For Kate...
The Art Therapist
Carol Skinner is best known for the art therapy room in which she stood
Using art to work with clients so that they were truly understood
Helping others believe at a time that they didn’t think they could
Teaching them to be easier on themselves when all they could think about is what they should
Helping them to change their inner dialogue to something much less critical
Listening closely to the heart of her clients not just being analytical
Gently urging the people she worked with to find a way to reframe their thinking
Raising up the esteem of those whose belief in themselves was often sinking
Lighting up the room with a smile so generous and kind
Going that extra mile and you clearly knew she didn’t mind
Stocking the art room full of supplies so people had everything they needed
Fighting the negative messages of others so they wouldn’t be defeated
Radiating positivity until it would eventually become contagious
Being gentle and kind even when other people’s behaviors were outrageous
Holding a caring space for a person when their internal pain had arisen
Really getting where they were coming from because that’s how deeply she would listen
Using a combination of motivational interviewing with a genuine compassion
Using art therapy as the technique of choice because that was her passion
And even though she had to stop I know she will not let her illness get her down
The kind words she gave to others will echo a gentle sound
The beauty in which she’s lived her life will carry her forward on her road
Those who love and care for her will help her carry this heavy load
It is now her turn to receive the support that she’s so freely given
To the people that came under her care who believed they would never be forgiven
And I know you’ll look around you Carol and let the beauty touch your soul
It’s now your time to embrace that beauty and let that be your goal
Carol Skinner is best known for the art therapy room in which she stood
Using art to work with clients so that they were truly understood
Helping others believe at a time that they didn’t think they could
Teaching them to be easier on themselves when all they could think about is what they should
Helping them to change their inner dialogue to something much less critical
Listening closely to the heart of her clients not just being analytical
Gently urging the people she worked with to find a way to reframe their thinking
Raising up the esteem of those whose belief in themselves was often sinking
Lighting up the room with a smile so generous and kind
Going that extra mile and you clearly knew she didn’t mind
Stocking the art room full of supplies so people had everything they needed
Fighting the negative messages of others so they wouldn’t be defeated
Radiating positivity until it would eventually become contagious
Being gentle and kind even when other people’s behaviors were outrageous
Holding a caring space for a person when their internal pain had arisen
Really getting where they were coming from because that’s how deeply she would listen
Using a combination of motivational interviewing with a genuine compassion
Using art therapy as the technique of choice because that was her passion
And even though she had to stop I know she will not let her illness get her down
The kind words she gave to others will echo a gentle sound
The beauty in which she’s lived her life will carry her forward on her road
Those who love and care for her will help her carry this heavy load
It is now her turn to receive the support that she’s so freely given
To the people that came under her care who believed they would never be forgiven
And I know you’ll look around you Carol and let the beauty touch your soul
It’s now your time to embrace that beauty and let that be your goal
Written by the lovely and talented Karen James
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