Therapists in Maricopa County, AZ
![Photo of Kiersten Wells, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ae935cc-5c93-4248-910f-23922bba280d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kiersten Wells
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mesa, AZ 85210
Waitlist for new clients
I also incorporate mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy and expressive arts interventions into an integrated approach to healing.
The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves hold enormous power. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected or hopeless due to stressful life changes, family conflict, unhealthy coping patterns or things that have happened in your past. Learning to find the power of your inner voice and take control of your life story can create new ways of viewing yourself and the world. This can restore peace within your mind, body and relationships with others.
I also incorporate mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy and expressive arts interventions into an integrated approach to healing.
The stories we tell ourselves about ourselves hold enormous power. You may be feeling stuck, disconnected or hopeless due to stressful life changes, family conflict, unhealthy coping patterns or things that have happened in your past. Learning to find the power of your inner voice and take control of your life story can create new ways of viewing yourself and the world. This can restore peace within your mind, body and relationships with others.
![Photo of Sofia Philips, MSW, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45d80679-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sofia Philips
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, AZ 85308 (Online Only)
I have decades of experience and training in Play therapy, Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, Mindfulness, Relationship-based, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other reflective, complementary & alternative modalities.
Hi, I'm Sofia, and I love helping kids, families, and couples reconnect with each other and find the joy in spending time together! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and have worked with families in the valley for over 18 years.
During this time, I've had the opportunity to watch many different family dynamics. When someone asks what makes the difference between "surviving" families and "thriving" families, I say it's the quality of those fundamental relationships. My goal is to help you and your family develop the understanding and habits that allow you to strengthen and foster healthy relationships.
I have decades of experience and training in Play therapy, Art Therapy, Expressive Arts, Mindfulness, Relationship-based, Parent-Child Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and other reflective, complementary & alternative modalities.
Hi, I'm Sofia, and I love helping kids, families, and couples reconnect with each other and find the joy in spending time together! I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and have worked with families in the valley for over 18 years.
During this time, I've had the opportunity to watch many different family dynamics. When someone asks what makes the difference between "surviving" families and "thriving" families, I say it's the quality of those fundamental relationships. My goal is to help you and your family develop the understanding and habits that allow you to strengthen and foster healthy relationships.
![Photo of Nicky Langbaum, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ae30b18e-9292-436c-8fa7-96d123c5a52d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Nicky Langbaum
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85013
With over 15 years experience, my passion is creating a safe space for you to explore your conscious and unconscious mind and be able to talk about things you might not be able to talk about in other areas of your life. I believe that both a collaborative and compassionate approach is fertile ground for personal growth. I work with you as a whole individual encompassing mind, body and spirit. I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness practices, amongst other evidence-based modalities.
With over 15 years experience, my passion is creating a safe space for you to explore your conscious and unconscious mind and be able to talk about things you might not be able to talk about in other areas of your life. I believe that both a collaborative and compassionate approach is fertile ground for personal growth. I work with you as a whole individual encompassing mind, body and spirit. I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness practices, amongst other evidence-based modalities.
![Photo of Linda C Gray - Heartful Solutions for Families, MA, LPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed58763-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heartful Solutions for Families
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85014
Waitlist for new clients
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
Weekend and afternoon/evening appointments. I offer family and individual therapy for children ages 2 to 12 using child-friendly tools: Play therapy, Sand Tray, Expressive Arts, EMDR, Somatic Therapy. Rhythmic Movement and Mindfulness training. Whether you are seeking help for common childhood concerns, learning, and attention problems, or more traumatic life events, my playful approach will help your child connect emotionally, learn new behaviors, communicate and navigate through times of change.
![Photo of Tina Coatta, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95e8b35b-0c0c-416c-956f-c1c2db50a5bf/4/320x400.jpeg)
Expressive arts therapies can provide a nonthreatening way to access and process past trauma and move toward personal growth and transformation.
