We often see programs for the younger stages in life. Free art programs, extra curriculum activities, but as one grows out of those aged stages the number of outsourced programs aren’t as many as one can hope. As we do have a bountiful array of traditional therapies at our disposal, we are also limited. The question that loomed over me was who helps the artistic adult?

My perception of individual conceptualism made itself apparent when my PTSD couldn’t meet the basis of what one may imagine their needs met. The idea of governing myself was just a thought of what if’s and maladaptive folly. One who has a mental disparity can agree that the hurdles of a life of normalcy are far-fetched without proper tools. As I went through my life into adulthood, it only became harder to function in society and societal norms and I inevitably ended up where one like me would end up. I hit the wall. My only saving grace was to call out for God. And ultimately I got up and stood on my own two feet again. But this time stronger, clearer, and determined.

As a person that has overcome depression and a diverse amount of challenges, one of the most impactful tools to cope was art. Art therapy not only calms understanding, but it also soothes the physical, ultimately giving a sense of self. This journey of discovery and mental wellness has been a comforting blanket in my physiological betterment leaving me a sense of nostalgia. This assessment has been the precedent of my emotional well-being and did in fact help my personal growth.

The beginning stages of my journey is when I started Roses N The Dark podcast. A show that allowed me to give a sound to the shattering darkness of PTSD. PTSD in itself is a part of me and As a person that faces PTSD every day, Using audio was my way of processing intimate thoughts, emotions the twist and turns life gives you while I bared the armor of my psychological discrepancy. The show was my platform but as the show grew the urge to give people that same voice grew. Roses N The Dark has now grown into a movement to inspire change and has evolved into our nonprofit House Of Roses N The Dark Inc.

Our approach aims to provide resources to PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse adults in need through artistic and spiritual therapies. Our focus is to offer a curriculum-based program for identified individuals that incorporates mindful movement through art. Our organization is a peer-based trauma-responsive and informed care program that aims to help clients heal and empower themselves, thus creating a ripple effect of systematic change.

Our team holds a great deal of passion for the mental health community. We strive to raise awareness and problem solve the stigma and challenges of those affected. To achieve this goal our approach is to combine art therapy and art education. Art therapy is a mental health system for individuals who experience developmental, medical, social, or conceptual impairments. Our goal is to help individuals in the mental health community reach their peak.

Founder
- Latoya Bey