Bridget steed, MA, LMHC
Welcome!
I believe that expressing oneself creatively is one of the most beautiful and authentic ways for a person to truly allow themselves to be seen in the world and a potent way of healing the mind, body, and spirit. Deep, personal truths can be brought to the surface using a combination of art, movement, music and writing in a way that often feels inaccessible or impossible using words alone.
I work with clients using a mixture of traditional and alternative therapeutic modalities, with a focus on the expressive arts, to help reveal the precious, often hidden parts of oneself that are longing to be unearthed so that they can be recognized, honored, and shared.
About Cargo
Greatly inspired by Alan Cohen’s work, The Cargo Project, and mythologist and storyteller, Michael Meade’s, The Genius Project, I call my practice Precious Cargo in reference to a mythological belief passed down and espoused by the West African Dagara tribe. The belief is that each child comes into this world with a unique gift referred to as their “cargo” and it is their obligation to not only discover what their cargo is but to then courageously bring it to light and give it away. The Dagara believe that one’s cargo can only become activated when it is witnessed by others and therefore, it is vitally important that we share our gifts. Above all, our cargo is meant to be shared!
Why Moveable?
Precious Cargo Expressive Arts Therapy is “moveable” for two reasons!
One: Like the crates hauled by the ships in the West Indes, traveling from port to port to distribute their goods, our own cargo travels with us wherever we go, awaiting the opportunity to be shared. It is a part of us and regenerative in that, the more we give away, the more we receive!
Two: Quite literally, my practice can come to you and is available anywhere! Sessions are currently virtual and being offered through Zoom.
When I am able to resume in-person sessions, options to work with me iclude hiring me for single, weekly or bi-weekly individual or group sessions or workshops. Settings for these sessions can include in-patient & out-patient facilities like residential treatment centers and mental health agencies; retirement communities and nursing homes; community centers; businesses; schools and now virtually, from the comfort of your own home.
Where?
Founded in Ashland, Oregon— now offered virtually!
Precious Cargo Expressive Arts Therapy began in Ashland, Oregon. Ashland is a small, colorful town in Southern Oregon nestled in the foothills between the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, just fifteen miles north of the California border and home to the famous Shakespeare Festival.
What began as expressive arts therapy sessions and workshops for individuals and groups throughout Ashland and the surrounding areas as well as in my “creative treehouse” in the hills high above town, are now virtual sessions available to you anywhere in the world using Zoom.
It is difficult to convey in words the depth and power of the expressive arts process. Really, you must taste it to understand it.
— Natalie Rogers, Ph.D., REAT
The “Creative Treehouse”
This was the tiny home I was living in when I conceived of Precious Cargo. It was an incredibly special time in my life full of connection, creativity, growth, learning, and a good deal of hardship as well. Lots and lots of art was created in this treehouse, as I attempted to process all that was happening both in my life and in the world, as Covid hit about a year into living here. All led to my developing a much deeper connection to myself and my purpose in the world. From here, I was led to work with an Indian Tribe in Bellingham, WA, and then onto Latin America where I have been traveling and seeing clients virtually. All the while, I have carried my precious cargo with me and remain available to help you uncover yours!