Therapists in Eagle Rock, CA
![Photo of Frances Cocksedge, MS, AMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a162e9d6-325f-4447-9d8a-a15ada8b8150/2/320x400.jpeg)
Frances Cocksedge
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MS, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
I specialize in EMDR Trauma Processing, Adolescent Mental Health, Art Therapy, and Addiction.
I work with teens, children, and adults struggling with unresolved trauma, relational issues, existential fear, grief, gender dysphoria, self-harm, addiction, anxiety, ADHD, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic lens, which means looking at my client’s past as a means of informing the present and helping them discover the unconscious blind spots that unknowingly contribute to their distress. I am passionate about helping to reconcile past trauma such as abuse, bullying, oppression, and toxic relationships. I also work with families and couples stuck in destructive patterns and having the same fight over and over.
I specialize in EMDR Trauma Processing, Adolescent Mental Health, Art Therapy, and Addiction.
I work with teens, children, and adults struggling with unresolved trauma, relational issues, existential fear, grief, gender dysphoria, self-harm, addiction, anxiety, ADHD, and depression. I work from a psychodynamic lens, which means looking at my client’s past as a means of informing the present and helping them discover the unconscious blind spots that unknowingly contribute to their distress. I am passionate about helping to reconcile past trauma such as abuse, bullying, oppression, and toxic relationships. I also work with families and couples stuck in destructive patterns and having the same fight over and over.
![Photo of Eve Lorraine Sturges, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b74e4059-91d8-4de4-9a0f-2ce8a1b29e52/1/320x400.jpeg)
Eve Lorraine Sturges
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
Whether your struggle is deeply rooted or a temporary challenge, my role as a therapist is to create a safe space for exploring solutions and finding peace. It is possible to create a life you love with the life you have; let me help you. I also have personal and professional experience with the NPE (non-parent expected, or non paternal event) experience and am extremely comfortable, confident, and empathetic while treating those who have had shocking DNA discoveries. EMAIL IS BEST WAY TO INITIATE COMMUNICATION WITH ME! I am not taking on couples/marriage counseling at this time.
Whether your struggle is deeply rooted or a temporary challenge, my role as a therapist is to create a safe space for exploring solutions and finding peace. It is possible to create a life you love with the life you have; let me help you. I also have personal and professional experience with the NPE (non-parent expected, or non paternal event) experience and am extremely comfortable, confident, and empathetic while treating those who have had shocking DNA discoveries. EMAIL IS BEST WAY TO INITIATE COMMUNICATION WITH ME! I am not taking on couples/marriage counseling at this time.
![Photo of Kelly O'Phelan, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/956fa726-a9cf-44f6-9684-e42636c21e2f/1/320x400.png)
Kelly O'Phelan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Eagle Rock, CA 90041
Are you tired of struggling? Are you seeking someone to help you navigate life's challenges and reauthor your own story? Hi, I'm Kelly, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a passion for helping people access their potential! I specialize in working with children, teens, adults and LGBTQ+ individuals, helping them discover new perspectives and foster positive changes. I use an integrative approach to therapy, combining narrative therapy, EMDR, creative arts therapy, DBT, person centered, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy to help you meet your individual goals in therapy.
Are you tired of struggling? Are you seeking someone to help you navigate life's challenges and reauthor your own story? Hi, I'm Kelly, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) with a passion for helping people access their potential! I specialize in working with children, teens, adults and LGBTQ+ individuals, helping them discover new perspectives and foster positive changes. I use an integrative approach to therapy, combining narrative therapy, EMDR, creative arts therapy, DBT, person centered, and LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy to help you meet your individual goals in therapy.
![Photo of Isla Dennis, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f051a14-87b4-464e-ad7f-3717d557961f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Isla Dennis
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Eagle Rock, CA 90041 (Online Only)
Are you stuck in the same old arguments? Struggling with communication, boundaries, thoughts of leaving, or infidelity? Or maybe intimacy feels awkward or stale? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors or relationships and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes we get stuck, and change can feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help change your life. If you have the sense you're not reaching your potential for health, happiness, or success, it may be time to move toward a change.
