The Empowerment Wheel - by Rachel Brandoff & Astra Czerny (Paperback)

About the Book

Revitalise your approach to supporting survivors of intimate partner violence with this innovative art therapy-inspired method. The creative projects linked to each sector of the Empowerment Wheel help you guide clients through a journey of self-exploration towards recovery and a healthier, more confident future.

Book Synopsis

Intimate partner violence leaves long-term effects. Survivors often struggle with issues of safety, self-esteem, and trusting their own ability to make healthy decisions and enter future relationships. This revolutionary treatment method uses art therapy to guide individuals through a journey of self-exploration, helping them to re-discover their confidence and grow beyond their experiences.

Each sector of the Empowerment Wheel is supported by a creative project designed to help individuals examine their experience of red flags, boundaries, locus of control, relationship authenticity, self-talk, and integrated self. With this method, clients will learn to recognise the echoes of relationship abuse and begin to rebuild their self-esteem and individual sense of empowerment.

Grounded in the authors' extensive experience in the field of trauma and recovery, the Empowerment Wheel provides a measured, client-directed way to guide survivors of intimate partner violence through the healing process to build a healthy, empowered future.

Review Quotes

Essential for clinicians working with survivors of relationship abuse, Czerny and Brandoff's comprehensive guide seamlessly weaves theory and practical application. Their integration of art therapy amplifies therapeutic efficacy and provides creative tools crucial for trauma healing. This book is a must-read for clinicians in training and a must-include for counseling curriculums.--Sarah Ness Luke, PhD, Expressive Arts Therapist and founder of Arts in Health Institute

The Empowerment Wheel is a must have resource for any counselor working with survivors of domestic violence. The authors combine research and information with relevant case examples to clearly illustrate concepts. The creative exercises to explore healing are amazing!--Jennifer Geddes Hall, PhD; Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and Associate Clinical Professor at Clemson University

The Empowerment Wheel model offers a helpful framework for understanding and treating victims of relationship abuse. This book adds suggested art therapy interventions for each sector of the model, thereby enhancing its potential to heal.--Judith A. Rubin, PhD, ATR-BC, licensed psychologist and former president of the American Art Therapy Association

Czerny and Brandoff have developed an incredible resource for clinicians serving clients who have experienced relationship abuse in any of its varying and diverse forms. They deftly integrated the latest research on the phenomenon and its treatment. Culturally diverse case vignettes, weaved throughout, help the reader understand the concepts and therapeutic applications offered through the lens of the client experience. Twelve holistic experiential art interventions offer a path to sovereignty for clients by bringing all the sectors of the Empowerment Wheel to life. This is a must have resource for any therapist helping clients to overcome relationship abuse.--Reina Lombardi, ATR-BC, ATCS, LMHC-QS, Owner Florida Art Therapy Services, LLC & Host of The Creative Psychotherapist Podcast

About the Author

Dr. Astra B. Czerny is a licensed counselor (LCMHC-NC & LPC-PA) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She maintains a small private practice for clients and a supervision and consultation practice with clinicians. Dr. Czerny is an associate professor at Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC, where she is the clinical coordinator and the developer of the Trauma Certificate program. Dr. Czerny is an active presenter at both state and national conferences. Her areas of interest include healing from trauma and empowerment.

Dr. Rachel Brandoff is a Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and credentialed supervisor (ATCS). She is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Art Therapy Concentration in the Community and Trauma Counseling program at Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Brandoff maintains a clinical practice specializing with individuals who are coming out of crises and coping with trauma. She provides supervision and consultation to art therapists and professional counselors. Dr. Brandoff has served on the boards of various professional organizations and is a regular presenter at regional and national conferences. Her first book, Quick and Creative Art Projects for Creative Therapists with (Very) Limited Budgets, was published in 2019.