Beyond Rejection: Processing, Reframing & Moving Forward

Rejection is a universal human experience but its impact can feel deeply personal.

It can affect our confidence, creativity, relationships, sense of belonging, and willingness to try again. Whether it arrives through our art, careers, relationships, or everyday lives, rejection often stays with us long after the moment itself has passed.

Presented as a wellness-centered companion program to the Rejected exhibition, Beyond Rejection: Processing, Reframing & Moving Forward is a reflective and practical workshop led by Dr. Kimberly Johnson.

Over the course of two hours, participants will explore what happens in the mind and body when we experience rejection, how we begin creating stories around those experiences, and how we can process what happened without allowing it to define who we are.

Through guided reflection, compassionate discussion, and an accessible four-part framework, Dr. Johnson will help participants move beyond the pressure to simply “get over it.” Instead, we will consider how rejection can be acknowledged, metabolized, and integrated—making room for renewed creativity, courage, connection, and self-trust.

This is not a workshop about avoiding rejection. It is an invitation to build a healthier relationship with it.

WHAT WE’LL EXPLORE

Part I: Welcome & Setting the Stage

We’ll begin by creating a welcoming and reflective space and considering why rejection affects us so deeply. Participants will be introduced to the workshop framework and explore rejection as a universal experience with the power to shape our inner and outer lives.

Part II: What Happens When We Are Rejected?

Rejection affects more than our emotions. We’ll examine what can happen throughout the mind and body when we experience it, how we make meaning from difficult moments, and the ways rejection may influence our confidence, creativity, relationships, and everyday choices.

Part III: Metabolizing Rejection—From Surviving It to Integrating It

Healing involves more than simply “moving on.” Dr. Johnson will introduce a practical, compassionate framework for experiencing difficult emotions, separating events from the stories we tell ourselves, identifying what is meaningful, and moving forward without allowing rejection to define us.

Part IV: Living Beyond Rejection—Choosing Courage, Creativity & Connection

We’ll shift from healing a single experience toward building a healthier lifelong relationship with rejection. Together, we’ll explore how to remain connected to our values, separate our worth from our achievements, embrace imperfection as part of growth, and continue creating and participating fully in life.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This workshop is for artists, creatives, professionals, students, and community members—as well as anyone who has experienced rejection or is working to rebuild confidence after a difficult “no.”

No previous experience with wellness workshops is necessary. Come exactly as you are.

WHAT TO EXPECT

This two-hour workshop will include:

• An engaging presentation led by Dr. Kimberly Johnson
• Guided reflection and practical tools
• Opportunities for thoughtful discussion
• A supportive, nonjudgmental environment
• Strategies participants can carry into their creative and everyday lives

Participation in group discussion is always optional. Attendees are welcome to engage at the level that feels most comfortable.

WHAT TO BRING

Please bring a notebook or journal and something to write with. You may also wish to bring water and anything that helps you feel comfortable and grounded.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Dr. Kimberly Johnson is an integrative humanistic–existential therapist grounded in trauma- & grief-informed care, who works with the whole person, across mind, body, & emotion; balancing depth work & personal change. Expertise with first responders, healthcare workers, animal care community, & those navigating life stressors, transitions, & loss.