About Art Therapy

Sometimes words get tired. You might feel exhausted at the prospect of telling your story, and that may keep you from seeking a therapist. Because art reaches beneath and beyond language, it can be a gentle way to approach painful experiences and difficult emotions.

People often have questions about what art therapy is. Does it involve “analyzing” drawings? Or is it about the freedom of self-expression? Is it just for kids? The truth is, art therapy takes many forms, and serves many different purposes. For some people, the art IS the therapy. For others, art making gives form to feelings, which then find their way into language.

As an art therapist, I look at work with you, not “for” you, and invite the artwork to lead the conversation. I will never try to tell you what it “means.”

Art-making is a form of play most adults deny themselves, but giving yourself permission to play can be enjoyable, as well as empowering and revelatory. Engaging with the creative process may help to illuminate many life situations that benefit from creative problem solving, and you do not have to identify as an artist to experience this. Nor do you have to be “good at art.”

You might find that representing problems visually, and speaking through and about images or objects, is a liberating and efficient approach to therapy.

The way we integrate art making in a session is a matter of personal choice. Some people find it easier to talk when they’re engaged in some form of art making; others prefer to work in silence and process at the end. If it seems helpful, I may give you a directive that provides some structure.

You may or may not learn more about art, but you will almost certainly learn more about you.

When we meet in person, I’ll have a variety of materials you can try out, including drawing and painting, low-tech printmaking, book forms, fiber, collage, puppets, masks, and clay, When we meet virtually, you can use anything you have available.

Judgment has no place here.