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

This site includes descriptions of various lectures, workshops, seminars, and processes related to the creative and expressive arts offered by Dr. Scott. Alongside these descriptions are examples of art, poetry and writings created by Dr. Scott, her students, workshop or research participants, and clients. You will find Dr. Scott's resume, a bibliography, and quotes from colleagues and 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 educational 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 help drug addicts and alcoholics recover, we now have a better understanding of the science of right-brained processes that can promote healing in those who are suffering. While there is more than one pathway to sobriety, the use of the arts brings creativity to the journey. Using the visual arts, in tandem with the 12-steps, helps those with addiction bypass well entrenched habits of denial and the avoidance of emotion. Dr. Scott works with addicts and their family members. She addresses issues of chemical addiction, codependency, and ACoA issues (adult child of addicts).

New research using Positron Emission Tomography suggests that trauma (a Greek word meaning wound), 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 good news is that you do not need to be an artist, or have talent, to benefit from the arts.

The practice of the creative arts is available to the general public for personal growth, to develop creativity, and to facilitate a closer connection to self, others and a higher power. It is also an effective modality of counseling for those struggling with addictions and dual diagnosis.

Although licensed in four states, in California her place of residence, Ericha works only with addicts and their family members.

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.

Important Note:

Dr. Scott is able to adapt the following workshop goals and experiences to the needs of your organization and workshop participants. The creative arts are an extremely versatile tool that can be used for educational, organizational, spiritual, and/or personal growth, coaching, counseling, and therapeutic purposes. Please contact her if you need assistance. Dr. Scott is certified and/or licensed in four states, Arizona (LPC - Active Status), New Mexico (LPC- Retired Status) and Texas (LCDC - Active). In California, Dr. Scott holds the credential of Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (a non-governmental license), by the CCBADC. Due to different parameters of practice for various certifications and licenses, not all workshops are available in every state. Although most state licensing boards have made accommodations for visiting professionals and professors.