Art Therapy

I have specialized training in art therapy - having used this modality with adults, teenagers, and children.

I have completed my Master's degree in Art Therapy from Wayne State University and am an ATR- Art Therapist Registered.

Art therapy in an integrative treatment method that blends art-making, psychology, and the healing relationship of therapy. Provided by a Master’s-level clinician, art therapy provides meaningful benefits to youth and adults alike dealing with a wide range of challenges. One way to think about the use of art in therapy, is the fact that sometimes words fail us. It can be easier or make more sense to *show* who we are and what we are going through than it is to talk about these complex things. No ‘talent’ in making art is required —only an openness to explore and express yourself beyond verbal communication alone.

Creativity is inherent in everyone; it's about discovering how each client uniquely engages with it. Integrating creative processing in therapy sessions enables clients to express themselves more fully, fostering self-esteem and a sense of groundedness.

Expressive arts therapy incorporates elements of all forms of creative expression into a multimodal expressive form of integrative psychotherapy (Knill et al., 2005). Often I encourage the use of multiple forms of creative expression to articulate their inner world, including drawing, painting, photography, music, poetry, and role-playing.

I am a Master's Level Clinician trained in Art Therapy with a focus on Family Systems. I am a Registered Art Therapist through the Art Therapy Credentials Board (#24-589). When agreed upon, art can be intentionally introduced into the therapeutic process to help you reach specific goals. The therapeutic use of art is provent to help increase neural connectivity in the area of the brain that deals with introspection, memory, and self monitoring. It helps increase self awareness and resiliency

Art therapy in an integrative treatment orientation that blends art-making, psychology, and the healing relationship of therapy. As a Master’s-level art therapist, I provide art materials and the art process to youth and adults alike dealing with a wide range of challenges. One way to think about the use of art in therapy, is the fact that sometimes words fail us. It can be easier or make more sense to *show* who we are and what we are going through with art materials than it is to talk about these complex things. No ‘talent’ in making art is required —only an openness to explore and express yourself beyond verbal communication alone. My use of art therapy does not include diagnosing or interpreting the images you create; rather we look at how you relate with your art, what personal meanings you arrive at yourself, and how art making may become a self-care activity of your own.

Though many therapists will say they use "art therapy" in their treatment, it takes specialized training to call oneself an Art Therapist and register with the ATCB. This distinction identifies me as uniquely qualified to use art making and creative interventions with advanced knowledge of the creative process, evidence based interventions, and honor for your expressive voice in your journey to self discovery and growth. Master's Degree in Art Therapy, GWU 2010 ATR #22-230

I generally follows a client-centered orientation, emphasizing the individual strengths & resources of each of my clients.

I have dual master's degree from Loyola Marymount University in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy. This means I don't just do art with clients. I trained for 2 years to be an art therapist and have theoretical knowledge on how to use art in therapy to grow and heal. I have run groups, used art therapy with adults and children. In our consult we can talk more about art therapy to decide if its right for you. I don't do art therapy with everyone, but for some its very healing.

Art is a medium that allows us to express ourselves and more abstract thoughts without the need of words. It's something that I like to integrate into my in-person sessions whenever possible to allow clients the freedom to explore complex thoughts and emotions non-judgementally.

Art Therapy offers a unique pathway for clients to express emotions and experiences that may be hard to verbalize. By tapping into creativity, clients can explore and process feelings in a non-judgmental and expressive way. This approach not only facilitates self-discovery and insight but also helps foster healing through the creative process, making it a powerful tool for transformation and growth.

I hold a master’s degree in art therapy and counseling from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As an interdisciplinary artist and mental health worker, I firmly believe in the healing power of creative practice and the self-awareness fostered through art-making. Art enables us to express ourselves beyond words, using diverse media to explore emotions, memories, and sensations in a therapeutically meaningful and accessible way.

I have a masters degree in Art Therapy and Marriage Family Therapy. I am currently a board certified art therapist with the American Art Therapy Credentialing Board. I taught for over a decade at Notre Dame De Namur university in Art Therapy . I am currently the president of the South Texas Art Therapy Association.

Art therapy is the approach in which I have the most training and experience. Art therapy is a way of delivering and processing therapy within the context of creation. I studied at the Drexel Graduate Art Therapy program, and have received my Board Certification.

Who knew hearing or saying simply “I Got U” carried so much positive affirmation!? Such a statement has helped me overcome many personal and professional obstacles during my lifetime. I even currently say those words to myself as a form of positive self-talk from time to time. With more than 15 years of working in Behavioral Health, I created “I Got U” as a safe space to remind whomever that: I see them, I hear them, and what they say does matter.