Arts & Entertainment

Xpressive Arts Center Offers Therapeutic Art

Registered art therapist Bonnie Stromer helps both new and seasoned artists find creative ways to overcome life's challenges.

Conventional therapy like medication and counseling isn't the only way to cope with what life throws at us. Bonnie Stromer, a registered art therapist, uses art to help others. 

"Art therapy is just using art to help express your feelings," said Stromer, who has lived in San Diego County since 1985. "Art can help people in so many different ways. It can help them with hard problems and other challenges in their lives."

At her Xpressive Arts Center, Stromer examines her clients' creative processes and helps them express their feelings through art, whether by drawing a picture or making a bracelet. She works with all ages, individually and in groups.

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Stromer has always had a passion for art. Growing up, she wanted to be an art teacher. While in high school, she worked in an elementary school for three years. Stromer enjoyed working with children, especially those who had trouble learning. 

"I saw that when I did art projects with the whole class, the kids I worked with became alive and they loved it," she said. "It made them feel better about themselves." 

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When she went to college, Stromer didn't want to take math, science and social studies in order to become a teacher. She was only interested in teaching art. She discovered art therapy after she changed her undergraduate major to human services.

"I thought, well, that's the best of both worlds, because I can work with any population and still do art," she said.

After earning her master's degree in art therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Stromer completed 2,000 clinical hours. She worked at schools, hospitals and other organizations for a number of years before she decided to open the Xpressive Arts Center in 2007. In three years, Stromer has helped many people in Poway and the surrounding communities.

Not long after the Center's grand opening, San Diego County was devastated by wildfires. For six months, Stromer helped an 8-year-old boy cope with his anger over the loss of his family home.

A few years ago, Stromer helped a woman who was battling depression after her job had been outsourced. After learning how to make jewelry, however, she used her new skills to build her own jewelry making business.

Stromer explains that art can be less threatening than traditional therapy.

"The art kind of helps you clarify your feelings and gets you in touch with what you really want," she said.

Opening and maintaining her business hasn't always been an easy task, however. Because of the 2007 wildfires and the struggling economy, Stromer had to get a part-time job at Paradise Valley Hospital in National City to support her business. Still, she remains resilient because art is her passion.

"I'm still here," she said. "I do it because I enjoy it. You have to enjoy what you do. Otherwise, what's the point?"

While those seeking art therapy are welcome at the Center, Stromer offers plenty of creative activities–including camps, classes and workshops–for adults and children who just love art as well. From painting and drawing to mask making and jewelry making, art enthusiasts have lots of options at the Xpressive Arts Center. 

"Don't be intimidated by art," she said. "Anyone can do art and be creative."

 


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