Embracing imperfection, cultivating resilience.

Wabi-Sabi Wellness programming aims to help individuals understand and articulate their professional identities across three areas:

• Individual: Encouraging self-reflection to answer "Who am I?" by exploring personal values, attitudes, morals, and beliefs.

• Relational: Facilitating growth in the context of relationships to explore "Who am I in relation to others?" including colleagues, clients, and the community.

• Collective: Strengthening the connection to the profession to address "Who am I in relation to the profession?" by integrating professional ethics, codes of practice, and legal principles.

Rooted in the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, the program emphasizes the beauty of imperfection and the acceptance of our humanness. We encourage participants to take a step back, practice self-compassion, and embrace their unique journeys without striving for unattainable perfection.

Marina Ioannou, Licensed Art Psychotherapist (CYP)

Marina is a licensed Art Psychotherapist based in Cyprus, advocating for mental health across Europe through accessible art therapy and community engagement. Her journey began in 2009 at Little Brook Hospital with Britta Von Zweigbergk, and in 2014, she earned her MA from Goldsmiths, University of London, later working with NHS and Cambian Group, specializing in children who experienced sexual abuse.

In 2018, she moved to Germany, providing art psychotherapy to expatriates, and later established a private practice in Cyprus, addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, and workplace well-being. Marina's collaborations include Cyprus's first museum-based art psychotherapy program for older adults, recognized in local media. She is actively involved in local and international art therapy organizations (EFAT, CARTA).

Julia Volonts, Licensed Art Therapist & Founder of Art Therapy Lab (USA/LV)

Based in New York City, active worldwide, Julia Volonts is a Licensed Art Therapist and Founder of Art Therapy Lab. She has a background in educational, community, and private practice settings, and is an Assistant Professor at Notre Dame of Maryland University within their MA Art Therapy Program.

As a dual citizen of Latvia and a Fulbright Program alumna, Julia moved to Riga in 2019 to conduct art therapy research, returning to NYC in 2022. Her international work fostered collaborations with international organizations, allowing her to launch community-based projects that serve diverse populations. Julia has partnered with a range of collaborators, including Paris Collage Collective, Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art, MARTA Centre, LGBT House Riga, School of Visual Arts NYC, ISSP Latvia, and Kyiv Collage Collective.

Julia is actively involved in the European Federation of Art Therapy, contributing to their Professional Development Committee and Art Therapy in Museums group, emphasizing innovative art therapy approaches.