St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Member Spotlight – Mindi Fetterman, Executive Truth Seeker , The Inner Truth Project
Member Spotlight – Mindi Fetterman, Executive Truth Seeker , The Inner Truth Project
“Upcycle Your Worth”
“What if you could take the clay and make something that represented safety?” This was the therapist’s directive to me in my first art therapy session. I was angry and confused and feeling overwhelmed by my lack of artistic ability; not being “creative enough” frustrated me even more. Instead of trying to channel my trauma into an object of hope, I squashed the clay down onto the table with my fists. I beat it flat as it turned into a sticky paste, mixing with my tears that watered down all over my supposed “art project.”
This was over twenty-five years ago, but a quarter century later, the lesson remains…art is therapeutic in its process, not it its finished product. According to the Art Therapy Credentialing Board, “Art therapy is an effective treatment for persons experiencing developmental, medical, educational, social or psychological impairment. A key goal in art therapy is to improve or restore the client’s functioning and his/her sense of personal well-being.” I started to feel a shift in my well-being by being offered a safe place to pound on some clay, yell and cry and express my imperfections, even if I had no idea how to accomplish the task of “create what represented safety.” I had found it.
Today, The Inner Truth Project provides survivors of sexual abuse, rape, incest, and sex trafficking the same safe space and opportunities to heal, create, and express through art. In addition to the many somatic treatments we offer, art therapy is way to reconnect to our bodies, reclaim our power and focus our energy on what feels good. The end product may not always look like it belongs in a gallery, but that just depends on who you ask. Because to a survivor of sexual trauma who has been stripped of their dignity and worth, having a tangible expression of all of their innermost thoughts on display, for no other reason but to honor their individual worth, the end result is priceless.
We are thrilled to collaborate with the St. Lucie County Cultural Alliance on our upcoming recycling art project. At the heart of what we do at ITP, is to help guide survivors of sexual trauma as they travel from survivor to thriver. On that journey, they experience a sort of renewal. It is not going back to “the way things were” before the rape or abuse because with awareness, we are even stronger than before. It is like being in this place where we feel so low, like trash and then we are “upcycled” – transformed into something completely new. We become even more aware of our purpose because of our pain. Using recycled and found objects to create art, made by survivors to be displayed around the county is simplistic and profound and equally healing for the heart, the community and the planet.
To be involved in the upcoming “Upcycle Your Worth” Project, or any of the programs at The Inner Truth Project, or simply to donate to our 501c3 nonprofit, please email info@innertruthproject.org or call (772) 200- 4599.