Feeling stuck? I specialize in working with teens and young adults. You've noticed you've been overthinking and struggling to get things done. You've been dealing with a lot of stress and having trouble finding enjoyment in life. It’s been hard to get along with people around you. You're feeling unsure about life goals and what’s next. You have experienced trauma and it’s impacting current relationships. You're feeling ready to take the next step and move forward.
Expressive arts therapies can provide a nonthreatening way to access and process past trauma and move toward personal growth and transformation.
Feeling stuck? I specialize in working with teens and young adults. You've noticed you've been overthinking and struggling to get things done. You've been dealing with a lot of stress and having trouble finding enjoyment in life. It’s been hard to get along with people around you. You're feeling unsure about life goals and what’s next. You have experienced trauma and it’s impacting current relationships. You're feeling ready to take the next step and move forward.
![Photo of Tamara Woodard, LCSW, ADHD-CS, ASDCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c249c2c0-8407-423c-b572-56a1f8f201f7/1/320x400.png)
Tamara Woodard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADHD-CS, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Mesa, AZ 85210
Are you the parent who understands that your child needs more than a bandaid approach or a one-size-fits-all solution? Are outbursts, panic attacks, or shutting down preventing your child from truly thriving? Perhaps you are an adult struggling with social anxiety or depression that gets in the way of you living your best life. Tamara offers diagnostic autism evaluations as well as individual, family, & group counseling for ages 12 months to young adults. She will help with, not only overcoming the immediate challenges of today, but making changes that will lead to thriving for the future.
Are you the parent who understands that your child needs more than a bandaid approach or a one-size-fits-all solution? Are outbursts, panic attacks, or shutting down preventing your child from truly thriving? Perhaps you are an adult struggling with social anxiety or depression that gets in the way of you living your best life. Tamara offers diagnostic autism evaluations as well as individual, family, & group counseling for ages 12 months to young adults. She will help with, not only overcoming the immediate challenges of today, but making changes that will lead to thriving for the future.
![Photo of Katie Thies-Purvis, MS, LPC, CDWF, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8ac8fc03-b166-46eb-ac60-5868477b719f/2/320x400.jpeg)
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”–Aristotle. I have been in your shoes. I know what it is like to reach out for help. It can be both scary and exciting, and above all it is brave. I want to support you on your journey. I believe we are all constantly learning, moving and growing in our personal and professional lives. Therapy is a journey of self exploration. It is both what happens in and outside of the therapy room. I have worked in the mental health field (as a coach, counselor or art therapist) since 2011. My practice is grounded in my values. I value connection. I value compassion. I value creativity.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”–Aristotle. I have been in your shoes. I know what it is like to reach out for help. It can be both scary and exciting, and above all it is brave. I want to support you on your journey. I believe we are all constantly learning, moving and growing in our personal and professional lives. Therapy is a journey of self exploration. It is both what happens in and outside of the therapy room. I have worked in the mental health field (as a coach, counselor or art therapist) since 2011. My practice is grounded in my values. I value connection. I value compassion. I value creativity.
![Photo of Dawna Snider, MAPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4394c203-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a trauma trained therapist, I offer a wholistic approach to therapy emphasizing a body, mind, soul and spirit focus. Experts agree that trauma can stay trapped wihin the body causing issues, while negative patterns of thinking and responding can create unhealthy, frustrating, stuck places. EMDR is a proven method which addresses all of these areas together. In addition, I work with clients who express an interest exploring a faith based perspective for healing. Therapy can be a safe place to work together to unwind the stuck places. Offer nature walk/grounding as an option as well
As a trauma trained therapist, I offer a wholistic approach to therapy emphasizing a body, mind, soul and spirit focus. Experts agree that trauma can stay trapped wihin the body causing issues, while negative patterns of thinking and responding can create unhealthy, frustrating, stuck places. EMDR is a proven method which addresses all of these areas together. In addition, I work with clients who express an interest exploring a faith based perspective for healing. Therapy can be a safe place to work together to unwind the stuck places. Offer nature walk/grounding as an option as well
![Photo of Kayla Messinger, MC, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65b7a68e-8613-4dbd-8ed9-b7dbf4c6c28d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kayla Messinger
Licensed Professional Counselor, MC, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tempe, AZ 85282
Whether I am working with a small child or an adult, I believe that the healing process is a journey of returning home to the authentic self with the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle supporting the exploration. My name is Kayla and I hope to walk along with you on this path, offering compassion, co-regulation, and some neuroscience education along the way. When we can lean into the understanding of our own neurobiology and how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have come to be, we may also begin to explore where we may have gotten stuck and how we can have a renewed access to the wisdom and assets that our bodies possess.
