Darlene Deffes
About
Born in Tucson, AZ, Darlene Deffes was born 2nd and grew up as a middle child. Darlene loved the "what if" game, which she initiated so often it eventually became banned from the household. She was and is very interested in everything artsy, crafty and has endless curiosity. Later in life she became determined to learn or try everything she was curious about, the list seems to never end. You can read more about these interests on her blog.
Darlene has been a working artist since 2008 exhibiting her artwork at markets and fairs immensely enjoying the connections made through art. However, during the years of exhibiting, she found herself challenged by obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD of which she wasn't fully aware of until it reached an all time high resulting in a break from exhibiting art and other activities. Through trauma therapy she discovered the struggle was born of many contributing factors, mainly resurfacing trauma, stress, OCD, PTSD, anxiety and depression. Talking about her troubles created bonds with people that may not have happened without the history she has had. This experience taught her to talk about the journey in order to heal. You have to feel to heal. Today, she focuses her artistic talents on creating healing journey artwork for herself as well as others. For more information, visit her Commissions page.
Disclaimer: Darlene Deffes is not medically trained in the mental health field. The information she shares with friends, family, acquaintances and clients are just her opinions from her life experiences. If you are struggling mentally, please seek medical care from a licensed professional immediately. You are worth it!

Who am I?
My human relatable qualities
Life is interesting. It is a journey, it really is.
I discovered that I have OCD, emetophobia, pseudodysphagia, and anorexia (not nervosa) via Avoidant/restrictive Food Intake Disorder, however I did know about the PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Sounds overwhelming doesn't it? Fortunately I have a great support system of professionals as well as family, friends and my loving husband.
I am sharing these things because as I learn about myself on a deeper level, meeting my true self for the first time ever... I find myself growing not only personally but also creatively.
I have always sought connection with others, but my OCD has kept me at a distance... Not anymore. With exposure therapy I will be eagerly facing many phobias and healing one day at a time... sometimes one millisecond at a time.
I know I am not the only one with these "ailments" or as I prefer to call them "scar skills" I can use these experiences for strength, creativity and connections.
Visit my blog to see what's new and exciting in my life.
Vision
Art has given me a voice, where words have failed me. Facing my history with phobias, PTSD, an eating disorder, OCD, anxiety and depression has made me stronger than I give myself credit for. My vision is to be part of a movement
where decluttering, art and organizing will inspire hope, connection, self-care and healthy living.
