Creative Retrospective:

An Artful Workshop to Make Sense of Your Year

As the year draws to a close,
take a moment to look back onto it.

Not just to review what happened, but to feel what it meant for you.




step out of the day-to-day rush and see your year clearly from a wider perspective

reflect on your experiences in a structured, creative way - helping you understand patterns, lessons, and growth

transform scattered memories into a coherent story of your year

identify what energised you and what drained you, so you can head into the next year with intention

Take this opportunity to…

In this workshop, we’ll use art-making in the form of simple hands-on activities (e.g. drawing, clay modelling, writing, and more) to help us revisit the past 12 months in a fresh way: the highs and lows, the challenges and joys, the lessons and surprises.

Art-making is a very powerful way to reflect because it engages both the mind and the body, allowing you to access emotions and insights that words alone cannot. By turning abstract experiences into tangible forms, you process them from a valuable new perspective.

Guided by me as a psychologist and trained art therapy facilitator, you don’t need any prior artistic experience or talent — only curiosity and openness!

Together in a warm, supportive space we’ll explore what you want to carry forward into the coming year, and what you’re ready to release.

You will leave with not only a deeper understanding of your journey this year,

but also a satisfying sense of having put the experiences in their rightful place,

so that you can move forward with more ease and clarity.

Reviews from previous years

Important to know :
Your wellbeing and confidentiality are of highest importance to me as a psychologist. That’s why I invite feedback anonymously rather than asking for testimonials. It allows me to provide others a sense of the workshop while keeping everyone’s experiences private and free from pressure.

“My experience at the workshop exceeded all expectations. It was pleasant, relaxing, and very professionally prepared and conducted. The workshop helped me learn some things about the past year in a very intuitive and fun way.

I liked the structure, atmosphere, and space in which the workshop was held. It was very intimate, yet supportive. I liked how Eva went through the stages that helped me look back on the past year without any coercion or pressure. Regardless of the fact that this was my first such workshop, at no point did I have the impression that some of the activities were not for me or that I could not do or didn't know something.”

“My expectations for the workshop were to wrap up the year, relax, enjoy and find a click to start the next year. My experience was more than positive, the atmosphere was extremely pleasant and warm, supportive and positive, I fulfilled my goal for the workshop.

I really liked that the units were clearly separated, and yet super connected; I liked that there was no pressure to say anything, and yet the group dynamics encouraged everyone to say something; I really liked the relaxed and supportive environment.”

“I had no expectations for the workshop because it was my first of its kind, so I didn't know what to expect.

And I got two and a half hours of wonderful, gentle, wonderfully guided time for me. For reflection and organisation of thoughts. One of the most beautiful experiences I've had for myself.

I liked the gentle and pleasant guidance of the wonderful Eva, without imposition or coercion, subtle and present.”

“I would recommend this or any of Eva's workshops to anyone because they are really adapted "for all ages" so to speak ;) In other words, it doesn't matter if you've already been to workshops, if you have a talent for art, if you're more of this or that type of person, none of that matters, Eva will make sure that it's accessible to everyone and that everyone gets something for themselves, pushes some of their boundaries, in a pleasant way. Now, I'm thinking of taking my 90-year-old mom another time. And those of you reading this comment, bring your husband, mother-in-law, high school student, college student, crush ;)... it really is for everyone!”

When & Where?

Saturday, December 20, 2025
16:00 - 18:30


Kanaalstraat 82a - just slightly north of Vondelpark
1054 XL Amsterdam

if this one doesn’t work for you, but you’d love to join, let me know!

 

Price

€75 per participant (VAT included)
includes all materials, cookies & tea

bonus gifts:
a reusable pdf workbook + a special pack of 12 selected image cards with ideas for their creative reflective use

Apply here

or ask any questions you might have!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, artistic talent is of no relevance here! When I say “art-making”, I just mean creating something with your hands.

    All activities are gently guided and designed to be low-pressure and accessible, with no expectations around skill, talent, or sharing more than you’re comfortable with.

  • Looking back at the year is not a ritual meant only for the “happy” years. Often it’s even more meaningful and important to look back at our tough times (or mixed-experience times), and see how we got through them, or what we need now to move forward.

    However, if you’re currently in the midst of a crisis situation, it can also be an act of kindness to yourself to not go digging into it until you’ve recovered at least a bit and gained a bit more distance.

    It’s a very personal and individual choice, but if you’d like my help in figuring out whether this is a good idea at this moment or not, just send me a message at eva@thejoyembassy.com and we’ll talk it through. Your wellbeing always comes first and I’ll never recommend that you come to a workshop or participate in one of my other offerings if it doesn’t seem like a good or useful fit.

  • You’ll be guided through a mix of simple, hands-on activities using words, different materials, and gentle prompts to explore what’s been hard, what’s mattered, and what you want to carry forward. There’s space for quiet reflection as well as (always optional, completely pressure-free) sharing with the group.

  • Just yourself and an openness to slowing down and exploring your inner world.

    All materials are provided, and you’re welcome to participate in whatever way feels right for you.

  • No - you’re the authority on your own experience. I bring my art therapy training and experience to guide the workshop and point you in helpful directions, but the meaning of your creations always comes from you.

  • Sharing is always optional and there’s no pressure to do so. You’re welcome to keep your reflections private or share only what feels comfortable for you.