Are you stuck in the same old arguments? Struggling with communication, boundaries, thoughts of leaving, or infidelity? Or maybe intimacy feels awkward or stale? Are you or your loved ones repeating behaviors or relationships and wishing you could break the cycle? Sometimes we get stuck, and change can feel impossible. That's where I come in. My job is to listen, help you understand root causes of your difficulties, break unwanted patterns, and teach you practical tools to help change your life. If you have the sense you're not reaching your potential for health, happiness, or success, it may be time to move toward a change.
![Photo of Jackie Allen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f8a51540-95ae-4d2c-b47f-a1a01ef9c84d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jackie Allen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Eagle Rock, CA 90041 (Online Only)
I provide therapy for creative and intuitive people who want to shift from surviving to thriving. Highly sensitive people often wind up feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, exhausted, and powerless. It’s not in our nature to move through this competitive, extroverted, fast-moving society with ease. And yet, we too have to find a way to feel at home here. I want you to know that your sensitive nature is not a weakness. In fact, you can use your creativity and your intuition to develop tools that will empower you to navigate life's challenges while protecting your spirit and nurturing your artistic and spiritual practices.
I provide therapy for creative and intuitive people who want to shift from surviving to thriving. Highly sensitive people often wind up feeling overwhelmed, inadequate, exhausted, and powerless. It’s not in our nature to move through this competitive, extroverted, fast-moving society with ease. And yet, we too have to find a way to feel at home here. I want you to know that your sensitive nature is not a weakness. In fact, you can use your creativity and your intuition to develop tools that will empower you to navigate life's challenges while protecting your spirit and nurturing your artistic and spiritual practices.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Jacqueline San Nicolas, APCC, MT-BC, LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7eb93032-650c-42da-a6e7-1392d0ab6776/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe through the art and collaboration of therapy, all people can center joy and foster hope.
I work with adolescents and adults of all ages to address a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress management, ADHD, and life transitions. I have experience with working with LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals of racialized and other marginalized identities. I focus on increasing client’s coping skills, applying inherent strengths, and raising client’s quality of life.
I believe through the art and collaboration of therapy, all people can center joy and foster hope.
I work with adolescents and adults of all ages to address a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, stress management, ADHD, and life transitions. I have experience with working with LGBTQ+ individuals and individuals of racialized and other marginalized identities. I focus on increasing client’s coping skills, applying inherent strengths, and raising client’s quality of life.
![Photo of Jenny Hannah - Jenny Hannah: Buddhist and Depth Psychology , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3b3d469-c626-400f-a3cf-8cafc96ce67b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenny Hannah: Buddhist and Depth Psychology
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Accepting New Clients. As an integrative and holistic therapist, I use shadow aspects of the individual and collective as tools for growth and understanding. I believe genuine healing comes from mindful awareness (being present to the experience of living), honoring emotions, cultural awareness, and curiosity. Relational approaches are at the foundation of my work, along with Depth Psychology (exploring how the unconscious shapes our thoughts and actions). When serviceable to explore, art and somatic based practices can be used, as these approaches offer rich sources of integration for artists and those in the healing profession.
Accepting New Clients. As an integrative and holistic therapist, I use shadow aspects of the individual and collective as tools for growth and understanding. I believe genuine healing comes from mindful awareness (being present to the experience of living), honoring emotions, cultural awareness, and curiosity. Relational approaches are at the foundation of my work, along with Depth Psychology (exploring how the unconscious shapes our thoughts and actions). When serviceable to explore, art and somatic based practices can be used, as these approaches offer rich sources of integration for artists and those in the healing profession.
![Photo of Melinda Simon Fay, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32a2b080-b697-48f6-ba90-af3febe36a9d/1/320x400.jpeg)
I use mindfulness, CBT and art therapy tools as a way of externalizing the "problem".
Accepting new clients. "There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in." Licensed since 2008, I bring a wealth of experience across diverse settings (hospital, community, residential treatment and private practice). My passion lies in the collaboration and co-creation of preferred stories. A lifelong love of art, nature and travel imbue my practice. I enjoy working with creative people, teens and couples as they grapple with questions related to identity, roles and life transition. I work from a strengths based model which views the client as the expert.
