In this insightful interview, MysticMag had the pleasure of speaking with Brittany Bishop, a dedicated professional in the field of art therapy, yoga, and holistic wellness. As the co-founder of B3, a center that offers a unique blend of counseling, art therapy, yoga, and more, Brittany brings a wealth of knowledge and a profound passion for helping individuals achieve balance, creativity, and well-being in their lives.
Can you tell us more about the specific challenges and issues that overworked professionals and aspiring creatives in Crest Hill commonly face, and how your services address these challenges?
Many of us have experienced the sense of being overwhelmed or constantly feeling “on the go.” We often neglect essential self-care practices like taking deep breaths, staying hydrated, or checking in with our emotions. Instead, we tend to power through our daily tasks, from handling emails to attending meetings to managing family responsibilities. This lack of mindfulness can lead to treating our bodies and minds as machines rather than living beings, resulting in mental and emotional strain. Many individuals claim they lack time for self-care, but these moments don’t need to be lengthy. Just five minutes, or even two minutes, of active self-nurturing can make a significant impact.
At B3, we assist people in developing their mindfulness and self-nurturing skills through personalized counseling, art therapy, and yoga philosophy. Our approach also includes yoga asana and meditation classes, tailored to individual needs. What sets B3 apart is our encouragement of creativity exploration. We believe everyone possesses natural creativity, and we provide a safe space without judgment or expectations for individuals to experience it. Art therapy, for instance, allows creators to view their situations from unique perspectives through various artistic mediums. This process activates underutilized parts of the brain, enhancing problem-solving abilities. B3 empowers people to embrace the best aspects of being alive: playfulness, creativity, curiosity, and motivating both the body and the soul.
How do you tailor your approach to help individuals achieve a healthy work-life balance, reduce anxiety, and make time for the activities they love? Can you provide some examples of success stories?
Every individual is unique, with a distinct life story and challenges. However, commonalities exist in our approach at B3. We recognize that each person’s desired work-life balance varies. One essential aspect is to help individuals find a balance among different types of activities, including distraction, self-soothing, social engagement, physical activity, and creative/expressive outlets. Many of us are adept at distraction but tend to overuse it. This includes activities like watching TV, scrolling social media, or playing video games, which offer an escape from the moment. These activities are necessary but should be balanced with the others. Overreliance on distraction often leads to avoidance of issues that, when unaddressed, multiply and become more challenging.
Self-soothing activities are more mindful and aimed at comforting the senses, such as taking a warm bath or petting a beloved animal. We encourage individuals to be fully present during these experiences. Social interactions with friends and family, physical activities like exercise, and creative/expressive activities are equally crucial but often neglected. People sometimes fear creativity, believing they are not good at it, or they avoid it due to emotional discomfort. B3 helps individuals become more comfortable expressing their feelings through various outlets, whether it’s journaling, painting, or dancing. This process aids in processing stressors and emotions, ultimately promoting self-care. At B3, we work with individuals to identify their desired habits and experiences and create realistic plans to incorporate them into their routines.
Your organization provides holistic therapies for the mind, body, and soul. Could you describe in more detail how these therapies work together to enhance overall well-being, and what potential benefits clients can expect to see?
At B3, we believe in the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul. We understand that you cannot address one aspect in isolation. Through the incorporation of yoga philosophy and practice, we engage with all three components. Practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and purposeful movement support a healthy relationship with our physical bodies, emotional well-being, and spiritual understanding. Yoga philosophy reinforces the idea that we are part of a larger universal system and that no life is inherently more valuable than another.
We emphasize the importance of self-esteem and confidence as foundational to personal well-being. Our counseling and art therapy services delve into the roots of self-doubt, challenge limiting beliefs, and help individuals let go of past emotional wounds. Our hair and scalp therapies provide gentle, safe physical contact that reinforces self-kindness and self-worth. Scalp massage promotes relaxation, releasing tension in both the body and mind. These therapies collectively emphasize self-kindness and respect, fostering well-being across all dimensions. Clients leave our sessions feeling invigorated, trusting their decisions, and believing in their worthiness of the good the world has to offer. They can let go of shame and doubt accumulated from past experiences.
What inspired you to get involved in this field and offer your services to the community? Is there a personal story or experience that led you to focus on this mission?
For both myself and my sister, Chantelle, who is also my business partner, the inspiration to make the world a better place has been a lifelong pursuit. We were raised with the belief that we could achieve anything we aspired to. This doesn’t mean we were immune to self-doubt. Our upbringing instilled in us a deep appreciation for creativity and the idea that every life has a purpose. We were taught to embrace kindness and compassion, even towards the smallest creatures. This is the message we aim to spread through our work. Kindness begins with self-care, and Chantelle often says, “Leave the world a little prettier than you found it.” That encapsulates our mission – to make our corner of the world a bit brighter and empower others to do the same. When our clients leave our sessions feeling more confident and motivated to share the lessons they’ve learned, it keeps us motivated and reminds us of the positive impact our work has on the world.
In your experience, what are the most significant barriers that individuals face when it comes to self-care and personal growth? How do you help them overcome these barriers?
From our extensive experience, a significant barrier individuals face is low self-esteem. At B3, we prioritize building self-esteem in our clients. We empower people to recognize their worth and their capabilities. Art therapy helps clients process past emotional traumas and begin the healing process. Yoga asana helps individuals establish a positive relationship with their bodies, while meditation teaches them to accept the present moment without judgment. Our scalp therapies provide gentle, safe physical contact that reinforces self-kindness and self-worth.
In addition to self-esteem, an unhealthy approach to setting boundaries is a common issue. Many individuals either create overly rigid boundaries, shutting others out, or maintain overly porous boundaries, leading to feeling overwhelmed by external influences. Our therapies help clients establish healthy boundaries that respect both themselves and others. We guide them in creating more stable and fulfilling relationships by demonstrating the importance of setting boundaries that are in line with their needs and desires.
What do you love most about your profession?
The most rewarding aspect of my profession as an art therapist and yoga teacher is witnessing the growth of individuals’ self-esteem. It brings me immense joy to empower people to realize their incredible potential. I adore seeing their creativity flourish and their unique personalities shine through. During group workshops, when everyone engages in artistic expression, the diverse and individual outcomes serve as a testament to each person’s story, emotions, and personal journey. Even when following the same creative prompt, the results are remarkably distinct, emphasizing that each individual brings something special to the world that cannot be replicated. I take great delight in witnessing individuals stand out while remaining an integral part of the universal design. The best part is seeing clients leave our sessions with increased confidence and kindness, not only for themselves but also for others.
