Southwestern College Santa Fe, NM
I have worked at Solace Crisis Treatment Center in Santa Fe, treating trauma and crisis situations for the last two and a half years. I previously worked at the Attachment Healing Center in Albuquerque. I currently work at Solace part-time and have been building my private practice. I provide art therapy and counseling services to kids and adults dealing with life changes, transitions, anxiety, depression, and trauma.
This work is humbling, challenging, and deeply rewarding. I am constantly edged to examine myself and to awaken more presence and compassion for my clients and for myself. It is truly a never-ending process of evolution, growth, and change. For me, developing relationships is the most fulfilling and rewarding aspect of what I do. Witnessing courageous people willing share parts of their journey with me is an amazing honor. As my clients work towards feeling more empowered and connecting with their innate wholeness, I become more whole as well. We don’t heal in isolation.
As a student at Southwestern College, I received a wealth of heart knowledge and was able to form a foundation that has pivoted my healing work in ways I would not have had otherwise. I learned how to care for myself and how to look within without judgment. My wilderness fast in Canyon de Chelly was probably my most powerful experience that was a force in propelling me into my future. If I had to offer any words of wisdom for prospective students, I would invite them to envision exactly how they would like to see themselves in this profession. I understand this is a process that might not remain the same throughout the program but I think it’s important to go in with a sense of intention. This work is not easy and it takes an unwavering connection with serving community in order to sustain. If students are intending to have a large income after graduation, this is very uncommon and probably not going to happen, especially living in a very impoverished state. However, it’s definitely possible to make ends meet and this work is greatly needed.
I began this field with much idealism, which over time slowly began to dim. I’m now more realistic and very intentional about reigniting my passion for this important work, and I am viewing it with greater honesty, curiosity, and excitement. Releasing my expectations and attachment to outcome has also been helpful. I had to learn as I went along, which I think is one of the best ways to learn. However, if I had it to do over, I wish someone had told me to slow down a bit, allow myself to fumble at times, and be more present with the entirety of my experience. Overall, I wouldn’t really change anything. I will just continue to stay tuned in and never stop listening.
With great respect to all upcoming, current, and past students and to this rich program,
Katie Hall Art Therapy & Counseling
(270) 300 – 1920
About the Moderator
