We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Nestor-Cardwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
Connection makes me happy. Connection with myself, my family, friends, and my community. The small moments of living life, like smiling at someone I walk past and having them smile back, talking with the cashier at the grocery store, and/or seeing something beautiful in nature, brings me joy. All these little moments of each day create our life. I feel happiest when I am open to the joy that comes with natural connections. Not to say that every moment must be joy-filled; however, there are different types of joy, or shall I say contentment, that come from being present to experience and share in life with others, whether at home or traveling.

Decorative stone painted with colorful dots and patterns on a dark background.

What should our readers know about your business?
In my work life, I am an ATR (registered art therapist), LPC (licensed professional counselor), and mindfulness educator. My private practice, Art Heals: Art Therapy and Counseling, is in Roswell. The practice name reflects my belief that the art-making process helps people to heal by nurturing a connection or reconnection with their souls, thereby building confidence and a sense of self. Making art with the support of an art therapist can be both transformative and soothing. It depends on the client’s goals. Artwork created in art therapy is process-oriented. At times, the artwork can be aesthetically appealing; however, that isn’t the goal. I am glad that as an ATR and LPC I can offer both art and talk therapy. Working with a therapist to support the stress of daily life, as well as during times of heightened stress at planned and unplanned life transitions, can be a real gift. Anxiety and depression often can occur during these times without support. I enjoy working with clients to explore their thinking patterns, navigate emotions, build skills, practice new problem-solving strategies, develop self-care practices, and deepen their understanding of self.
As I mentioned in the shout-out dedication, I am a different learner. I love the way my brain thinks now, because I understand it and know how to support it. However, from childhood through young adulthood, I didn’t, and it was hard. Making art growing up was how I processed much of my world. At the time, I did not know about art therapy; I just knew that art-making helped me relax and express myself. It wasn’t until my late 20s that I learned about art therapy, and I thought, “This is amazing!!!” I felt it was my path. My thinking was and still is, “If I can help others understand how their brains work, then maybe they can avoid or minimize the pain I felt.”
As life goes, there have been many layers to it, joys and losses. Each time, art is there for me. I enjoy being there for others in times of need and using the tool of art-making to provide a cushion for healing and growing stronger.

​

​

Woman smiling at a craft table with colorful supplies and a glass block, in a bright room with glass block wall.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm, good question. It is fun to take friends to the Beltline to walk and scooter around, look at the interesting art along the way, and eat delicious food. There are so many yummy spots around there. If possible, catch a show at Chastain Amphitheater, hopefully one you can picnic at. That venue has such an intimate feel for an evening show when filled with candlelight. I love to walk, and Atlanta has lots of trails and green spaces for a big city. I also love heading out of the city to swim in a quiet cove at Lake Lanier.

Smiling woman with long brown hair wearing a black top outdoors, with a concrete wall and greenery in the background.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate my shout-out to my parents. Their belief, love, and support in me are why I became an art therapist. I want to support others who think and learn differently, as well as to help people preserve and build their confidence in themselves. I am dyslexic and have ADHD, inattentive type. Growing up in the 70s, 80s, and even the early 90s as someone who thinks and learns differently was hard, especially when I was younger. Most things in school took me longer than they did for others and were often confusing. This struggle affected my confidence. My parents always encouraged me to try my hardest and would ask me if I had learned something from the experience or task. Since I was trying my hardest to do both, it was OK with them when my grades didn’t always reflect my effort. They understood that the gap between the two was not a reflection of my intelligence or ability. This unconditional love and acceptance made me feel valued and taught me that each task we undertake offers many different kinds of lessons. It also helped to instill a strong work ethic.

Website: https://www.arthealsarttherapyandcounseling.com/

Open colorful book with a bee illustration on the left page and text on the right page, held by a person's hand.

Open sketchbook with colorful drawings, surrounded by watercolor paints, colored pencils, and a cup with a paintbrush.

Image Credits
Clio Cardwell

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.