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Healing Pain
through Expression

Therapeutic Art Workshops

for Chronic Pain and Illness

 

About Creative Connections

Creative Connections offers live and on-demand art-based experiences designed to support individuals navigating chronic pain, chronic illness, cancer, trauma, and other complex life experiences. Co-created by Kristin Sheehan and Catherine Walters, our offerings integrate creative expression, somatic awareness, and guided reflection to create supportive spaces for self-exploration, meaning-making, self-expression, and connection. Through immersive workshops and guided creative experiences, participants are invited to explore their inner experiences through art, deepen self-understanding, and foster connection with themselves and others.

Painting of a hand dipping into a river
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." - Thomas Merton
“What a wonderful workshop from Kristin and Catherine. I am so grateful for the experience of the combination of painting from Catherine and meditations from Kristin and the invitation of them both to drop into the aware embodied sense of being alive, creative, and share with the group to see and be seen and heard. The sensitivity, encouragement and heart felt support were just amazing. All experiences of this moment in our lives were validated and supported. Amazing work."

Jeff B.

Meet your Guides

Creating Space for Expression, Connection, and Transformation.

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Artist | Communication Coach | Speech-Language Pathologist

I'm an artist, creative guide, communication coach, speech therapist, world explorer, and nature lover co-facilitating Creative Connection's art workshops and other creative community-based offerings. I met Kristin and we immediately connected. We have had so many instances of creative synchronicities during our work together that makes this project feel even more meaningful as it pertains to the idea of healing through Connection.

 

This project comes so close to my heart, both as an artist and through personal experiences with chronic pain and disability. My chronic pain journey began about 18 years ago when my health took a wild turn seemingly overnight. My hands and arms began to mysteriously start hurting. I couldn't write, type, or do artwork for very long. Since then, my undiagnosed condition has spread to other parts of my body. I had to relearn how to live with this chronic pain and disability. And though my condition is still present, I have found so much joy and satisfaction in life. Art and creativity have played a dominant role in how I have been able to reframe my experience. What once I saw as a tragedy, I now feel has been a blessing in many ways.

Being here in collaboration with Kristin to help people find healing through art and personal connection is yet another beautiful way my own chronic pain has gifted me the opportunity to support and inspire others on their own journeys.   

 

                               

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LPCC | EMDR Somatic Therapist & Healer 

I'm an EMDR and somatic therapist and healer, co-facilitating Creative Connection virtual art workshops. I am an art lover, and find joy and infusing creativity into all areas of my life and work. I feel so fortunate to collaborate with a soulful artist like Catherine and offer something truly special that alchemizes our passions and life experiences to help those who are navigating life with chronic pain or illness. 
 
I have lived with chronic illness since 2011 when I got Lyme disease. It felt as if my whole world crashed down around me. This coincided with my Saturn Return, around age 29. I became bed-ridden, had to leave my job and new apartment and move in with my parents. I began a soul-level journey of healing. In addition to working with my doctors, I integrated other healing modalities such as nutrition, meditation, hypnosis, somatic therapy and yoga.  When I healed enough to return to life, I became a health-supportive personal chef and cooked for others with chronic illness. My path eventually led me to becoming a somatic therapist. Today, my life is still deeply impacted by chronic illness, and the expressive arts have been an undeniably important part of my healing - this includes taking guitar and singing lessons, watercolor, and free writing. 

I am so grateful to be divinely called to connect and work with Catherine to offer a magical space where we can offer our gifts in community with you! 

Our Programs

Creative Offerings

 

Harness the power of art, reflection, and connection to navigate life’s invisible challenges. Creative Connections offers live and on-demand art-based experiences for individuals navigating chronic pain, chronic illness, cancer, neurodivergence, trauma, and other complex life experiences. Join a welcoming space where creativity, self-expression, and community can flourish.

Creative Arts & Wellness Partnerships

We collaborate with healthcare organizations, clinics, hospitals and corporate wellness programs to provide engaging, therapeutic experiences that enhance communication, cognition, and emotional well-being.

Connect with Us

Workshops, Partnerships, Individual Sessions

Leaf Pattern Design
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