I use mindfulness, CBT and art therapy tools as a way of externalizing the "problem".
Accepting new clients. "There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in." Licensed since 2008, I bring a wealth of experience across diverse settings (hospital, community, residential treatment and private practice). My passion lies in the collaboration and co-creation of preferred stories. A lifelong love of art, nature and travel imbue my practice. I enjoy working with creative people, teens and couples as they grapple with questions related to identity, roles and life transition. I work from a strengths based model which views the client as the expert.
![Photo of Dr. Tracy Ballardo, PsyD, MA, MS, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47b91b54-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Making the decision to start therapy can come with apprehension. I believe your best judgement guided you to search for the right therapist. I have a direct and compassionate style of working with children, adolescents, college students, and adults. I assist clients in reducing anxiety and depression in order to feel confident, achieve a healthier sense of self, and live in accordance to their values. I believe honoring one's intuition is the key to healing- whether that be through play therapy, creative art interventions, or talk therapy. I enjoy helping others explore their identity and to accept various parts of themselves.
Making the decision to start therapy can come with apprehension. I believe your best judgement guided you to search for the right therapist. I have a direct and compassionate style of working with children, adolescents, college students, and adults. I assist clients in reducing anxiety and depression in order to feel confident, achieve a healthier sense of self, and live in accordance to their values. I believe honoring one's intuition is the key to healing- whether that be through play therapy, creative art interventions, or talk therapy. I enjoy helping others explore their identity and to accept various parts of themselves.
![Photo of Jade Tree Holistic Psychotherapy, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c3919b3-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Jade Tree Holistic Psychotherapy
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90042
We integrate psychodynamic therapy- which explores how your psychological, emotional and relational set points got formed- with somatic work, mindfulness, art therapy, meditation, EMDR and Jungian dream analysis.
Jade Tree is a collective of psychotherapists who offer holistic, professional, artful, compassionate therapy for adults, couples and adolescents. We tailor our caring, hands-on approach to each client, and our aim is to help you become the person you want to be. We believe that real lasting change is possible, and we have the skill and dedication to help you get there.
We integrate psychodynamic therapy- which explores how your psychological, emotional and relational set points got formed- with somatic work, mindfulness, art therapy, meditation, EMDR and Jungian dream analysis.
Jade Tree is a collective of psychotherapists who offer holistic, professional, artful, compassionate therapy for adults, couples and adolescents. We tailor our caring, hands-on approach to each client, and our aim is to help you become the person you want to be. We believe that real lasting change is possible, and we have the skill and dedication to help you get there.
![Photo of Sarah H Eggers, LMFT, ATR, MFA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fbfaf6c-e593-41c4-9765-e27a651662fb/3/320x400.jpeg)
Sarah H Eggers
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, ATR, MFA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91204
As a registered art therapist, I offer an alternative language for people in moments when words do not suffice.
You are not the problems you are dealing with. The fundamental belief that guides my practice as a psychotherapist is that all of us are worthy, lovable and creative beings capable of thriving and sustaining meaningful relationships. But there are times when we may lose sight of that. Perhaps you have been functioning well for years, but something has happened to upset your equilibrium or temporarily overwhelm your ability to cope. Perhaps you have been harboring feelings of inadequacy your whole life. In either instance, I can help reacquaint you with your strength and purpose, and innate worthiness.
As a registered art therapist, I offer an alternative language for people in moments when words do not suffice.
You are not the problems you are dealing with. The fundamental belief that guides my practice as a psychotherapist is that all of us are worthy, lovable and creative beings capable of thriving and sustaining meaningful relationships. But there are times when we may lose sight of that. Perhaps you have been functioning well for years, but something has happened to upset your equilibrium or temporarily overwhelm your ability to cope. Perhaps you have been harboring feelings of inadequacy your whole life. In either instance, I can help reacquaint you with your strength and purpose, and innate worthiness.
![Photo of Elizabeth Landswick, MA, LMFT, ATR, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c2154e0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I enjoy working with pre-teens, teens, adults and families through somatic awareness, art and talk therapies to gain insight and resources to manage their experiences and work toward positive changes in their lives.