Whether I am working with a small child or an adult, I believe that the healing process is a journey of returning home to the authentic self with the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle supporting the exploration. My name is Kayla and I hope to walk along with you on this path, offering compassion, co-regulation, and some neuroscience education along the way. When we can lean into the understanding of our own neurobiology and how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors have come to be, we may also begin to explore where we may have gotten stuck and how we can have a renewed access to the wisdom and assets that our bodies possess.
![Photo of Caitlin Brock - Creative Expression, LLC, EdS, MEd, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51212f04-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is your child experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties? Does your child need help with identifying and expressing thoughts and feelings? Are you looking for services that differ from traditional talk therapy? If your answer is YES, I can help! My unique approach to counseling utilizes play therapy techniques and art activities as avenues of self-exploration, discovery, expression, and growth! I provide a safe, supportive, creative, and non-clinical environment to help your child build trust, gain hope, feel understood, positively connect, identify and express thoughts and emotions, and improve overall well-being!
Is your child experiencing social, emotional, or behavioral difficulties? Does your child need help with identifying and expressing thoughts and feelings? Are you looking for services that differ from traditional talk therapy? If your answer is YES, I can help! My unique approach to counseling utilizes play therapy techniques and art activities as avenues of self-exploration, discovery, expression, and growth! I provide a safe, supportive, creative, and non-clinical environment to help your child build trust, gain hope, feel understood, positively connect, identify and express thoughts and emotions, and improve overall well-being!
![Photo of Megan Cox, LPC, CCTP, CAIMHP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/326f0693-8fa2-402b-be41-89b069d97cf4/2/320x400.png)
Whether you have been dealing with an issue for years or if it is something that has recently surfaced, counseling can be beneficial in addressing the problem. Counseling provides a non-judgmental environment with encouragement to explore the source of the presenting problem and work towards a greater well-being. I enjoy working with adolescent teens through middle-aged individuals and couples on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, anger management, relationship issues, mood disorders, coping skills, and self-esteem.
Whether you have been dealing with an issue for years or if it is something that has recently surfaced, counseling can be beneficial in addressing the problem. Counseling provides a non-judgmental environment with encouragement to explore the source of the presenting problem and work towards a greater well-being. I enjoy working with adolescent teens through middle-aged individuals and couples on a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, anger management, relationship issues, mood disorders, coping skills, and self-esteem.
15 Second Videos
Katie Thies-Purvis
Natalie Andersen
Karen Ruskin
Heidi Hill
Meija Schreiner
Krishna Bright
Emily Wilson
Marybeth Steigenga
Lindsey Hall-Menendez
Sedona Karlin
Elizabeth Ogren
I have an extensive background working with SMI clients and work well with clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. I also appreciate working with clients who are of Native American background and I am very knowledgeable of the culture of the Akimel O'odham people. I also utilize integrated therapies such as DBT, CBT and Existential therapy when working with those experiencing grief and loss and seek to assist clients experiencing bereavement. I also work well with adolescents, adults and older adults.
I have an extensive background working with SMI clients and work well with clients diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder. I also appreciate working with clients who are of Native American background and I am very knowledgeable of the culture of the Akimel O'odham people. I also utilize integrated therapies such as DBT, CBT and Existential therapy when working with those experiencing grief and loss and seek to assist clients experiencing bereavement. I also work well with adolescents, adults and older adults.
