Canvas of Calm: Navigating Anxiety through Art Therapy

February 08, 2024 — In July 2022, Morgan and her husband welcomed a perfect baby boy into the world. In the midst of all the joy and excitement of having a precious new baby boy, Morgan was overcome with anxiety about his safety and well-being. Initially, she struggled to find the mental health support she needed for her post-partum anxiety, but then she sought care with AdventHealth Primary Care’s Behavioral Health team. Morgan shared, “I was having panic attacks every night and just was not living.” Her first visit was with psychiatric nurse practitioner, Suzie Smith. Suzie worked with her to identify the right treatments and medications to support her as she dealt with post-partum anxiety. Suzie also recommended that Morgan begin therapy sessions with one of AdventHealth’s therapists.

Shortly after her visit with Suzie, Morgan began therapy with behavioral health counselor, Jason Coffey, LPCC. Morgan shared, “The very first time I saw him, I felt like I could tell him anything. He made me feel so at ease.” Morgan suffered so greatly with anxiety that she was consumed with fear that something was going to happen to her son. She shared that she was terrified to be away from her baby and that she couldn’t enjoy motherhood or her relationship with her husband because of the overwhelming anxiety that plagued her. That suffering was eventually relieved after attending therapy sessions with Jason. Morgan specifically recalled an art session with Jason which she described as a turning point in battle with post-partum anxiety. “We did an art session and I was able to work through so much of the anxiety I was dealing with. Jason was great and would pause the session if it got overwhelming and we would talk through the anxiety. It makes me want to cry thinking about it. From that point on, I have not had any anxiety. I was consumed with fear that something was going to happen to my son, but now I can leave him with his dad and let him spend time with his grandparents, and I can enjoy him.”

Morgan continues to attend her therapy sessions and shared that she feels like she has conquered her battle with post-partum anxiety and is living her life again. “It was mind-blowing to me to sit down and feel the anxiety leave my body as I was doing the art session. I have conquered that battle. I’m not stopping my world for every little issue.” She continued saying, “I recommend Jason and the behavioral health team to everyone. I feel like my providers are always there for me and they always seem glad to help me. I love everyone in that office! I’m glad to share my story because I don’t want anyone to ever feel embarrassed for going to therapy. It is life-changing and I hope that anyone who needs therapy will get it.”