Frequently Asked Questions

A. Expressive arts therapy combines the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to help a person express and visualize emotions, and facilitate growth and healing. Unlike art education, where the focus is on the quality of the finished product, art therapy stresses the process---what the person learns about him or herself while creating the piece of art. The creator's explanation and discussion of what the art project represents is a key component of the therapy.

Expressive arts therapy integrates the fields of human development, expressive art, and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy.

Today, counseling centers, schools, hospitals and many other community agencies increasingly include expressive arts therapy programs along with traditional "talk therapies," because they recognize that the creative process of art making enhances recovery, health, and wellness. 

​A. Expressive arts therapists work with people of all ages in many different environments to address challenging mental, physical, and social issues.

Expressive arts therapy is used to treat a wide range of issues and conditions, including family and relationship issues, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, social and emotional issues related to disability or cognitive loss, trauma, and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illnesses.

A. Expressive arts therapy is a form of mental health counseling that integrates a diverse range of art forms including visual arts, movement, drama, creative writing, music, and play to assist clients in visualizing emotions, reduce stress, increase self awareness and improve social skills. Expressive arts therapy often succeeds when traditional talk therapy does not because we offer a hands-on approach that goes beyond words to treat underlying symptoms through both art making, and reflection on the process of its creation.

Expressive arts therapy recognizes that good mental health comes through practicing healthier patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Our trained and licensed psychotherapists help clients using a creative and interactive approach to visualize positive life change and achieve a greater sense of wellness.

Individual and family expressive arts therapy sessions last between 45-60 minutes in length and are typically scheduled once a week or once every two weeks depending on the treatment plan.

More resources about art and expressive therapy can be found here:

www.arttherapy.org

www.ieata.org

A. Not at all! Expressive arts therapy is for everyone. There is often a misconception about expressive arts therapists working exclusively with children however individuals of all ages can benefit from our work. Expressive arts therapists can work with people of all ages and our modality is used to treat a wide range of issues and conditions, including: family and relationship issues, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, social and emotional issues related to disability or cognitive loss, trauma-related conditions, psychosocial difficulties related to medical illnesses, life transitions, stress management, and general health & wellness.

Often times when adults are seeking out our services its because they have tried talk therapy and are looking for something more interactive. We are also a trauma-informed practice and most of our therapists are DBT trained and a few therapists are EMDR trained.

A. Like most therapy sessions it really depends upon the client’s treatment goals as well as the individual therapist’s clinical style however our team of therapists provide client-centered, strength-based and collaborative expressive arts counseling. We assist our clients to imagine a healthier and more fulfilling life through expressive arts therapy approaches.

There are 3 basic categories of expressive arts therapy:

Sensory/Kinesthetic - A hands-on immersion in the sensory experience of art making can include:

Deep breathing through mixing colors or painting

Tearing paper or pounding clay for a structured physical outlet

Receiving sensory input through slime-making, sand tray, musical sounds, or exploring new textures and colors.

Affective/Perceptual - Using the creative process to build emotional intelligence by identifying and expressing feelings and emotions, providing an outlet for creative expression, and to promote curiosity, empathy and compassion in self and others.

Cognitive/Symbolic - A way of using the creative arts to practice problem solving, cognitive reframing and restructuring, visualization of past, present and future experiences as well as making meaning in one’s life narrative.

A. If you are interested in counseling for yourself or for a loved one, the best way to get started is by sending filling out our New Client Inquiry Form on our CONTACT page. This will give us important information to get the process started for you.

Once you fill out our form, you will be placed on our waitlist. Wait times depend on a variety of factors, including your available schedule, health insurance, and any special considerations/specialization. As soon as there is a spot open, our intake coordinator will reach out to you to with more information and information about scheduling your first session.

Please be aware that, due to high demand, you may be put on our waitlist for services. We do our best to place you with a therapist as soon as possible.