![Photo of Jaclyn Kimmel, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84041689-56c1-4938-8805-a3ad73562e5d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jaclyn Kimmel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85016 (Online Only)
Hey there! If you're thinking about taking the first step towards healing and self-discovery, I'm here for you! My name is Jackie Kimmel, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in sunny Arizona. I'm here to offer support with a focus on compassion and effectiveness, especially for those navigating trauma, narcissistic abuse, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, relationship issues, and women's concerns. I work with adults, teens, and pre-teens. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, and DBT, tailoring my interventions to fit your unique needs.
Hey there! If you're thinking about taking the first step towards healing and self-discovery, I'm here for you! My name is Jackie Kimmel, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor in sunny Arizona. I'm here to offer support with a focus on compassion and effectiveness, especially for those navigating trauma, narcissistic abuse, ADHD, depression, anxiety, anger management, grief, relationship issues, and women's concerns. I work with adults, teens, and pre-teens. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, and DBT, tailoring my interventions to fit your unique needs.
![Photo of Christine L Joiner, LAC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/684f64e7-9328-4619-aaff-030eb83c9bf7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome to Your Healing. I am a therapist, passionate about changing the ways mental health services are provided, reducing barriers, reframing stigma, and helping individuals achieve better outcomes. I have experience with providing services to those with Severe Mental Impairment, Borderline personality disorder, crisis management, intellectual disabilities, PTSD, CPTSD, Autism spectrum, and Substance abuse/ recovery needs. TFCBT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, ASAM trained. I am proficient in providing individual, group, couples, and family counseling.
Welcome to Your Healing. I am a therapist, passionate about changing the ways mental health services are provided, reducing barriers, reframing stigma, and helping individuals achieve better outcomes. I have experience with providing services to those with Severe Mental Impairment, Borderline personality disorder, crisis management, intellectual disabilities, PTSD, CPTSD, Autism spectrum, and Substance abuse/ recovery needs. TFCBT, CBT, DBT, EMDR, ASAM trained. I am proficient in providing individual, group, couples, and family counseling.
![Photo of Tamara Woodard, LCSW, ADHD-CS, ASDCS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a005622c-f264-438b-8f3e-b5fe58036977/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tamara Woodard
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ADHD-CS, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Mesa, AZ 85210
Are you a parent who understands that your child needs more than a bandaid approach or a one-size-fits-all solution? Are outbursts, panic attacks, or shutting down preventing your child from truly thriving? Perhaps you are an adult struggling with social anxiety or depression that gets in the way of living your best life. Tamara offers individual, family, & group counseling as well as autism evaluations for ages 12 months to young adults. She will help with, not only overcoming the immediate challenges of today, but making changes that will lead to thriving for the future.
Are you a parent who understands that your child needs more than a bandaid approach or a one-size-fits-all solution? Are outbursts, panic attacks, or shutting down preventing your child from truly thriving? Perhaps you are an adult struggling with social anxiety or depression that gets in the way of living your best life. Tamara offers individual, family, & group counseling as well as autism evaluations for ages 12 months to young adults. She will help with, not only overcoming the immediate challenges of today, but making changes that will lead to thriving for the future.
![Photo of Gretchen Snyder, MSPC, LAC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dd60a4ee-2774-486c-8d44-0aec39526a51/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed associate counselor (LAC) and licensed American sign language (ASL) interpreter who moved to Phoenix, AZ from New York, NY. I have experience working with individuals, children, and families as well as groups and couples. I have dedicated myself to excellence in care through trauma-informed integration of treatments including EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, expressive art therapy, play therapy, among other therapeutic modalities.
I am a licensed associate counselor (LAC) and licensed American sign language (ASL) interpreter who moved to Phoenix, AZ from New York, NY. I have experience working with individuals, children, and families as well as groups and couples. I have dedicated myself to excellence in care through trauma-informed integration of treatments including EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, expressive art therapy, play therapy, among other therapeutic modalities.
