We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Schutzbank recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nicole, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, comes from a deep sense of purpose and connection to my work. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and creativity, and witnessing the positive changes in my clients inspires me to keep going, even when things get tough. My resilience is also fueled by my values—clarity, connection, inclusivity, and creativity—which guide me through challenges and help me stay grounded. I draw strength from the people I support and the belief that we all have the potential to heal and grow. My loved ones have also formed my resiliency and confidence in myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
As an art therapist and counselor, I specialize in helping tender-hearted and creative individuals navigate their struggles through therapy. My approach is rooted in the belief that having warm, welcoming, and creative therapy promotes growth and healing. What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to witness my clients get empowered, gain insights, and transform their lives meaningfully.
I create a safe, comfortable space where people feel seen, heard, and supported. My work stands out because it combines traditional therapeutic practices with creative techniques. I’m also authentic in my work to encourage a strong connection with my clients.
As for what’s new, I’m always exploring ways to expand and enhance my services. I’m planning on launching some workshops or group offerings in 2025. These will provide more opportunities for people to engage in supportive community settings. I aim to continue growing my reach and impact, offering people ways to explore their potential and find healing through creativity and connection.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are creativity, empathy, and resilience. These have shaped how I connect with others and navigate the challenges of building a practice.
Creativity has been crucial not only in how I approach therapy but also in how I build my business. Creativity allows me to think outside the box, tailor my services to individual needs, and continuously innovate. For those early in their journey, I recommend nurturing your creative side—through art, writing, music, or finding new ways to solve problems. Embrace experimentation, and don’t be afraid to explore different ways to get where you hope to go.
Being able to truly understand and connect with others on a deep emotional level has been central to my work. Empathy allows you to create a safe space where clients feel heard and supported. Empathy also taught me to have compassion. To develop this, practice active listening, cultivate mindfulness, and always approach situations with an open heart and mind. The more you can step into someone else’s shoes, the more impactful your work will be.
Building a practice and supporting others isn’t always easy. Resilience has helped me stay grounded and push through difficult times. For those starting, I suggest focusing on your “why”—the deeper purpose behind your work. This will help you stay motivated when things get tough. Also, seek mentors and build a support network offering guidance and encouragement.
Be patient with yourself, be open to curiosity, practice radical acceptance, and remain true to your values. These qualities and skills don’t develop overnight, but with persistence and dedication, they’ll become your greatest strengths.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I would love to connect with other artists who have harnessed their creative practice to self-express and deeply value mental health and well-being. It’s enriching to learn from others who share this perspective, see how others create, and learn from their experiences. If you resonate with this approach, let’s connect and support each other on our journeys!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicoleschutzbank.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tendercreative
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleschutzbank
Image Credits
Katie Corley
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