Decoupage Portfolio
Crafting is more than art; it is mindfulness in motion. It's a mindful practice that stitches together resilience and healing.
Dr. Michaele C. Samuel
Dr. Michaele C. Samuel is a psychotherapist in private practice. She is a trailblazer in the field of psychotherapy, seamlessly blending artistry with clinical expertise to facilitate healing and growth in her clients. With a passion for creativity and a keen understanding of the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression, Dr. Samuel incorporates decoupage art into her innovative approach to therapy. Decoupage, an ancient technique originating from the French word "decouper" meaning to cut out, involves meticulously adorning objects with carefully selected paper cutouts, which are then sealed with layers of glue or varnish.
In one of Dr. Samuel's therapeutic framework, decoupage serves as more than a mere artistic endeavor; it becomes a vehicle for profound emotional exploration and growth. This immersive craft offers some of her clients a unique opportunity to express complex emotions, navigate life's transitions, and foster self-awareness. The deliberate and methodical nature of decoupage encourages clients to be present in the moment, fostering a state of mindfulness that promotes relaxation and emotional grounding.
Research suggests that creative endeavors like decoupage can be particularly beneficial for individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders. The therapeutic process of crafting allows clients to externalize their internal experiences, fostering a sense of agency and empowerment.
Under Dr. Samuel's expert guidance, decoupage becomes a transformative tool for rewriting narratives and fostering resilience. Through this intricate art form, clients embark on a journey of self-discovery, finding solace, healing, and empowerment one delicate cutout at a time.
Dr. Samuel holds a doctorate (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology, a doctorate (EdD) in Education and Human Development, a Master of Arts in Bilingual Education, and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology. She provides individual therapy (children and adults), and couple's coaching. Dr. Samuel is a certified Mindfulness Informed Practitioner and a Maryland Department of Health Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists approved clinical supervisor. She is invested in providing culturally responsive therapy that emphasizes an integrative, dynamic, and holistic approach to mental health that is aligned to each client’s unique needs.
Dr. Samuel is a culinary enthusiast, avid crafter and gardener. She also enjoys winemaking and international travel. Dr. Samuel is a native of Grenada. She resides in suburban Washington, DC.
Decoupage Collection
Butterfly Kisses
These captivating pieces are a celebration of nature's poetry, where vibrant butterflies and beautiful flowers come together in a dance of color and grace. The flowers, with their petals unfurling in exquisite detail, create a garden-like tapestry that forms the foundation of the piece.
"Butterfly Kisses" captures the essence of this artwork, invoking a sense of gentle beauty and ephemeral moments. These pieces are a visual poem, inviting observers to embrace the delicate and fleeting wonders found in the union of butterflies and blossoms.
In Full Bloom
These enchanting vessels are a celebration of nature's beauty and the ephemeral splendor of blossoming flowers. "In Full Bloom" perfectly captures the essence of these pieces, as if frozen in time during the peak of nature's grandeur.
The viewer is invited to revel in the intricacies of the flora, each flower telling its own story within the larger composition. This work of art not only captures the visual richness of blooming flowers but also radiates a sense of life, growth, and the transient beauty that defines the natural world.
Uncaged and Free
These elegant white vessels serve as a canvas for a breathtaking depiction of freedom and flight. Delicate birds, meticulously crafted, grace the surface, perched on intricate branches that seem to sway with the gentle whisper of a breeze.
"Uncaged and Free" encapsulates the spirit of these pieces, capturing the essence of liberation and uninhibited grace. Dr. Samuel's creation invites contemplation on the theme of breaking free from constraints, embracing one's true nature, and finding liberation in the simple yet profound act of soaring through the open sky. "Uncaged and Free" is not just a visual delight; it's a poetic expression of the boundless spirit that comes with embracing one's true self.
Sunshine
"Sunshine" perfectly captures the essence of the piece, as it emanates a bright and uplifting energy. The intricate details of the flowers, with their golden petals and intricate centers, evoke a feeling of warmth and positivity. The white backdrop enhances the vibrancy of the blooms, creating a harmonious composition that speaks to the beauty found in the simplicity of nature.
"Sunshine" invites the observer to bask in the glow of a perpetual summer, where the spirit of these radiant flowers brings a touch of the sun's brilliance into any space. These pieces radiate the uplifting and timeless energy associated with the essence of sunshine.
Flower Show
These exquisite pieces transform the canvas of the vessels into a vibrant spectacle of botanical beauty. The surface is alive with an array of meticulously crafted flowers, each petal and stem carefully placed to create a harmonious and visually striking composition.
"Flower Show" invites the observer to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of blossoms, celebrating the beauty, diversity, and the ephemeral nature of flowers.
Azure Blooms
Step into tranquil elegance with 'Azure Blooms. Each bloom, meticulously placed, tells a story of tranquility and grace, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in a tableau of color and texture.
The tranquil hues of azure evoke a sense of calm and serenity, while the intricate details of the floral arrangement captivate the imagination.