The Future is Neurosafe: How Wicked Rae’s Rewires Joy, Connection, and Healing Through Art
- Julie McVey
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
In a world that’s rushing to optimize everything, from productivity to attention spans, there’s something revolutionary about slowing down to play - to connect, to make a mess, and to be seen and safe in that mess.

At Wicked Rae’s, we’re not just slinging paint for fun (though we’re absolutely here for the fun). We’re creating a living lab of emotional expression, sensory integration, and post-traumatic growth - one splatter at a time.
This isn’t just art. This is art as activation. As reconnection. As a return to what it means to feel deeply, laugh loudly, and let your nervous system exhale.
🧠 Art That Heals: A Look into Post-Traumatic Growth
Post-traumatic growth (PTG), as defined by psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun, is not about “getting back to normal.” It’s about becoming someone *new* - someone shaped not by the trauma itself, but by how we metabolize and grow through it.
Their model outlines five key domains of growth:
A greater appreciation for life
Deeper, more meaningful relationships
A sense of increased personal strength
New possibilities and directions
Spiritual and existential development
Creative practices - especially those that are embodied, messy, and nonlinear - catalyze these outcomes in powerful ways. When someone picks up a paint balloon or dips their feet into a canvas at Wicked Rae’s, they’re not just creating art.
They’re:
Engaging both hemispheres of the brain through metaphor, movement, and narrative-making
Regulating the nervous system through rhythmic, tactile, and color-driven inputs
Reclaiming authorship over their own emotional landscape
We don’t ask people to talk about their trauma here. We offer them a place to move through it - in color, in community, and in courage.
👨👩👧👦 Families That Splatter Together, Heal Together
So many families carry unspoken stories in their bodies - grief, burnout, disconnection.
At Wicked Rae’s, we invite them into shared acts of creation that go far beyond the canvas. Whether it’s a toddler flinging paint with delight or a teenager silently expressing something they don’t yet have words for, collaborative art becomes a language everyone can speak.
Here’s what the research shows:
Creating together strengthens emotional bonds and boosts oxytocin, the “connection” hormone.
Shared novelty - like paint balloon battles or textured sculptures - builds co-regulation pathways between children and caregivers.
Art as play helps build emotional resilience, communication, and trust - all without a lecture or a worksheet.
This is how families rewire - not by talking at each other, but by creating beside each other.
💘 Chemistry of Connection: Why Our Date Nights Feel So Good
Our date night packages are more than an excuse to wear goggles and throw paint (though we highly recommend it). They’re designed with neuroscience in mind.
When couples engage in novel, playful experiences, their brains light up. Literally. They release:
Dopamine for reward and motivation
Oxytocin for connection and trust
Serotonin for emotional regulation and well-being
These aren’t just good vibes - they’re neurochemical bonding agents. That’s why couples often leave with more than a canvas. They leave with renewed laughter, deeper intimacy, and a shared memory that sits in both the body and the brain.
🔬 What We Mean by “Neurosafe”
“Neurosafe” isn’t a trend. It’s a commitment.
It means we’ve intentionally designed Wicked Rae’s to support the emotional and neurological needs of *all* people, especially those who have been historically left out of the wellness and creative industries - neurodivergent individuals, trauma survivors, kids with sensory sensitivities, and adults with social anxiety.
We do this by:
Offering a wide range of tools - textures, colors, movement - to support different sensory preferences.
Creating choice-driven experiences that honor autonomy and reduce overwhelm.
Infusing our environment with warmth, humor, and structure - so safety doesn’t have to be sterile.
This is inclusive design. This is trauma-informed creativity. This is a studio where your nervous system can actually rest while you express.
🌟 The Art of Becoming
Here’s the truth: healing doesn’t always look like therapy.
Sometimes it looks like belly-laughing while your best friend gets smacked with a paint balloon. Sometimes it looks like your kid dancing to lo-fi beats while dripping paint down their elbow. Sometimes it’s the quiet moment after the art - when your body feels lighter and your mind, for once, isn’t racing.
Wicked Rae’s is a space where becoming is allowed to be messy, joyful, and nonlinear. It’s where the art isn’t just what you make - it’s *who you remember yourself to be while making it*.
So if you’re ready to laugh a little harder, feel a little safer, and maybe even heal in ways you didn’t know you needed, come splatter with us.
The future is neurosafe, and we saved you a spot.
The Importance of Play in Healing
Play is often overlooked in our fast-paced lives. Yet, it is essential for emotional and psychological healing. Engaging in playful activities allows individuals to explore their feelings in a safe environment.
At Wicked Rae’s, we emphasize the importance of play. It’s not just about throwing paint; it’s about reconnecting with joy. When we allow ourselves to play, we open the door to creativity and self-discovery.
Creating Lasting Memories
The experiences at Wicked Rae’s are designed to create lasting memories. Each splatter, each laugh, and each moment shared contributes to a tapestry of connection.
These memories are more than just fun; they are healing. They remind us of the joy that exists in the world and the connections we can forge with others.
Join Us at Wicked Rae’s
If you’re looking for a unique experience that combines art, play, and healing, look no further. At Wicked Rae’s, we welcome everyone to join us in this journey of self-expression and connection.
Whether you come alone, with friends, or with family, you’ll find a space that celebrates creativity and community.
So, come splatter with us. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Jules, Oakley, & Bones-Fish
Wicked Rae's
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