The Journey Is the Destination” An art therapy workshop to embrace mistakes and trust the creative process.
Intuitive drawing for reflection
This workshop invites participants to explore mistakes, spontaneity, and unexpected outcomes as part of the creative process. What may first feel like obstacles can become sources of meaning, discovery, and insight. Designed to shift focus from outcome to…
Body Scan & Body Awareness
Creating Visual Art
Creative Activity
Doing Art
Journalling & Reflection
Mindfulness
Workshop
Description
This workshop invites participants to explore mistakes, spontaneity, and unexpected outcomes as part of the creative process. What may first feel like obstacles can become sources of meaning, discovery, and insight.
Designed to shift focus from outcome to process, the space encourages participants to slow down, release perfectionism, and engage with uncertainty—even when it feels uncomfortable. Through guided art-making and reflection, participants practice letting go of rigid expectations and discover how imperfection can support creativity, resilience, and authentic expression. No artistic experience is needed—just curiosity and an open mind
Workshop Structure
Part I: Intuitive Drawing Experience (15 minutes)
Participants begin with a guided grounding practice, including deep breathing and gentle body awareness, supported by music. They are then invited to engage in a drawing exercise with their eyes closed, allowing their hand to move freely across the page.
The emphasis is placed on sensation, emotion, and impulse rather than intention or control. Participants are encouraged to release expectations of outcome and instead follow their internal experience moment by moment. This exercise supports presence, curiosity, and a direct connection to intuitive creative expression.
Part II: Reflective Meaning-Making (15 minutes)
After completing the drawing, participants transition into a reflective phase where they revisit their artwork with eyes open. They are invited to observe the lines, shapes, and forms that emerged and notice any imagery, symbols, emotions, or associations that arise.
Rather than seeking a “correct” interpretation, participants engage in personal meaning-making, exploring how abstract marks can hold unexpected insight or emotional resonance. This process encourages discovery, reflection, and a deeper awareness of internal experience.
Reflection & Sharing
Participants will reflect on their artwork and, if comfortable, share their experience of creating with eyes closed and what they took away from the process.
Guided prompts may include:
- What emotions came up during the exercise?
- How did it feel to view your artwork afterward?
- Were there moments of frustration, playfulness, or freedom?
- How does this relate to navigating uncertainty in daily life?
- What does “imperfection” mean to you now?
- What would you say to your artwork?
- What are you taking away from this experience?
Benefits
Benefits / Key Outcomes
Participants may experience:
- Increased comfort with uncertainty, ambiguity, and releasing control
- Greater awareness of emotional and behavioral responses to stress, mistakes, and unexpected outcomes
- A shift in mindset from perfection and productivity toward process, curiosity, and creative exploration
- Strengthened ability to embrace spontaneity, flexibility, and adaptive thinking
- A deeper appreciation for mistakes and imperfection as part of both creative and professional growth
- Insight into personal patterns when navigating discomfort or lack of structure
- Reflection on how creative thinking can be applied within work environments and daily life
- Enhanced presence, focus, and engagement in the moment
This experience supports participants in translating creative practice into real-world tools for resilience, adaptability, and well-being—particularly within fast-paced professional and urban environments.
Hosted by Ana Cabrera
About the Host
I am a bilingual Latina artist, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, and Creative Wellness Coach dedicated to supporting individuals and communities in reconnecting with their inner potential through creativity and holistic practices. My work is grounded in the belief that artistic expression is a powerful tool for reflection, emotional awareness, and transformation. With over six years of experience in the mental health field, I have worked with diverse populations including children, families, immigrant communities, and individuals in psychiatric and substance use treatment settings. This background informs a culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach that centers dignity, access, and lived experience. As an artist, therapist, and facilitator, I design and lead immersive workshops for corporate teams, creative professionals, and community groups. Integrating expressive arts with holistic practices, my work fosters creativity, connection, and emotional wellness in a way that feels engaging, accessible, and enjoyable—not overly clinical or heavy. These workshops offer intentional space to slow down, release stress, and explore creativity in a fun, hands-on way. Through the creative process, art becomes an entry point for reconnection—with oneself, with others, and with present experience. Participants are supported in building insight, resilience, and authentic connection, while also having space to play, experiment, and enjoy the process. In a fast-paced city like New York, my practice creates accessible spaces for reflection, creative exploration, and collective well-being that feel both meaningful and energizing.
Travel Locations
I am somewhat open to travel; however, I have other commitments in New York City, so I would need to remain based here. That said, I would be open to traveling for workshops on weekends, depending on scheduling and cost coverage. I am definitely interested and open to discussing opportunities further.
Certifications & Credentials
Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT), New York
Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts
Professional experience as an art therapist and workshop facilitator in creative wellness and expressive arts
Experience leading workshops for corporate teams and diverse communities
Professional liability insurance as a therapist (coverage details available upon request)
Focus Areas
Creative/CultureWell-being/Health
Location
1045 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222, EE. UU.
Languages
English, Spanish
Corporate Experience
Moderate
Session Types Offered
Interactive (eg. improv, group-art, yoga etc.)
Past Experience Doing Sessions
Yes - Interactive
Past Clients
Palantir Technologies , Blackrock
Photo Gallery