This week meet Valeria Koutmina, she is another of our extraordinary art therapists!
What is your favorite thing about your career?
I have several favorite aspects in the work that I do. Number one has to be that creative arts therapy marries all of the things I love: art and creativity, learning about and helping other people, hearing and telling stories by word, metaphor/visual symbol, gesture, affect and writing. I enjoy writing case notes and collaborating with clients in the co-created therapeutic space. Lastly, I feel that my work challenges me and helps me grow as a person. I am
honored and humbled to be a fellow traveler on my clients' journeys.
What makes you laugh the most?
I laugh pretty easily, so this is a tough one! My favorite is when I'm sitting around with my mom and aunt and one of them comes out with some hilarious bit of family lore. They often have me in stitches!
What would you sing at Karaoke night?
I always make an attempt at "Shoop" by Salt n' Peppa and "Closing Time" by Semisonic. I also excel at car-aoke where I croon John Denver.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I <3 SOUP! I am Russian, borscht runs through my veins. Any weather is soup weather!
What did you want to be when you were small?
When I was four years old, I was asked this question and I answered with "I want to be a citizen of the world!" It's still true.
Are you related or distantly related to anyone famous?
Not that I know of.