Off-Screen Hours: Your Protective Patterns
A lot of us aren’t actually being ourselves, we’re being the version of us that feels most acceptable.
We’ve gotten really good at reading the room, smoothing out conversations, and adjusting to avoid being judged or misunderstood. In a culture shaped by constant comparison, it’s easy to lose track of what we actually think, feel, or want. For a lot of people, this shows up online too, overthinking what to post, holding back, or feeling anxious about being seen at all.
Off-Screen Hours drop-ins is an art-based group in the weekend for a space to slow that down. Through curated creative prompts led by a qualifying art therapist and counsellor, we’ll explore how you tend to show up, where you might be over-adjusting, and what being more like yourself could look like in a way that still feels comfortable.
You’ll leave with a clearer sense of what feels true for you, more confidence in what you choose to share and with whom, and a few small, realistic ways to show up more like yourself, both online and in everyday life.
No art experience needed, just curiosity.
Your Protective Patterns: an art therapy exploration
How we show up relationally has shifted since 2019: our social defenses are high and the fear of being rejected, othered, judged, seen dictates how we end up being agreeable and masking our way through.
We discuss the bandwagon effect and groupthink and cancel culture and the need to feel all-knowing/competent all the time.
Through a therapeutic art prompt, we’ll get curious about what these patterns are doing for us, and where they might be costing us.
When:
Saturday May 23, 1-3pm
Where:
Room 317 - 402 W Pender St.
(6 spots max!)
Your Host:
Nikki (she/her) → mixed-race, queer qualifying art therapist and counsellor with a background in film and public art. Grounded in intersectional feminism and narrative therapy, she helps you reclaim the stories that feel most true to you.
Small business collabs: Want to bring your pop-up (matcha, treats, ceramics, or art) at our event? Email [email protected] and your drop-in is free! We want to build a creative third space and build community wealth together.
Follow us: @deciphercounselling
Learn more about our art therapy and counselling offerings: https://deciphercounselling.com/
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