According to the CDC, at least 16 million people have had at least one major episode of depression in their lives. A large percentage of adults and children also suffer from anxiety and trauma. There is hope! I am an art therapist and I am concerned about these statistics. I have over 15 years experience working with all kinds of clients in individual and group settings. I have worked with diagnosed and undiagnosed clients and when appropriate, I collaborate with other professionals to help clients feel more supported, centered, inspired to live their lives more authentically. I use art materials as a tool to help you more fully understand your thoughts, insights, challenges, and emotions.
Art therapy is proven to work faster at getting to key concerns because it goes deeper into the unconscious than verbal therapy does. Clients are not expected to know how to draw, especially straight lines or people. In fact, if you can draw a straight line then I might try to get you to draw with your non-dominant hand or try drawing with unfamiliar art materials to gain important insights. Process in art therapy is very important- more so than the end result.
I approach each session in different ways depending on your goals, age, and themes of issues that come up in the session. There is no set formula for which art materials or techniques are used. Like any form of counseling, art therapy is a journey into the unknown and a process of self-discovery, learning and hopefully healing. Overall though, if you are familiar with different types of therapy, I tend to utilize a blend of Humanistic, Jungian, and Gestalt therapy.
My brief background
- Graduated from The George Washington University in Art Therapy (Master’s degree)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Washington
- Board Certified Art Therapist by the American Art Therapy Credentialing Board (ATCB)
- Work part time at Children’s Hospital
- Worked in a psychiatric hospital for chronic and acute mentally ill patients for over 5 years
- Worked with inner city youth and those with learning disabilities in a non-profit school
- Worked with seniors suffering from dementia, strokes, and other physical disabilities
- Conducted research on “peace and hope” in 7 different countries and collected over 200 drawings from children to adults on this theme
- Personally create art and love using found objects and mixed media to create little treasures
- Lived and traveled in many countries
To learn more about art therapy, visit the Resource pages.
I encourage you to feel free to Contact me to set up an appointment or ask further questions.
