Meet The Therapist: Diane Larochelle, MA

Diane is a graduate of Lesley University with a MA in Mental Health Counseling and Expressive Arts Therapy. She has experience working with individuals who have lived experience with trauma recovery, substance use disorders, and mental health issues. Diane has worked as a classroom teacher and is familiar with the unique needs of children and families coping with mental health issues and emotional disabilities in schools. In addition to using expressive arts in treatment, she is trained in Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Soul Collage®. Diane is an experienced group leader having facilitated groups for adult women survivors of sexual trauma, women with substance abuse, and expressive arts therapy groups for youth.

Diane engages clients through an attitude of empowerment and education, understanding that clients hold valuable information and insight into their needs and dreams. Combining visual arts, music, dance/movement, drama and writing, Diane guides clients in a journey of self-discovery including values clarification, problem solving, and goal realization. Using a client-centered, strength-based approach, Diane helps clients to explore and engage with all parts of themselves towards the goal of achieving integration, personal balance, and overall wellness.

Question: How did you get into this field?

“All my life art had been a way for me to make meaning of the world and express myself when I could not find words. My training had been as a teacher and human service professional and then I met a friend who was an expressive arts therapist and I thought, "There's a job doing this!" Even more surprising, I realized there was an entire community and group of people who saw the world the same way and who used art to communicate and create meaningful lives including improved self-awareness and acceptance. It was a natural connection between me and expressive arts therapy -- it just made sense!”

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

“The arts have come to play two very important and connected roles n counseling for me and my clients. First, all the modalities of art (visual art, drama, dance/movement, music and writing) serve as a way for me and my clients to communicate and connect with each other even if we can not find the verbal words to do so. Through images, actions, song, poetry, and movements, clients can share their experiences, disappointments, challenges, goals, wishes and dreams.

As the therapist, I can witness and give validation to their experiences in the same ways allowing them the time and space to discover the words if that is what they need. I have found that often, using the arts in therapy, is the work itself, words are not always needed, for personal growth and integration to happen. I prefer the visual arts, however, I have found that fluid movement between the modalities allows the client various ways to bring their concerns and dreams into the conscious space of our sessions so we can work together to achieve them. Second, the art can serve as a coping skill which can provide relief and respite from the hard work of "life". Many forms of art have scientific evidence to indicate that they reduce stress, improve somatic symptoms like high blood pressure, headaches and stomach issues, and increase positive feelings and a sense of well-being. Art can be both a distraction from the pain of personal growth and a celebration of life's more positive experiences.”

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

“ I have found that art is truly EVERYWHERE! It can also take many forms, some listed above, but others, too. I sculpt out time everyday to engage in some form of art making or appreciation. This could be 15 minutes of quick sketching in a garden or park, listening to a favorite tune loudly on my car radio, or losing myself in hours of painting. I always have a sketchbook and some drawing items with me. I have also learned to appreciate that we all have "creativity" percolating inside us and it does not have to present itself as a Monet or Picasso. Recently, I have been enjoying the discovery of creating a beautiful small urban garden in my yard and the artful ways of cooking and presenting a meal for myself or others. There is an amazing amount of art in nature as well. A quick observant walk around my neighborhood allows me to appreciate seasonal flowers or rediscover beautiful stained glass windows in a local church. For me, an "artful life" is about being present and observing. The art will present itself and emerge if we are watching!”