![Photo of Charisma Carter-Graham, MA, MS, LAC, CTP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e046200-c874-4aaf-9bbd-e970bc52e971/1/320x400.jpeg)
Charisma Carter-Graham
Licensed Associate Counselor, MA, MS, LAC, CTP
Verified Verified
Phoenix, AZ 85027
Hi there! :) I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is vital to the growth and healing process. I began this journey because of my love for people and a desire to provide others with compassionate, authentic connection to heal and grow into the version of themselves that has a full toolbox of skills, self-understanding to start to heal past trauma, and tackle current and future stress life can bring. I believe that everyone is inherently worthy and capable of good and healing, and I build a therapeutic foundation of trust on this belief.
Hi there! :) I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is vital to the growth and healing process. I began this journey because of my love for people and a desire to provide others with compassionate, authentic connection to heal and grow into the version of themselves that has a full toolbox of skills, self-understanding to start to heal past trauma, and tackle current and future stress life can bring. I believe that everyone is inherently worthy and capable of good and healing, and I build a therapeutic foundation of trust on this belief.
![Photo of Shanika Toms, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ca98b9c9-3142-46fb-bf3e-f825eb615501/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to know which direction to go in life? Are you looking to begin to address issues that are making your life unmanageable or are you looking to continue to work through issues that are more complicated than you expected? I am an independently licensed therapist that specializes in working with individuals who feel imbalanced, lost and disconnected. I have been told that I have a natural ability to draw out the authentic self and assist those who want to achieve a higher level of emotional and spiritual awareness.
Are you struggling to know which direction to go in life? Are you looking to begin to address issues that are making your life unmanageable or are you looking to continue to work through issues that are more complicated than you expected? I am an independently licensed therapist that specializes in working with individuals who feel imbalanced, lost and disconnected. I have been told that I have a natural ability to draw out the authentic self and assist those who want to achieve a higher level of emotional and spiritual awareness.
![Photo of Krylyn Peters, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0aa6ec59-5a3d-45a8-a4c0-60c1d7a8face/2/320x400.jpeg)
Krylyn Peters
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85016 (Online Only)
You are not only good enough, you are BETTER than good enough. I know it may not FEEL like it at times. The harsh inner critic, the inability to make (or trust yourself to make) decisions, the putting on a brave face when on the inside you just want to scream. The things that keep you stuck are getting in the way of you living the life you deserve. And deep down, you know it’s time for a change. It’s time to treat yourself the way you treat others, with care and compassion. It’s time to find your way out of the vicious cycles that keep you stuck in overwhelm, self-doubt, overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing.
You are not only good enough, you are BETTER than good enough. I know it may not FEEL like it at times. The harsh inner critic, the inability to make (or trust yourself to make) decisions, the putting on a brave face when on the inside you just want to scream. The things that keep you stuck are getting in the way of you living the life you deserve. And deep down, you know it’s time for a change. It’s time to treat yourself the way you treat others, with care and compassion. It’s time to find your way out of the vicious cycles that keep you stuck in overwhelm, self-doubt, overthinking, perfectionism, and people-pleasing.
![Photo of Kristen Searcy, LCSW, CCTSI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8db2663-6b91-4604-9994-6b8f63a05525/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristen Searcy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTSI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Phoenix, AZ 85006 (Online Only)
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of trauma-based social work experience, I strive to be “an elegant and effective instrument of transformation and agent of change in the lives of others”. I specialize in working with women using a 21st century approach to mental health and trauma work by honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit and soul in leading clients to a life of freedom from trauma and mental health related challenges. It is my belief that all the aspects of your life and parts of your body work together to shape your experience of life and how you operate in it.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of trauma-based social work experience, I strive to be “an elegant and effective instrument of transformation and agent of change in the lives of others”. I specialize in working with women using a 21st century approach to mental health and trauma work by honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit and soul in leading clients to a life of freedom from trauma and mental health related challenges. It is my belief that all the aspects of your life and parts of your body work together to shape your experience of life and how you operate in it.
See more therapy options for Maricopa County
Expressive Arts Therapists
What happens in expressive arts therapy?
In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.
How long does expressive arts therapy take?
An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.
How does expressive arts therapy help children?
Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.
What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?
Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.