Meet The Therapist: Lyndsay Whitaker, MA

Lyndsay is a mental health counselor, art therapist, and artist who holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy from Lesley University. In addition to adolescents and families, Lyndsay also works with adults and older adults with a diverse range of treatment issues. Her areas of clinical expertise include: anxiety, depression, racing thoughts, trauma, PTSD, ODD, dementia and Alzheimer’s, and group work.

Clinically, Lyndsay’s approach is described as: non-judgmental, client-centered, and strengths-based. As an art therapist, she is trained in using the arts (drawing, painting, collage, fiber arts, journaling, photography, poetry, sculpture, etc) to help her clients identify and express their thoughts and feelings.  Art is the language of images, and as such, bypasses the verbal processing centers of the brain, making it universally accessible.

Lyndsay often utilizes the Attachment, Regulation and Competency (ARC) Framework, a trauma-informed care-model, in her practice. ARC’s foundation is built upon four key areas of study: normative childhood development, traumatic stress, attachment, and risk and resilience. Lyndsay is committed to client growth and development, using a variety of creative approaches specifically tailored to each individual’s treatment.

Question: How did you get into this field?

“I was introduced to art therapy through an electives course at Lesley University, when I was studying for my Bachelor's in Psychology. As soon as the theory was explained to me, I realized I had already been informally employing the arts as healing in my own life, through collage-making and painting. This set off a "lightbulb moment" whereupon my trajectory towards a career in art therapy was set.”

Question: How do you incorporate the arts into your counseling practice?

“I incorporate the arts in my counseling practice by collaborating with clients to identify their needs in the moment before choosing the modality, intervention, and materials necessary to help walk alongside them in their exploration.”

Question: What ways do you enjoy an 'artful life'?

“I enjoy an artful life by walking in the woods with my dog, Moses, noticing the bright vibrancy of the colors. Other ways I enjoy an artful life is through cooking new recipes, doodling with felt tip pens, experimenting with complimentary colors in fashion, creating collages, and taking time to slow down and focus on the present.”