Meet The Therapist: Lisa Silveria, MA

Lisa is an Expressive Arts Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her MA in Expressive Arts Therapy in 1993, and her training was focused on using the various arts modalities to assist others in exploring their issues, and expressing their feelings through the creative process. Lisa's professional experience has included working with a myriad of populations, including children and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. Her professional specialties are sexual abuse and domestic violence. Lisa is also an adjunct faculty at Lesley University and Endicott College. Lisa is trained in both EMDR and DBT.  

Question: How did you get into this field?

“I've always loved the arts, and had been involved in music and drama activities. I had a BA in psychology, and was working at an alternative school for teens when I had the opportunity to meet and observe the work of the expressive therapist who was running groups there. I was intrigued and inspired, and decided to go to Lesley University for my MA.”

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

“It varies from client to client. Children tend to be natural, spontaneous artists, and tend to automatically gravitate to the various art supplies that I have in my office. Some adults are quite comfortable with art, while others shy away from it, believing that they are "not artistic."  I try to assure these adults that the arts therapy process is about self-expression, relaxation, etc, and they are not being critiqued. In general, my philosophy is to "meet clients where they are at," and let them dictate the tools that we use in therapy. I also believe that as expressive arts therapists, we bring a unique perspective to our work with clients, including those clients who prefer more traditional "talk therapy.""

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

“I have a passion for photography, and have challenged myself to take find something interesting to photograph each day. I love music and theater, and actively seek out concerts and performances to attend. In the future, when time permits, I would love to get involved in a theater troupe again.”