Check out Shana Pittman’s Artwork

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shana Pittman.

Shana, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
For as long as I can remember I’ve had a curiosity about relationships the desire to understand my own family was an intense one. I knew I wanted to be a part of a helping profession but I didn’t know in what capacity. After some twists and turns in my life from an internship in Costa Rica working with illegal immigrants from Nicaragua, to being an Early Head Start teacher, and then an acquaintance rape educator, I realized I needed some help of my own so I began therapy. I was fortunate to be referred to a therapist who was a really good fit for me. She was empathic and kind but also challenged me to take action and view my relationships not just from the inside out, but from the other’s perspectives as well. That was it. I found a place where I could heal and grow and I wanted to be a part of that healing for others who needed it.

We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
The other important part of my practice is working with clients who have experienced trauma or who have intense anxiety. The two can go hand in hand, but even when that’s not the case, they can share an impact on mental and physical health. Healing doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it is a relational process that takes time, trust, and vulnerability. That can seem pretty daunting at first, but things tend to shift when you come to realize there are safe spaces and people you can be your true self with. Therapy isn’t all tissues and stuffy waiting rooms either, at ThrivingHeart we work to create a comfortable space. We honor laughter as much as we do tears. You can bring it all in the room with you.

Have things improved for artists? What should cities do to empower artists?
I love to reach out to others doing great work. Therapists are usually open to mentoring new professionals because they care about the quality of therapists entering the field, I know I care about that. I’ve been successful reaching out and offering to bring lunch in or inviting someone out to coffee. I really enjoy networking on the smaller scale so that you have a real opportunity to connect.

Contact Info:

• Address: 158 Moreland Ave, SE
  Atlanta, GA 30316
• Website: Thrivingheart.com
• Phone: 404.257.6757
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: ThrivingHeart ATL
• Facebook: facebook.com/thrivingheartatl

Image Credit:
Bryce Monaco

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