Art & Imagery Program 

The Art & Imagery program provides a variety of workshops that begin with a guided imagery experience followed by a creative expression process.  These free standing, 3-hour workshops explore themes such as 
  • Cultivating Happiness
  • Connecting With Your Healing Source
  • Journey to the Heart of Self-Compassion
  • Supporting Desired Positive Change

Art & Imagery sessions harness the power of our imagination to access inner wisdom and to give it a voice through a creative exercise with art materials.  The aim is to provide participants an opportunity to experience the wisdom they hold within and to express it through a creative outlet.  These workshops promote reflection that is meant to support participants' life goals & well-being. 

Sessions unfold in a relaxed, safe and non-judgmental atmosphere. They begin with guided imagery to help participants relax and shift from habitual linear, rational thinking and gently steer towards creative play & expression.  The process that unfolds is designed for individuals who have little or no artistic background.  This allows for participants to explore their creative voice without judgment or pressure to perform.  The art which is created remains as a memento of the experience.  Imbued with personal meaning, it invites reflection and insight for the participant to bring home.

This meditative and yet dynamic process gives the creative spirit a chance to play, experiment and explore, while also accessing insights that arise from one's own heart & soul.  Keeping the inner critic at bay through the process, this safe and supportive environment allows for participants to emerge from this creative journey feeling relaxed, inspired and energized.

What is Guided Imagery?
Guided imagery is a technique that uses our thoughts and imagination to promote a sense of relaxation and focused attention.  It is based on the belief that our body and mind are connected. When we imagine things our body often responds as though what we are imagining is actually happening.  For example, when we worry our blood pressure might rise and muscle tension might increase just as though we were facing a real situation.  For access to research findings on guided imagery, click here.

The  Art & Imagery Program was developed and is facilitated by Sylvia Dolce, MA, ATR, founder of Integrative Self Care.  Sylvia is a registered art therapist trained at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.  Sylvia is also certified as an imagery practitioner by the Academy for Guided Imagery in Mill Valley, California.  Author of, "Art Therapy in Psychosomatic Medicine: Using Art & Guided Imagery to Promote Affect Regulation", Sylvia directed Stanford University Medical Center's Art for Health program and she assisted Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Jose, California in establishing their innovative ArtCare program.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
Art & Imagery Sessions/Workshops
Are temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 epidemic

For more information, please call:  Sylvia Dolce,  650-223-4087
Or email:  Sylvia@integrativeselfcare.com

Past workshops
Cultivating HeArt Fullness
In this workshop we used art and guided imagery to explore what helps sustains self-care and self-compassion to promote wellness and resilience.

Follow your Joy!
Soul-Care Mixed-Media Workshop
It provides an opportunity to:
  • Reflect on what feeds your Joy
  • Create a mixed-media collage that represents what you want to attract & nurture in your life 
  • Bring awareness to concrete steps you can take to manifest your vision​

HeArt of Change
This full day workshop uses guided meditation, journaling, art & imagery to allow participants to explore a specific goal they wish to achieve.  The workshop provides a non-judgmental space to explore obstacles to change, as well as support for participants to access inner resources such as wisdom, self compassion and courage.  This deeply transformative process allows participants to observe obstacles to change and, to find one way forward in the direction of desired outcome . The group provides a safe place to come together and to support one another with respect, kindness and compassion.


Experience Art & Imagery and ...  Relax, Breathe, Refresh, Reflect, Realize, Restore,Create, Enjoy, Rediscover, Welcome, Play, Let-go, Invite, Explore, Experiment, Dare, Express, Find, Connect, Access Healing, Rejoice, Smile,  Experience Freedom, Seep Your Being in Kindness, Gratitude & Joy