Expressive Art Therapy

When I have too many ideas and feelings to keep inside it can help to draw them out. You do not need to be a self-proclaimed artist to participate in any art or drama techniques. Sometimes what cannot be conveyed in words, can be more easily expressed in a doodle, image, song or movement. Role playing, art cards, storytelling, and poetry are all possible in this space and all you need to bring is a bit of curiosity.

Over 20 years of practice developing and implementing expressive arts therapy programs and activities with children, adolescents, and adults. Systems aware and trauma-informed care that is scientifically proven to relieve feelings.

BFA in Fine art with emphasis in Pre-Art Therapy, continuing education in expressive arts therapy, personal and professional practice as an artist and illustrator.

Expressive Art Therapy is a multi-modal approach to heal; it is an adjunct I use to more traditional methods. It may include music, writing, dance, art and more.

I completed a Certificate in Intermodal Expressive Arts with Expressive Arts Florida Institute. In addition to a Master of Social Work, I have a Master of Music. I use a multi-arts approach in individual and group therapy. This means I use visual art, music, movement, writing, and mindfulness as therapeutic tools to initiate healing and change. I am a Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA).

I use art-making (movement, visual art, creative writing, music, etc) to help you overcome low self-esteem, anxiety, past traumas, and depression using creative arts therapy. In addition to traditional talk therapy, we incorporate art modalities to process and release things we no longer need to hold on to, becoming free, healed, and more in tune with our most authentic, divine self.

Certified in Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing: A Sensorimotor Art Therapy Approach to Bilateral Body Mapping by Dr. Cornelia Elbrecht’s Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (2019) Certified in Level 1 & 2 Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi’s Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2018-19)

I utilize art in many modalities as a way to help themes to emerge, to promote the subjective side of the clients that often is put aside by our rationalization. Language is not just verbal and sometimes trying to add words to our experiences is hard and may not be so accurate as we perceive. Other times, art can be an instrument of relaxation, stress relief, and relationship building.

Processing life through creative media lets your unconscious strengths help you heal. The creative process itself can provide a perfect balance of safety and realness to support change. Often, there is less need to talk about difficult topics, or even things that you have consciously forgotten about but still feel nagging at the edges of your mind. I offer virtual sandtray and creative experiences to help non-artists and artists alike to gain insight and heal.

Think of me as your personal guide in finding your inner creative muse. We use the process of art makings and markings to explore and provide outlets for what gets trapped inside, smothered and stepped on. I want to help you tap into flexing, stretching, and growing these expressive muscles. You need no special skills to engage in this process, you have them already.

Certified in Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing: A Sensorimotor Art Therapy Approach to Bilateral Body Mapping by Dr. Cornelia Elbrecht’s Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (2019) Certified in Level 1 & 2 Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi’s Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2018-19)

I like to use art as a way to bridge our head, heart, and body in sessions. I believe creativity is a core part of what it means to be human and by tapping into that we access the deepest layers of identity, vulnerability, fear, and desire. I have a broad perspective of what "expressive art" includes, so anything from making TikToks to gardening to oil painting to motorcycle riding to making a spreadsheet -- you name it, we can use it for therapy. My personal favorites lately are VR and tarot!

I was trained in Expressive Therapies, with a specialization in Visual Arts at Lesley University. When appropriate for the client, I use interventions in the visual arts, music, movement and writing/literature to help clients meet their goals.

Expressive Arts help the client experience new personal states of being that talk alone doesn't reach. It is an experiential therapy powerful for accessing emotions, increasing mindfulness and stress reduction, and activating personal resources of creativity and expression. I am a former art teacher with training in expressive arts for children, teens, and adults.

While I work remotely I do a great deal of art therapy with clients who are interested. I send materials to clients homes, as well as do art therapy with material individuals have at home.

As an artist myself combined with my undergraduate concentration in the psychology of art and artists, I recognize art as being a powerful tool for positive mental health changes. I enjoy the process of exploring and discovering artistic voices and how to tell your story through expression.