Caring for the Carers: How Creativity Supports Those Who Hold Space for Others
In a world that asks so much of us, who holds space for the space-holders?
I’m thinking of the carers. The ones who witness, support, guide, and give. Not just once, but over and over again. Psychologists, teachers, health professionals, and family members are often the quiet anchors in the lives of others.
They’re often the first to notice when someone’s not okay, and the last to be asked how they’re really doing. Their work is powerful, and it’s also at times heavy. Which is why sometimes, they need something to nourish their own inner child. A space to rest, express, and be met. Not as “the helper,” but simply as a human being.
This is where creativity steps in — not as a product, not as a performance — but as a gentle rebellion in whch they can choose and honour themselves.
Not Just the Healer — the Human Daniela Provedel
Recently, I had the absolute privilege of working with psychologist Daniela Provedel in a one-on-one session. What she shared afterwards moved me deeply — not just because it affirmed the work I do, but because it reminded me just how vital this kind of care is for the carers themselves.
Testimonial: A Psychologist’s Perspective on Creative Reconnection
“Since first hearing about Korynn’s approach, I felt genuinely drawn to it. A mix of curiosity, inspiration, and a quiet knowing that I needed to try it for myself.
Right from the start, it was clear I wasn’t stepping into a regular art class. It felt more personal, more alive, deeper. Before we even began creating, Korynn sat down with me to talk through her process — not in a structured, step-by-step way, but as a warm, open invitation. She really listened, asked about what I needed, what I was hoping for, what I was curious about. It felt spacious and thoughtful.
Being in her studio, a real, lived-in creative space, made a huge difference. It wasn’t about following rules or completing tasks. It was about exploring. There was room to slow down, to try things, to not know. Nothing had to be perfect, and that felt like a relief. As a psychologist, I came in with lots of questions. I was in my head — wondering about the overlap between art and therapy, about meaning, process, purpose. But as I eased into the session, something softened. The questions got quieter. I stopped trying to figure everything out and just... created. With Korynn’s gentle support, I gave myself permission to simply be in the moment.
This wasn’t just an art session , it was a reset. A reminder that creativity doesn’t have to be productive to be powerful. That it can be a way to care for yourself, to reconnect with parts of you that don’t always get a voice. For me, it became an act of self-love. A way to drop back into presence through colour, texture, movement and surprise. And it reminded me how much I need that kind of space in my life as a psychologist and as a person.
Korynn’s work offers a unique pathway to psychological integration through embodied creative expression. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space grounded in presence and curiosity, she facilitates access to non-verbal processes often bypassed in traditional talk therapy. Her approach allows for emotional regulation, symbolic elaboration of internal conflicts, and the activation of spontaneous play — all key elements in trauma recovery, self-reconnection, and nervous system co-regulation. From a psychological perspective, her sessions function as transitional spaces where the individual can safely explore, reframe, and reclaim aspects of the self through creative flow. Much like a therapist, Korynn guides you through an inner excavation, helping you see what lies beneath the surface, discern patterns, and bring intention to the process. What makes this work especially powerful is the relational quality she brings: Korynn’s authenticity, warmth, and deep respect create the conditions for co-regulation and genuine therapeutic presence — reminding us that healing is not only about what we do, but also about who we do it with.
I’m truly grateful for the experience. I want to return and feel inspired to bring my family into it, and to gently recommend it to clients who could benefit from reconnecting with themselves through creativity and care.”
— Daniela Povedel
Creativity won’t fix everything. But it will offer a place to exhale. To reconnect with what’s real. To remember that you’re not just here to hold others — you’re allowed to be held, too.
Burnout. Compassion fatigue. Emotional disconnection. These aren’t just buzzwords; they’re lived realities for many who support others for a living. But what if making art, not for outcomes or accolades, but for presence and process — could help these carers refill their own cups?
That’s the belief behind what I do at The Curiosity Coach. Creative practice isn't just a luxury for those with time to spare, it's a form of care. A rebellion against burnout. A quiet return to self. As psychologist Daniela Provedel shared how creativity can be a profound way to reconnect with the parts of us that often get left behind when we’re busy caring for others.
For any psychological support please reach out to Daniela Via her website HERE.
Creativity as Regeneration
For carers, creativity isn’t about “adding one more thing” to an already overflowing to-do list. It’s about taking something off. The pressure to perform, to fix, to prove. It's about dropping into a space where presence matters more than productivity.
Through creative exploration, whether it’s a brushstroke, a scribble, a splash of colour, or a playful mark — we find regulation. Integration. A moment that belongs only to us. And in that moment, we are reminded: We are worthy of care, too.
From the Front of the Classroom to the Centre of the Canvas
Last week, I had the absolute joy of hosting a Paint & Sip (With a Twist) session with the wonderful teachers from Engadine West Public School. For one magical evening, they weren’t standing at the front of the classroom. They were laughing, layering, and letting go around the canvas. In between brushstrokes and banter, something quietly powerful happened: they gave their own inner children a little care and colour, too. It was a reminder that teachers aren’t just guides for others — they deserve spaces to play, rest, and be held with the same compassion they give so freely every day.
For the Space Holders, the Helpers, the Givers
If you're someone who spends your days holding space for others, and rarely finds time to hold space for yourself — this is your invitation.
Creative self-expression can be a bridge back to your body, your truth, and your joy. Whether it’s through a private lesson, a custom workshop, or simply setting aside time to explore your inner landscape with a sketchbook and some curiosity, I’m here to support you.
Because creativity is a form of self-love. And carers need it just as much as those they care for.
Or, perhaps you know someone who spends their days caring for others. A teacher, a therapist, a nurse, a parent — consider passing this along. It might be the invitation they didn’t know they needed.
Ready to Reconnect?
If you’re a psychologist, teacher, social worker, or carer and you’re feeling the quiet call to reconnect with yourself, you’re not alone. Let’s create a space where you get to be held for a change.
See you in the studio, on the trail, or somewhere in between.
Let’s get curious — together.
Korynn x
