By MINDY KEPFIELD

Staff writer

Kathy Wiens can spot the silver lining of opportunity in the dark cloud of a pandemic that temporarily shuttered her practice.

Possibilities Healing Arts Studio, 331 E. Main St., Marion, was set to open to the public this past July, but COVID-19 scuttled those plans and forced her to see clients online.

The abrupt change was far from her vision of creating a safe place for people in need of support — so Wiens intends to make a fresh start.

Possibilities grand re-opening celebration is set from 3 to 5 p.m. June 18.

Wiens, a licensed professional counselor, will meet the public and sign copies of her second book, “Please Don’t Send Me Back”, a firsthand account of her placement with a stable foster family.

The studio, which offers individual coaching and support groups for trauma survivors, will also have classes in writing and art.

An art show from 3 to 5 p.m. July 9 will be open to the public.

Wiens, a trauma recovery coach, is careful to point out that the studio offers coaching, not counseling.

Counseling is about healing past trauma. Coaching places the focus on a person’s goals and working to achieve them.

“I think we often give a lot of time to finding what’s wrong with you,” she said. “What we’re trying to do at this studio is focus on what is right with you.”

Failure, shortcomings, and past trauma often do need to be addressed, so counseling can be key to mental health, she said.

“However, eventually, we can move on and think about our strengths, our goals, and what we are working toward in the future,” she said.

Art and writing can be very powerful tools for self-discovery and growth.

The classes will foster a social setting which is sorely needed after a year where people have felt isolated.

“I am hoping that the studio will be a place where people can come together and make connections with each other,” she said. “Because that is going to be a very important part of the healing process as many people move forward.”

Wiens can be reached at (620) 381-6438 to enroll in courses or schedule an appointment.

She can be reached by email at 331healingartsstudio@gmail.com