The Objects That Hold Us: Creating Reflective Spaces for Students with Brenda Cowan

📘 Episodic Synopsis:

In this deeply reflective episode, Dr. Joey Weisler is joined by Professor Brenda Cowan—author, theorist, and educator at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York city—to explore how everyday objects in classrooms, museums, and memory-laden spaces carry the power to heal.

Through her groundbreaking framework Psychotherapeutic Object Dynamics, Cowan breaks down the seven ways people interact with objects in times of joy, trauma, and recovery—from associating and synergizing to releasing and composing. Together, they unpack how educators can build intentional, emotionally resonant environments that support both student and teacher well-being. Whether you're decorating your classroom or curating a moment of pause, this episode reminds us that objects can tell stories—and sometimes, they remember for us.

🔗 Featured Links and Resources

• 🔹 Brenda Cowan's FIT Faculty Profile https://www.fitnyc.edu/creative-nexus/faculty/directory/cowan-brenda.php
• 📘 Recent Book: Museum Objects, Health and Healing: The Relationship Between Exhibitions and Wellness Available on Amazon
• 🧠 Current Research: Psychotherapeutic Object Dynamics – A theory exploring the seven healing interactions we have with objects, including associating, giving, composing, and releasing.
• 🌍 Fulbright Project: Stories from Syria Exhibition – An emotionally resonant exhibition exploring refugee narratives and healing through storytelling and design.
• 🌳 Photo Reference: The Tree in Joey’s Classroom Click to View Image
• 💼 Connect with Brenda Cowan on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-cowan-b29010a/

🧵 Topics Covered in This Episode

• How classroom design influences well-being and memory
• Seven psychotherapeutic dynamics of healing through objects
• Creating Zen zones and memory walls in educational spaces
• How educators can borrow lessons from museums
• Building trust and emotional safety through student-centered design
• What it means to invite vulnerability through classroom keepsakes