Molly Stanton, MS
Sculptor/Firewalk Instructor/Therapist/Storyteller/Dancer/Empowerment Coach
A veritable potpourri of titles! My education has been diverse, yet there is a common undercurrent running through all of the aspects of my life: a deep connection to the earth and the story of both ourselves and the land. I believe re-engaging with personal and cultural myths can reconnect us to each other and back to the land in a sustainable and joyful way.
By formal education I attended Smith College where I received a degree in Psychology but also deepened my education in dance. Movement was my first love and it led me to 3 years in a ballet company. It was at Smith where I discovered the healing power of movement and began to incorporate movement work into the clinical psychology work. I completed a Master's Degree in Psychology and much of the requirements of a doctorate in psychology at Lehigh University but left the academic portion of the field because I felt there were deeper modalities of healing in other disciplines.
I have worked for the last 10 years as a therapist for people suffering from both an addiction and a mental health issue. Several years ago I picked up another set of threads from my early life, sculpting and creating art. And I have developed my love of the craft alongside my work in the clinical psychology world.
My sculptural art focuses on otherworld and mythic themes. From the faerie spirits who are so deeply a part of the land to the mythic figures of Persephone, Daphne, and others; my work illuminates the underworld journeys of the soul which reflect the struggles my clients and all of us are working through. I use mythic stories from around the world (as well as more traditional clinical techniques) in my clinical practice to assist clients in containing and understanding the transformation and struggle they are going through.
I firmly believe that every person is talented, creative, and original if they speak their truth in the world and create in joy. In my art classes both outside the clinical world and within it, I seek to create a place of joyful exploration. Exploration both of the skills of sculpting and also the creative opportunities in it. Allowing your creativity to sing is very healing and transformative.
I currently teach classes that walk the border between an art course and a course in transforming the spirit; classes involving storytelling, creating, and healing; classes in movement and healing. If you would like to learn where you can take a class or come and see my original work please feel free to join my mailing list!
Shade and sweet water!