Kelly Sommerfield — on Dignity in Creative Spaces
Kelly Sommerfield of Colorful Roots always has a resting smiling face! We love that her intention is to empower you in all areas of your life - mind, body and soul.
She’ll be joining us as an Educator for this year’s Camp Rover Conference but in the meantime here is Kelly’s take on Dignity in Creative Spaces through our little interview with them.
What is the hardest part about what you do?
The paperwork, accounting and anything to do with technology.
What is the all-time dream part of your job? The thing you still pinch yourself that you get to do? And, tell the people how often you actually get to do it.
Great question!! There are so many things I love about my job, it’s hard to pick just one. But if I had to, I’d say, being able to teach teens the things I wish I knew when I was their age. The nitty-gritty of mental wellness and emotional regulation and what the heck that all means. I get to do mental health workshops and presentations a couple of times a month. And I still pinch myself every time. It’s a dream come true.
What does dignity in your work look like?
Respecting each persons life story without judgement. Allowing them to feel seen, heard and understood. Honouring were they come from, where they are along their journey and moving at a pace that feels safe for them.
What are some simple (or hard) things you did to bring more dignity into your creative space?
My biggest goal is in creating a safe space that feels more like my living room rather than a therapist office. Getting cozy in the space, I go through a grounding exercise at the begin of every session to allow my clients to physically and emotionally arrive in the present moment. Then we move forward honouring what came up for them as they arrived in their body. Really showing my clients that the are fully in control of their healing journey.
If you could give Creatives one piece - one practice - they could add to their work to bring in more dignity to the people they serve what would it be?
I would love to show them how to practice being fully present when in conversations with their clients. We so easily get distracted by the day to day things that we don’t always give the best attention to the people we serve.
Closing thoughts for the Camp Rover Community?
Give yourself one compliment, one thing that you believe to be true. It can be anything, as long as you believe it. Breathe it in. Put a smile on your face because of it. With a smile on your face and gratitude in your heart, give yourself a big high five. You are incredible!
