THAT'S ME... RIGHT? Breaking Old Patterns in a Brain-Friendly Way: LOM® Art Therapy in Crete with Katina Kalpakidou

Many people did not receive enough support and love during childhood; instead, they experienced varying degrees of insecurity, belittlement, neglect, violence of all kinds, and so on.
What does this do to children? They develop coping mechanisms and have to distance themselves from their true selves. Boundaries—and often any sense of direction—become uncertain. There is little or no room for their own needs.
They lose their sense of self, and messages from the outside world are internalized. Often, for a long time, there is no awareness that this is not normal or right.
Phrases like ‘You’re bad.’ ‘You’re stupid.’ ‘You’ll never amount to anything.’ ‘You can’t do anything.’ ‘You only think of yourself.’ ‘You’re too quiet.’ ‘You’re too loud.’ 'You are .......................
These labels then lead to personal beliefs: 'I am bad.' 'I am unimportant.' 'I am unlovable.' 'I should be different.' 'I will never be good enough.' 'I ........
Difficult experiences can also have this effect. For example, events for which we supposedly were to blame, disturbing family atmospheres, and much more. They can lead to beliefs such as: “It’s my fault.” “I’m not good enough.” “I’d better not show myself as I am.” “I should never say what I think.” and much more
Such beliefs can prevent us from living out our qualities.

Much of this has outlived its purpose, yet it remains effective.
Then, although we know that we aren’t really that bad, ugly, stupid, lazy, selfish, guilty, etc., it doesn’t truly sink in. We continue to behave as if we don’t deserve anything better.
 
This week, we will work specifically through painting (Solution-Oriented Painting Therapy LOM®) to address these limiting thought patterns so that our true selves can find space. The old beliefs are acknowledged as survival strategies. Emotions find space. The processes are supported on an individual basis.

The more extensive the emotional wounds, the more time the processes require. Often, we can only cover a small part of the journey this week, or set an important course. The goal is always for the participants to grow closer to themselves and stop being at odds with themselves—often an automatic defense mechanism.

Spend a week painting and vacationing on the beautiful south coast of Crete.
Please ensure you are sufficiently stable to embark on this painting retreat.