The American Art Therapy Association defines Art Therapy as “an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art Therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”

In sessions, I will invite the client to create art around a theme or will give a very specific directive, related to the client's goals. Art making helps to enhance the mind-body connection, invites perspective, and facilitates curiosity and play. I will help to guide you through the process and reflect on your art through a non-judgmental lens. You do not have to be an artist to engage in art therapy.

The EMDR International Association defines EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) as “a structured therapy that encourages the patient to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.”

EMDR can be used to help reduce activation and dysregulation related to traumas and traumatic memories, various phobias, as well as reduce and or eliminate anxiety and fear.

For more information about EMDR visit the EMDR International Association website: https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) combines behavioral modification and mindfulness practices to help clients regulate emotions, break behavioral patterns, and challenge cognitive distortions. Originally intended for, and used with, people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), this treatment modality has been shown to be effective for people with a wide range of diagnoses and struggles.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is an action-based, structured and goal-oriented form of talk therapy. CBT aims to help a person challenge long-standing negative and dysfunctional belief systems in order to improve emotional wellness and decrease maladaptive behaviors in one's daily life.