PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:  When illness, pain or disabling symptoms dominate our world, words alone are often not enough.  Using art materials as a vehicle can provide a concrete concept and the power to start a process of change.   You don't have to be an artist to use art to help you feel better - doodling, scribbling or even drawing stick figures can help you express your sadness, frustration, anger or pain.  The principle aim in art therapy is to assist individuals toward a better understanding of their situation, help them manage physical and emotional challenges and provide meaningful distractions from illnesses or treatments that cause pain.  This program will be run as a workshop, in which attendees participate actively, having fun while they learn ways to adapt to life with limitations.

SPEAKER:  Angelina Rodriguez, LPC,ATR-BC, is a licensed art therapist in Houston, who counsels individuals, couples, families and groups on illness, grief, trauma, depression, relationships, anger management, substance abuse, sex and love issues.  She has a worked at at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, where she counseled patients with cancer and their families.  She is a certified Crisis Counselor with the National Organization for Victims Assistance and volunteered during the 911 Crisis in New York City, assisting with post trauma and grief.  As a middle and high counselor with the Houston Independent School District, she developed and implemented an art therapy program for "at risk" kids, resulting in dramatic improvements in their productivity.  Angelina has presented workshops throughout the country and her work has been profiled by ABC 13, Viva Houston, KHOU Channel 11, Fox News, Envy Magazine, Houston Chronicle, and other publications.  Combining both "talk" and "art therapy" in her individual and group sessions, Angelina leads participants on a step-by-step creative journey that encourages exploration of their behavior, relationship patterns and work and helps them express unspoken and often unconscious concerns about their illness and their lives. The result is a roadmap to uncover one's authentic self and emotional power.