Art Psychotherapy

A powerful way to discover your authentic self – a picture is worth a thousand words.

Please don’t believe that artistic skill, ability, experience or technique is necessary for art therapy. All you need is an open mind and a willing heart. I will guide you in the Art Therapy process.

Art is a primal form of communication: One thing we instinctively do as children is grab a crayon and mark on the walls! Art therapy helps you recapture your innermost creative, authentic self in a very primal, direct way. We are all creators; we were made to create.

The Art Therapy Path is not about the quality of the painting or drawing that you make – it’s about what comes up for you along the journey. Art therapy works whether you draw stick figures, doodle, splash colors on a surface, or create a masterpiece. It’s a process, and it’s all about you.

How does it work?

Art therapy is integrated into therapy as a whole. It may begin on your first visit or whenever is most appropriate for your progress.  I guide you thought the creative process so that you can explore many avenues of expression and to get to know yourself a little differently.

I start by taking you back to your first drawing experience – and we all have one. What happened? Were you praised or punished? Celebrated or shamed? Finding the answers is always enlightening. Art therapy adds a rich new dimension to therapy.

Who can benefit?

Anyone who’s looking for a positive breakthrough! In trying out different art materials, images, and creative art processes, you’ll tap into your own creative abilities and explore your personality, interests, concerns and conflicts in a new way. Art therapy can help resolve emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, develop social skills, manage destructive behavior, solve problems, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem.

If you’re suffering grief or loss, you can benefit greatly from art therapy. You’ll find a concrete way to draw your pain, see it and manage it. When you create and touch your feelings on paper or in clay, you can honor them, let go, and move forward into your life.

Is art therapy a recognized approach?

Art Therapy is nationally recognized through the American Art Therapy Association.  Additionally, the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors through which I am licensed recognizes Art Therapy as a specialty.

Many studies have shown that art therapy can help those with developmental, medical, educational, social, or psychological impairments. Art therapy is widely practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic institutions. Art therapists serve individuals, couples, families, and groups of all age, races and ethnic backgrounds.