Self in each of us. Art making has been an important component of my own healing process. Working with imagery gave me a window into parts of myself that had remained hidden for years. I was inspired to earn my Master's Degree in Art Therapy from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee in 2005. I discovered the SoulCollage book at my first art therapy conference in 2001. I knew instantly that this process was for me. I have continued to explore and experience the power of other healing modalities that tap into the creative powers of the soul, including movement, music and sound, and energy work. I am discovering the benefits of integrating these practices and how they enhance each other. I find SoulCollage® to be a perfect union of many creative healing modalities. I have been a SoulCollage® Facilitator since 2004 and I never cease to be amazed at the the miracles of self discovery that occur in each workshop.

I enjoy my role as a Facilitator Trainer.  I love working with SoulCollage® enthusiasts from all parts of the world, and from widely varied backgrounds.  I encourage each Facilitator to identify and  bring their unique gifts and talents to their work.  I have worked with many populations in a wide variety of settings, and have found no limit to the ways this process can be adapted to the needs of each individual.  I am very happy to travel to present workshops or Facilitator Trainings to groups in any part of the world!

Description of SoulCollage® work

I usually begin groups or individual sessions with a guided imagery followed by a musical meditation to prepare for the card making session. I offer many materials and encourage participants to "go where they need to go at the moment." I focus on offering a safe, supportive environment. I offer card making or introductory workshops for groups by request. I bring all materials needed. I have also used this process in individual sessions as well as in institutional settings on an appointment basis. I find that clients enjoy the process and are often surprised at the power of the results. The process is fluid enough to allow each person to go as deep as they need to go this day. I always say, "There is no wrong way to do this!"

Trainer Statement

  One of the pioneers in the field of art therapy, Edith Kramer, wrote in 1959:  “This process of self-discovery and acceptance through art, is the core of art therapy”. SoulCollage® is a process that fits perfectly with this perspective. It is a way for participants to feel encouraged and empowered to become aware of the many parts of themselves through the simple art of collage. The structure provided by the suits adds the potential for a deep understanding of the inner workings of one's psyche. When this work is done in the context of sharing and community, it inspires transformation, hope and authenticity.

Personal work with own SoulCollage® cards

The cards are a physical manfiestation of the many sides of myself that continually surprise me with their wisdom and insight. I like to use images from vintage magazines that were around when I was a child. I find that these images have often been imprinted in my psyche as examples of "ideals" that I internalized at an early age. I let the cards create themselves, and am awed by their depth of meaning as I dialogue with them, much like working with images from a dream. I do like to make cards for important figures that show up in dreams or during transpersonal work such as breathwork.

Other Notes

If you would like to see a video clip of Audrey speaking at a training in 2011, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=iEH4A7bKnAM

Audrey has written and published a CD entitled "SoulCollage® in Spiritual Settings" which is based on my exeperiences as a facilitator.  You can find out more and order the CD here: http://www.hanfordmead.com/store/using-soulcollage-spiritual-settings-p-63.html