Self-expression and Self-discovery
Expressive Arts.
The arts are integrated in our daily lives and experiences. They are woven into our culture, society, and personal interests. The expressive arts include music, body movement, body awareness, dance, imagery, metaphor, visual arts, poetry, writing, role playing, drama, somatic experiencing, and so much more. The possibilities are endless. You can choose to engage in making art, or you can choose to experience it. There is not a right or wrong way to go about it. I encourage my clients to explore the expressive arts with curiosity, authenticity, freedom, and playfulness. There is no pressure, perfection, or force.
Play Therapy.
Children naturally express themselves through play, both in literal and metaphoric means. Play therapy naturally invites children to share their inner world; including thoughts, feelings, stories and experiences. Play therapy is a theoretical model using the power of play and therapeutic relationship to guide children to process, make meaning, increase understanding, rewrite stories, and safely express their emotions. I start our sessions with a non-directive play therapy approach and allow the child to lead the way. They will show us the direction the therapy process needs to go.
If you have questions or specific desires in your therapy journey please contact me. I love being creative and take pride in being flexible in meeting the needs of my clients and families.
FAQs
What if I am not an artist and feel I have no artistic skill? Is expressive arts therapy for me?
Using the expressive arts in therapy requires no prior experience or skill in the arts. There is no judgment, pressure, or need to perform. It is about the creative process rather than the end result. I encourage openness to new ways of exploring the creative process, and working through resistance. I remind my clients, we are all artists at heart and there is no right, wrong, good, or bad in what we create.
Do you practice by using formal art therapy diagnostic tests?
Although some art therapists use formal diagnostic testing strategies, I do not. I believe meaning should come from the client’s inner knowing, rather than be assigned by the therapist. This way, power and authority of meaning is rightly kept in the hands of the client/artist.
What is the theoretical orientation of your work?
My therapeutic practice is grounded in liberation psychology, somatic psychology, transpersonal psychology, attachment theory, queer theory, and relational cultural theory. I am a person-centered, relationship-based, and trauma informed psychotherapist working toward my hours for Marriage & Family Therapist licensure.
What is your fee and do you accept insurance?
My fee is $140 per session. At this time, I do not accept insurance or medicaid. However, I can provide a super bill upon request. Sliding scale payment options are also offered upon availability and family need.
Next steps
1
How can I help?
Tell me what type of therapy and support you are looking for.
2
Phone Consultation
Through a phone consultation we’ll go over your specific needs and questions.
3
Session Scheduling
If it feels like a good fit we’ll begin with an intake session.