. . . to join me on a journey down the creative path of Self and Spirit through expressive arts therapy.

This site includes descriptions of various lectures, workshops, seminars, and processes related to the creative arts and psychotherapy offered by Dr. Scott. Alongside these descriptions are examples of art, poetry and writings created by Dr. Scott, her students, research participants, and clients. You will find Dr. Scott's resume, a bibliography, and quotes from past workshop participants. This web site is designed to nurture and encourage those with no background in the arts, as well as providing links to related sites.

About Art Manna

The name for this web site is a made-up term that is a reference to the mysterious food—"manna"—sent to the Israelites as they were wandering, lost in the desert. Art, for me, is a mysterious food sent by God to sustain us. It feeds us during times when we are parched, hungry and tired while searching for a closer connection to self and spirit.

The act of creation, whether an art piece or a meaningful life, is an act of faith, just as the act of collecting food that fell from the sky was an act of faith for the Israelites.

Although there is a mysterious component to how the creative arts access, reveal and transform the unconscious, we now have a better understanding of the science of how right-brained processes help heal those who are suffering. New research using Positron Emission Tomography suggests that trauma is stored imagistically in the right side of the brain, more specifically the limbic system. It is hypothesized that some forms of trauma may not even be encoded in language. In seeking a path of wholeness it is important to include preverbal and non-verbal ways of communication. It is also important to include both sides of the brain.

The practice of the creative arts is available to the general public for personal growth, to develop creativity, to facilitate a closer connection to a higher power, to address issues of trauma and loss, and as a form of psychotherapy for those struggling with mental illness and/or addictions.

Please review Workshop descriptions for more information.

For the purpose of this site, the word “art” is used loosely to include all of the expressive arts: imagistic, dramatic, literary and musical modes of expression.