Healing Expressions

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Vancouver, WA
Healing Expressions

Lani Kent is a Story-Informed Trauma Mentor, Therapeutic Arts Facilitator, Artist, Speaker & Writer

06/06/2025

Sometimes there are seasons that cause us to pull back, let go and be present for the necessity of the now. I am so grateful for all that has transpired in the last few months to have supported arriving in this fresh space...this new home...this emerging studio space...this new multigenerational living arrangement that has ushered in bittersweet perspectives of my own story. When we least expect it, we can be given opportunities to heal what needs deeper restoration and understanding.

I have been away for a while I suppose in my “Healing Expressions” online space. I have always valued all those who have supported the work I am passionate about in the healing community. Thank you to those who have messaged and checked in about my whereabouts. I thought I would give you a peek into the sweet changes that are in process. So much goodness, challenge, change, and hope in the mix. I am holding onto the future with hands that are much more open to uncertainty, flexibility and the anticipation of hope.

To those who find healing in my work, I hope to return with new art and spaces for rest, heart restoration and creative inspiration. I am just adjusting for now and pondering what this next season is to be about. I am breathing into the newness with family, beloved grandchildren and helping clients as we navigate moving into a blessed new office space.

I am so thankful to the US Digital Outreach Center for the last 8 years of providing a place for me to journey with those seeking to understand their stories. The timing is so beautiful. Thank you to my dear friend and colleague, Evie Kent, for the invitation to join her in a new office space at the Battleground Executive Office Suites. This is the space I now see clients to process their stories. I will still offer my 3-HR creative intensive sessions at US Digital but have been loving my new office in Battleground for individual story work.

Thank you for the years of support. I hope to check back soon as direction and inspiration reveal themselves!

03/11/2025

New beginnings around the corner! After almost a year of having most of my art studio and supplies packed away in storage, we have finally reached the next phase of bringing things into the space. Our RV life is winding down and our new home and studio is coming to life. I’m sure over the next year there will be many transitions, re-organizations and changes to what this space looks like… but that’s the fun part! Today I am grateful for seeing the little creative things again that remind me… no matter how much time has passed…I am still an artist with a heart for the healing journey.🩷

02/10/2025

Just stopping by with a few moments and scenes from my view. Grateful for the portraits from nature that leave me in awe most days. The emerging art studio now has finished hardwood floors and lights are illuminating our home. The snowfall has been beautiful. Take good care of your hearts dear ones.

11/25/2024

A few fall reflections from the last month or so. I am continuing to move and breathe with new rhythms, surroundings and experiences. We can never really know how much time we will be given with new paths and risks we may choose to enter through. I suppose, fear, or old messages could prevent one from pressing through into something new, but my thoughts these days are why not give it all a hope and a try. The more days I am breathing the expanse of nature and space…and living part time in simple and “all you really need” cozy spaces… the more content I feel. Sacrifice and working with our hands and natural resources is a sweet blessing. Stretching into and through, the partnering with our dreams, is a beautiful growth opportunity in this healing journey. The patience required for the building process has been a daily confirmation of why my heart is passionate about journeying with those who are healing and rebuilding their own lives.

11/11/2024

My annual time away at the Writer's Advance Retreat was a beautiful respite of self care, creative reflection and kindred spirit encouragement. Joining fourteen writers, we shared a common endeavor to allow the words of our hearts to find their way to the page. For me, it is always through photography and therapeutic collage that the writing process begins. Letting emotions stir and wash through opens pathways of expression. No matter what season each writer finds themselves in, the event always brings us home and present to our hearts. Thank you Marc Schelske for all you bring to this unique event!

For more on this retreat go to: https://marcalanschelske.com/writersadvance/

10/27/2024

One little step at a time, brings long-held imaginings to reality! Turns out choosing a soft, warm, paint color takes about 15 sample tries lol! For the first time I was able to create a temporary, little place to sit and dream of what I hope this creative space will grow into. As I sat and looked out the window today, it hit me anew that this is all really happening. I am so grateful actually for all the time it took. For all the stops and starts, the wrong choices that led to the perfect choices, the ups and downs and everything that led to the “just right” timing.

