In the intricate tapestry of life, Robyn Schindler weaves together the roles of business owner, therapist, author, artist, and devoted mother with grace and passion. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Robyn is the driving force behind Paint the Stars Art Therapy, a practice that combines her love for art and psychology to guide clients through their emotional journeys.
For Robyn, life revolves around her two boys, ages 6 and 9, and her husband, creating a harmonious blend of professional dedication and cherished family time. "We're always outside, playing and having fun," Robyn shares warmly. Whether hiking through scenic trails or lounging on sandy beaches, the Schindler family embraces nature's gifts and revels in each other's company.
Paint the Stars Art Therapy: Where Healing Begins
Paint the Stars Art Therapy is more than a practice; it's Robyn's heart and soul manifested. Her journey into art therapy began during her undergraduate years, driven by a deep-seated desire to blend art, psychology, and her natural affinity for helping others, especially children. "Seeing clients progress, change, and find solace through creativity is immensely fulfilling," Robyn remarks. Through therapeutic art sessions, she empowers clients to reshape their outlooks and embrace newfound emotional resilience.
The Mindset Tapestry: Building Self-Esteem with Creativity
Robyn enthusiastically integrates innovative tools like The Mindset Tapestry into her practice to bolster clients' self-esteem. "The design's colorful, playful approach captivates kids," she shares. Robyn finds the mirror feature particularly impactful, as it encourages children to affirm their strengths while fostering a deeper connection with themselves—a transformative exercise in self-acceptance.
Tell us about yourself, background, and family life.
I am a business owner, therapist, author, artist and full time mama. I am a licensed counselor and art therapist who runs a group therapy practice called Paint the Stars Art Therapy. I’ve been in the mental health field for over 15 years and I have experience working with children, teens, adults and families. I am also the proud mama of two boys, ages 6 and 9. My husband, kids and I love to go hiking and hang on the beach. We are almost always outside playing and having fun together and with friends. I love running and creating my own art as a means of self-care but also just because it makes me feel happy!
I am a business owner, therapist, author, artist and full time mama. I am a licensed counselor and art therapist who runs a group therapy practice called Paint the Stars Art Therapy. I’ve been in the mental health field for over 15 years and I have experience working with children, teens, adults and families. I am also the proud mama of two boys, ages 6 and 9. My husband, kids and I love to go hiking and hang on the beach. We are almost always outside playing and having fun together and with friends. I love running and creating my own art as a means of self-care but also just because it makes me feel happy!
Tell us about Paint the Stars! What inspired you to become an art therapist and what is your favorite part about your work?
I am so blessed to be someone who absolutely LOVES what they do. I discovered art therapy as a potential career choice in my undergraduate studies. It combined my love of art, psychology and my desire to work with children. Ever since I was a child I have always wanted to help children and I have always found joy in working with children. This expanded into teens, young adults and adults as I also matured. My absolute favorite part of my work is that I get to see clients progress, change and feel better. People who come to see me often come in not feeling so great about themselves or the world around them and through work and creativity they begin to realize they can change their outlook, their thoughts and their feelings.
What are some core values or principles you prioritize in your parenting approach?
My husband and I both prioritize respect, kindness, thinking for yourself, and working hard. We try to instill these values through healthy self-esteem, learning and creativity! In our house playing is how we learn, even chores can be fun! My children take pride in finishing chores, they get a sense of self-worth and yes sometimes they can earn something for going above and beyond with their chores and schoolwork. We instill that school always comes first and with every amazing report card we do a celebration. We want our children to grow up understanding that they do have to work hard but that hard work pays off.
How can parents model healthy emotional behavior for their children?
This is tough for all parents, I think, mostly because we are all human and we all have moments where our emotions get the best of us. What I try to teach parents is a) if you have a moment where you feel you reacted too strongly you can always apologize. Find time to have a conversation and be honest with your child and b) teaching and validating emotional health whenever you can! My favorite activity is sharing our thoughts and feelings about our day during dinner time. Everyone goes around and shares something they did and how they felt. Every moment can be a teachable moment if parents are willing to take the time to do it!
What mental health practices do you incorporate into your daily routine with your children?
Although it may not be daily, we do incorporate deep breathing, art as a means of expression and yoga! We also limit screen time of all sorts! Screen time limitations should be an important part of every household today. My children do not have their own ipads and they are limited on what TV they can watch and when. They do not play video games unless at a friends house. I realize these practices may not be for everyone but they definitely work well for our family.
What role does creative activities/ art have in supporting emotional health?
So much! From a young age, I taught both of my boys how they can utilize movement, music and art to express how they feel AND to feel better! Sometimes, my kids might say something like “I’m not sure how I feel” and I will immediately say, can you draw it? Can you relate it to an picture? Kids don’t always have the right or accurate words but when they express themselves through play (art is a form of play) that is their true form of communication. In my work, creativity is everything! Whether a child is playing, drawing, painting, role playing or anything else, they use that as a way to understand feelings, thoughts, and so much more. PLay and creativity can help children work through trauma, anxiety, grief, depression, anger, family issues and so much more.
Can you share any techniques or strategies that help you stay mentally balanced?
It is so important for me to stay active as a way to enhance my mental well being. I go running 4-5 times a week and I find it can clear my mind of just about anything. I also enjoy creating my own art. Whenever I am drawing or painting I find that I am taken into a whole other place, endorphins are released and I have a sense of calm. Again, I know these two specific things may not be for everyone but staying active, being creative, finding time for yourself (especially as a working parent) is so super important.
What aspects of The Mindset Tapestry do you find most beneficial for your clients ?
When I saw the The Mindset Tapestry I felt like the emoji with hearts for eyes! In my practice, we know the root of all evil, the root of all mental health issues with kids typically stems from poor self-esteem. The Mindset Tapestry offers my clients a unique, fun and playful way to work on self-esteem. The design is colorful and eye-catching, which of course kids love. The options of choosing words and so many to choose from is wonderful because some kids will focus on only one type of compliment (for example, I am nice) for themselves while this opens their eyes to so much more. BUT my absolute favorite part of the design is the mirror! I say this because any child can say “I am Brave” if pushed to but to look at yourself in the mirror WHILE saying these words…it’s as if you are opening a new and exciting type of honesty with yourself. It’s a conversation that most kids (and adults) cease to have. I have seen clients go from shy and quiet, hardly looking up at the mirror to standing tall and proud, even smiling at themselves and that's huge!
What is the most challenging part of your work and working with children who are struggling emotionally?
The most challenging part is seeing and learning what kids are going through. Some children we see have lived through things we often wish no child to experience. Even a child who is suffering from your average anxiety–its difficult to watch a child struggle and to help them hold that space. I would say this coupled with parents who are unwilling to challenge and work on themselves to better their children, are the most difficult moments.
In embracing creativity, empathy, and resilience, Robyn exemplifies how art and therapy converge to illuminate paths of healing and personal growth. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that with passion and purpose, we can all paint our own stars in life's expansive canvas.