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Interview with TAP into Montclair —”Montclair preschools reflect on post[pandemic CHanges, successes

Excerpt>>>MONTCLAIR, NJ - Over the course of the pandemic, local learning communities have found creative ways to address young children’s social and emotional wellbeing. While the virtual access program bridges one gap, social distancing within the pre-k itself still hinders children’s ability to connect with those around them in familiar ways. 

“Children learn about the world through things like play and observation. In the pandemic those outlets are reduced,” explained Montclair art therapist Pooja Bakri, LCAT, ATR-BC, who works with children on self-expression and emotional healing through art. “They don’t have the opportunity to work out social conflict with other kids.” …..

In addition to hand signals and other visual cues, Bakri believes that art offers an alternative pathway for children to express and learn from their emotions. For instance, she invites them to create something in the moment, such as a doodle drawing, with materials they feel comfortable with. The drawing can be further explored emotionally. 

For Bakri, conducting virtual meetings with those who choose it has offered her special insight into their daily lives—and while it poses its challenges, Dorr agrees that there is something to be said for the opportunities online platforms provide for learning and growing.  Click for complete article:

Interview with Sunday Riley, The Edit Magazine ——Excerpt>>>

Why you should see… an art therapist
No, art therapy isn’t a ‘paint and sip’. “Art therapy sessions are led by licensed, professionally trained art therapists whereas art classes are led by a teacher. The focus and goals in an art therapy session are often about the process, self-discovery,  expression, and the therapeutic relationship between client and therapist. These sessions, like all therapy sessions, take place in a safe and confidential setting,” says Pooja Bakri, LCAT, ATR-BC, a board-certified creative arts therapist. “Art Therapy is a specialized mental health and human services profession that incorporates creativity, play, and art-making into the therapeutic experience. Creative arts therapists are licensed professionals that are trained in both the arts and psychotherapy. As clinicians, we are able to use art-making and the creative process as tools in our sessions to address a range of mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral issues. This can include but is not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, life changes and personal well-being. No prior experience or skills with art-making are necessary to benefit from this process. It is all about your own personal journey and individual experience. Art therapy is a safe way to express yourself and can be helpful when looking for opportunities to manage stress and promote mental and physical health.”

Featured Member: Pooja Bakri, MPS, LCAT, ATR-BC

Tell us about yourself

I received my undergraduate degree (BFA) from the Maryland Institute College of Art. I then received my MPS Art Therapy degree from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. Since receiving my degree, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity of working in both community and outpatient settings. I currently offer art therapy services to both children and adults through my private practice in Montclair, NJ.

What excites (or inspires) you most about your job/studies right now?

One of the things that truly inspires me right now in my work is the theme of human connectivity, and the idea that there is more that connects us to one another than that which sets us apart. I feel very fortunate to join in this journey with my clients as we discover ways in which we are not alone in both our challenges and our hopes for the future.

Has working with a particular client group shaped your professional focus or specialty? What have you learned from working with these clients?

Prior to starting my private practice, I worked with a PALS program (Peace-A Learned Solution) which provided creative art therapy to children who have been exposed to domestic violence. This experience was inspiring in that I was able to witness how resilient children can be — despite adverse childhood experiences. Many of these children were able to find their voice and share their unique story through the art and play. I learned how vital it is that programs like these continue to receive funding and are made available to communities in need.

What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing a career in art therapy?

I believe that part of being able to share the process with others, is experiencing the process for yourself. Always continue making your own art. This will allow you to see first-hand the various ways in which the creative process provides opportunities to heal and grow.

Baristanet Profile: Pooja Bakri

How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion? I am really fortunate that my passion and what I do for a living are one in the same. I am a licensed creative arts therapistwith a private practice here in Montclair. Art therapy integrates psychotherapeutic techniques with the creative process – which I’ve found is such a powerful tool in mental health treatment. For as long as I can remember, art has provided me with an outlet to express myself and relay my experiences. I feel very lucky to be able to offer this empowering form of therapy to our community as a way for individuals to overcome challenges and grow.

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