Childhood trauma survivors often put off allowing themselves to receive hope, goodness and joy for fear that the other shoe will drop. Expecting the worst can became a protective survival skill. This whole experience has been an exercise in holding hope amidst risk. Sometimes it takes stepping into the dream, amidst the unknowns and trusting you can manage whatever the path may bring. Dear One, I too am still learning and growing in my capacity to walk into beautiful expectation and receive what it has for me! Remember….You are worth so much goodness !

10/15/2024

It’s been a sweet season watching some dreams come to life. Thought I would share a little peek into the transformation of a creative space I have imagined for so many years. It was over five years ago we found a piece of earth nestled in the beautiful NW, to eventually call our home. I hope my art studio will be a place of peace, invitation and creative exploration for those who come and share the space!🌺

10/06/2024

Beautiful morning shared with a wonderful group of colleagues and attendees at the “SEE: Trauma, Identity and Spirtual Development” workshop! Presented by Byron Kehler, Therapist and developer of Story Informed Trauma Therapy, it was a rich and meaningful look into the influences of our story on our identity.

For more information about this presentation and for those considering working through your own story to better understand its impact go to:

storyInformed.com

10/04/2024

OCTOBER ART BLESSING! This month’s giveaway is an inspirational set that includes a "Breathe" journal, "You are Enough" art card, "Just One Life" pendant and small "Love" tag! Just “like” this post If you would like to be included in the drawing. On Oct 31st I look forward to drawing a name from FB and Instagram and finding out who I will send this offering to! Creative Blessings!
🌺
Congrats to the winner of the last month’s Art Blessing… SARAH CHRISTENE from Glamour Girls Junk Journals! Please DM with your mailing address and I will get your gift on its way to you!

10/03/2024

A few moments of beautiful stillness from the week!

09/07/2024

SEPTEMBER ART BLESSING! This month’s giveaway is a handmade, inspirational, blank art journal. The sentiment honors those kindred souls that walk along side, support and love well! Just “like” this post If you would like to be included in the drawing. On Sept 30th I look forward to drawing a name from FB and Instagram and finding out who I will send this offering to! Creative Blessings!
🌺
Congrats to the winner of the last month’s Art Blessing… CYNTHIA FOSTER SANDERS! Please DM with your mailing address and I will get your gift on its way to you!

Thank you Artful Press for the lovely inspiration!

06/25/2024

My world has been pretty quiet these days. Sometimes our best laid plans have to be set down for a season...we need to sit aside while the world keeps moving. Took a bad fall six weeks ago which resulted in a broken foot and ankle. The unexpected offers opportunity for growing our capacity for patience and flexibility. Truth be told, my body has been unable to move about with the ease that so many of my summer plans required. It has forced temporary change in many parts of life. Learning to fully rest, so broken bones can heal has had me “walking through” what I try and help clients with regarding self care and listening to your body. Discovering there was more for my heart to learn about my own vulnerabilities and limitations. Today I am grateful for the support of tender community, sitting outside in the sun and reminding myself that this too shall pass. Healing does indeed….take time.

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Vancouver, WA

Website

https://lanikenthealingexpressions.com/

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Restorative Creativity

Lani Kent is a Therapeutic Arts Facilitator whose own life story and journey of recovery from early childhood trauma led her to begin to share her work, “Healing Expressions”, with survivors over 20 years ago. Lani believes the creative image and word can open pathways for healing, offering a voice and freedom where there once was silence and pain. She is passionate about using art and her own unique creative processes to help clients explore and hold their own stories.

Speaking, leading workshops, consulting with mental health professionals, training and working with clients in individual sessions and group workshops, Lani offers “Restorative Creativity” and “Therapeutic Mentoring” as an adjunct to the brave work survivors are engaged in with their therapist. Her hope is to see clients move more fully and deeply into the truest expression of who they are and to open their hearts to the gift of art that heals!

Please email at Lanikent@msn.com to arrange private sessions, group workshops or schedule an introductory meeting with Lani at the US Digital Outreach Center to learn more about her work in the recovery community!