What if creativity isn't just something we do, but a pathway to healing?
In this episode of The Woo Woo Therapist Podcast, I sit down with Lesley Burke, LPC, ATR-BC, to explore the connection between art therapy, symbolism, shadow work, trauma healing, and nervous system regulation.
Lesley shares how Hurricane Katrina unexpectedly changed the course of her life, leading her from being a professional artist to becoming a licensed therapist and board-certified art therapist who helps others use creativity as a tool for healing.
We also discuss her experience participating in MAPS psychedelic-assisted therapy research and training, and how that work expanded her understanding of trauma, creativity, and the healing process.
Whether you're a therapist, artist, or simply curious about your own creative process, this conversation invites you to see creativity as more than self-expression. It can become a powerful tool for self-awareness, reflection, and transformation.Key Takeaways
- Creativity can become a gentle pathway for healing when words are difficult to find.
- Symbolism often reveals emotions, beliefs, and parts of ourselves that are ready to be seen.
- Shadow work invites us to approach ourselves with curiosity rather than judgment.
- Healing can happen through both conversation and creative expression.
- Supporting the nervous system creates more space for creativity, resilience, and self-awareness.
- You don't have to be an artist to experience the healing power of creating. The process itself is where transformation often begins.
Connect with Lesley Burke, LPC, ATR-BC
Learn more about Lesley's work as a licensed professional counselor, board-certified art therapist, and visionary artist.
Website: www.lesleyanneburke.com
Instagram: @lesleyanneburke
Join the conversation: If you're a therapist, witch, energy practitioner, professional tarot reader, astrologer, medium, or healer integrating psychology and spirituality, I'd love to connect with you.
Interested in being a guest on The Woo Woo Therapist Podcast?
Please reach out to: hello@kathleenstark.co
To connect with Kathleen Stark:
Instagram: woo_woo therapist
YouTube: The Woo Woo Therapist Podcast
Website: https://www.kathleenstark.co/
Thank You for Listening: If this episode resonated with you, I'd be grateful if you left a review or shared it with someone who might need to hear it.
Every review, every share, and every conversation helps this community grow and reminds others that they don't have to choose between the practical and the magical.
Until next time, stay curious, trust your intuition, and remember that your healing journey is uniquely your own. Take what resonates, leave what doesn't, and keep showing up for yourself.
I'll meet you back here soon.
Blessed be. 💜
Disclaimer: The content and conversations shared on this podcast are offered for educational purposes, self-reflection, and community connection. They are not a replacement for psychotherapy, mental health treatment, or professional advice, and listening to this podcast does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Please take what resonates and leave the rest.
