ages 18+
Somatic Art Group for Trauma & Chronic Pain
Class is enrolling right now! Secure your spot by filling out the form below!
Spotted Rabbit groups and classes are specifically designed to help teens and adults of all skill levels navigate social connections and special interests in a fun, engaging small-group environment.
Day/Time:
Every other week
5 sessions
Cost:
$270 (weekly and other installment plans available).
All materials included
Location:
Spotted Rabbit Studio │ Brighton Studio
2376 Monroe Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Ages:
Adults 18+
Class Details:
When you've lived with trauma or chronic pain, it can feel like your body is constantly asking for your attention. This group offers a gentle invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and discover creative practices that support grounding, self-expression, and a greater sense of ease. Through art-making, mindfulness, breath work, and sensory exploration, we'll create space to listen to the body's signals with curiosity and compassion, rather than judgment.
Grounded in Polyvagal Theory and creative arts therapies, this group explores the powerful connection between the nervous system, creativity, and emotional wellbeing. You will learn practical tools to increase body awareness, regulate stress, and build resilience through movement, breath, art, and connection with others. Together, we'll practice noticing cues of safety, reconnecting with the present moment, and discovering new ways to support the body and mind through life's ongoing challenges.
Whether you're navigating the effects of trauma, chronic illness, or chronic pain, this group offers a welcoming space to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and leave each session with creative practices you can continue using long after class ends.
Interested? Fill out the form below!
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ART SKILLS
- acrylic painting
- watercolor painting
- colored pencil drawing
- marker drawing
- hand-sewing
- weaving
- hand-built ceramics
- mixed-media
- sculpture
- collage
- printmaking
- color theory
- elements of design
- principles of design
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS
- pain management
- creative expression
- identity development
- community building
- social & communication skills
- fine and gross motor skills
- critical thinking
- frustration tolerance
- problem solving
- planning and prioritizing
- time management
- working memory
Shawn Shannon-Missal, LCAT, specializes in clients with chronic illness and/or chronic pain. She works with clients to navigate daily life in a healthy way, both physically and emotionally, and to manage expectations about limitations and frustrations.
She also works with those who are neurodiverse, helping them to work with their symptoms rather than against them.
Shawn attended PennWest Edinboro for her Master’s degree in Art Therapy and graduated in 2024. In addition to NY state licensure, she is also nationally recognized as a Registered Art Therapist (ATR). She has completed the Polyvagal Certificate Course at the Polyvagal Institute, spearheaded by Dr. Stephen Porges. Additionally, Shawn has completed a 6-month DBT-Linehan Board of Certification™ (DBT-LBC) program and has integrated this into her work with clients.
Read Shawn's blog on howart therapy helps with healing chronic medical conditions and pain.