Barbara Kennison: My work in nursing

Barbara’s interest in art began in early elementary school.  “I detested the mimeograph image put before me,” says Barbara, “and to the consternation of my teachers, I would take the crayons and obliterate the lines in an attempt to create something new.  At times, I made such a mess, I would turn the paper over and create something that had meaning for me.  Despite the fact art classes did not exist in high school, my interest in art continued as it became a way to relax and experience a sense of freedom from unrelenting anxiety related to the cognitive, emotional, and social challenge of high school. I had excellent teachers in high school and they did everything possible to help. But I can honestly say, that art saved me. It was not until my first year in college that I was diagnosed as severely dyslexic which explained my difficulty in spelling, reading, writing and math (dyscalculia).” 

Barbara has been a nurse since 1971 and worked in academic nursing from 1983-88. In 1988, she left the academic world and began a private practice in mental health, working with both children and adults. “I utilized art in my psychiatric practice when working with traumatized children who had difficulty expressing their fears and concerns related to trauma. I had previously taught art classes for girls while in graduate school and had a high comfort level working with children and art and helping them express themselves.”