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Revitalizing Minds Project: Facilitating Creative Healing

Harnessing the healing power of nature and creativity, local therapists Jacqueline Metcalfe, MA, and Ashley Ramstead, MA, launched Revitalizing Minds Project to help people of all ages overcome obstacles to living their best life. Nestled in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, Revitalizing Minds Project aims to serve the community with a combination of alternative and conventional therapeutic approaches to mental health and wellness.

“We started Revitalizing Minds Project to bring the arts and creative/alternative approaches to therapy for those in need,” says co-owner and founder Ashley, noting that the duo discovered their mutual passion for helping others while attending Loyola Marymount’s Clinical Art Therapy Marriage and Family Therapy program.

While commuting to school, “We spent much of our time talking about our ideas on how to connect to people, how to instill hope, encourage positive change and help others grow,” she notes. “It became clear that this was truly something we were both passionate about.”

Their name, she says, reflects their mission.

“We believe people need to revitalize their minds to achieve overall mental health and wellness,” says Jackie, adding that Revitalizing Minds Project offered free therapeutic services to community members traumatized by the Woolsey Fire. While the 2019 fire devastated most of the structures at Saddlerock Ranch, it miraculously spared Revitalizing Minds Project’s recently constructed home.

“We decided that we needed to open our doors as soon as possible and provide services. We felt that it was a sign to share our skills and give back to the community,” says Jackie.

Here, Ashley and Jackie share more about Revitalizing Minds Project’s offerings and raison d’être.

Q. What is Revitalizing Minds Project’s mission?

A. We aim to enhance the lives of individuals facing difficulties through the use of traditional and creative arts therapies. Combining approaches allows us to incorporate a variety of styles and techniques that will be most helpful for each client.

Q. What services are offered?

A. Services include individual and family counseling; premarital and couples counseling; group therapy, including support groups; Baby + ME Hikes; parenting classes; Wellness Day Retreats and more, all provided with a focus on helping others improve their quality of life through mental health and incorporating alternative approaches like art therapy.

Q. What is Art Therapy?

A. Art therapy uses creative mediums like drawing, painting, coloring and sculpture to help people process trauma, resolve conflicts, improve interpersonal skills, reduce stress and gain personal insight while enjoying the life-affirming pleasures of art-making. As art provides an outlet when words fail, integrating art into therapy addresses a person’s entire experience.

Q. What expertise and credentials do you possess?

A. Serving as Program Director and Clinical Art Therapist, Ashley Ramstead is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, specializing in Clinical Art Therapy, with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. Ashley’s experiences at Behavioral Health–Simi Valley Youth and Family Clinic, Milestones Ranch and Cliffside Malibu have led her to a path in somatic healing and trauma. In addition to her strong beliefs and expertise in the healing arts, Ashley is in the midst of completing SE certification.

Clinical Director and Clinical Art Therapist Jacqueline Metcalfe is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University. With over 10 years of experience in community mental health agencies and schools, Jackie is well-versed in working with adolescents with moderate to severe mental health diagnosis. She focuses on the art-making process as a therapeutic way to assist with emotional, behavioral and mental health-related problems. An emerging ecotherapist, she believes our psyches are not separate from our environment and provides individuals with an opportunity to explore their relationship with nature. Jackie is also trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based treatment model that incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral techniques.

Q. What makes Revitalizing Minds Project special?

A. Unlike traditional forms of therapy in an office building, we are blessed with an incredibly beautiful location with a working farm, an organic garden and some of the most breathtaking views overlooking the valleys. We are passionate about bringing art, nature and alternative therapies to assist in the journey of healing and we feel blessed to do most of our work in this remote setting, free from distractions. We work with each client to help them build on their strengths to identify and achieve wellness, including mental health, physical health, nutrition and a communal support system.

Revitalizing Minds Project is located at Saddlerock Ranch, 31727 Mulholland Hwy, in Malibu. To learn more, call 310.896.5233 or visit RevitalizingMindsProject.com.

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