Michelle Alvarado

Orbs and Planeta hold the process of questioning how much of the inherent self is acceptable to reveal within therapeutic, professional, and educational spaces. I explored the balance of vulnerability and disclosure of my history of trauma and mental health issues. Specifically, I sought to understand and manage the potential impact on the therapeutic relationship. Within psychotherapy, the therapist’s conscious or unconscious emotions about the client and resulting reactions are known as countertransference.
Using the fragility of chiffon, the wire that resists manipulation, and the painting of unpredictable inks used in dye sublimation, I explored the relationship between myself and my young, traumatized clients living in a group home and the resulting countertransferential information that emerged. The individual materials used and their dialogue speak of tension, translucence, tenderness, and reflection. Together they enclose my intuition, journey of self-compassion, and the beginnings of their fine-tuning.