Amanda Carleton

“Dissociation is a word that is used for many different symptoms, and at times, it is understood differently by various professionals. We will begin by explaining integration, which is what you strive for as a major part of your healing.”
― Suzette Boon, Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation: Skills Training for Patients and Therapists

“Resolving the past comes after you learn to cope in the present both with your external and with your inner world.”
― Suzette Boon, Coping with Trauma-Related Dissociation: Skills Training for Patients and Therapists

“The artist is the master of his universe, often choosing his own themes, colors, shapes, materials, and images. The art therapist encourages individuals not to judge themselves, to let their work flow. Participants learn that self-expression becomes the most important aspect of creative work. The art doesn’t have to be perfect; each person’s designs are unique. The concept, that we are allowed to experiment and make mistakes, is crucial in the development of self-esteem. When individuals acknowledge that they don’t have to be perfect, they are better able to accept their perceived flaws and “themselves as a whole.” They are often able to identify and focus on strengths instead of weaknesses.”
― Susan Buchalter, Raising Self-Esteem in Adults: An Eclectic Approach with Art Therapy, CBT and DBT Based Techniques

“Parents are always precious. But when you only have one, they become crucial.”
― Sarah Dessen, The Rest of the Story: A Coming-of-Age YA Novel of Family Secrets, Identity, and Magical Summer Romance