I don't believe that struggling is weak or wrong, it allows us to grow into stronger and more capable people. I think that there are some experiences that hit us a little harder than others and have us needing some support along the way, everyone has conflict and difficulty in their lives at one time or another. I also believe that our emotional challenges can affect our physical experience through anxiety symptoms, chronic pain, exhaustion and difficulty sleeping as well as in other ways.
I enjoy working with pre-teens, teens, adults and families through somatic awareness, art and talk therapies to gain insight and resources to manage their experiences and work toward positive changes in their lives.
I don't believe that struggling is weak or wrong, it allows us to grow into stronger and more capable people. I think that there are some experiences that hit us a little harder than others and have us needing some support along the way, everyone has conflict and difficulty in their lives at one time or another. I also believe that our emotional challenges can affect our physical experience through anxiety symptoms, chronic pain, exhaustion and difficulty sleeping as well as in other ways.
![Photo of Jess Minckley, MFA, MA, LMHC, NCC, ATR-P, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/07417c5b-6823-4b64-8b84-3bc4fe8b0775/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jess Minckley
Counselor, MFA, MA, LMHC, NCC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I am a queer nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with three niches of clients. 1) trans kids & teens and their families. 2) adults struggling with grief around chronic illness, pain, & disability and 3) queer couples counseling. Art therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults) can be game-changers. I offer mental health counseling & art therapy in WA, OR, and art therapy in California. Contact me for more infor on EMDR and KAP or read my website.
I am a queer nonbinary therapist who specializes in working with three niches of clients. 1) trans kids & teens and their families. 2) adults struggling with grief around chronic illness, pain, & disability and 3) queer couples counseling. Art therapy, EMDR, somatic work, and psychedelic-assisted-therapy (with the adults) can be game-changers. I offer mental health counseling & art therapy in WA, OR, and art therapy in California. Contact me for more infor on EMDR and KAP or read my website.
![Photo of Becky (Mary Rebecca) Schomaker, MA, LMFT, IFECMHS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26a6f9fe-d8d3-4ff6-9cd9-416e67b4d590/3/320x400.jpeg)
Becky (Mary Rebecca) Schomaker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, IFECMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
I provide talk therapy, play and art therapy, and somatic therapy in person, online, and in the home and community.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
I provide talk therapy, play and art therapy, and somatic therapy in person, online, and in the home and community.
I specialize in treating anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems. When overwhelming experiences leave their mark, it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Memories, fears, distress, and anger take over and damage our relationships. Parenting becomes fraught with tension. Children lose control, resulting in tantrums and behavior problems. By understanding the root of your distress, I can help you or your family find new ways to cope.
![Photo of Maqueita Eleazer - Black Canvas Wholistic Therapy, MA, LPAT, ATR-BC, SLC, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2d99a3fc-e71e-4b1a-9d64-b66474d4efbb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Black Canvas Wholistic Therapy
Art Therapist, MA, LPAT, ATR-BC, SLC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I believe that the art-making process can serve as an “incubator” into your unconscious and provide valuable information toward your healing journey.
Are you looking for a non-traditional therapist? I integrate my spiritual life coaching training and the practice of art-making into the therapeutic process in a way that honors who you are wholistically. This wholistic approach is based on the psycho-spiritual therapeutic modality, which is grounded in the notion that “the soul is the starting point for balance.” This approach to treatment takes into consideration the WHOLE of who you are, be it physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, culturally, etc. and examines how your lived experiences have impacted your mental health.
I believe that the art-making process can serve as an “incubator” into your unconscious and provide valuable information toward your healing journey.
Are you looking for a non-traditional therapist? I integrate my spiritual life coaching training and the practice of art-making into the therapeutic process in a way that honors who you are wholistically. This wholistic approach is based on the psycho-spiritual therapeutic modality, which is grounded in the notion that “the soul is the starting point for balance.” This approach to treatment takes into consideration the WHOLE of who you are, be it physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, culturally, etc. and examines how your lived experiences have impacted your mental health.
![Photo of Wesley Stahler, LMFT, RDT, ECMH, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cbb9f83-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/4/320x400.jpeg)
Wesley Stahler
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, RDT, ECMH
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90039
Wishing like parenting came with directions. Realizing you are not the parent, and or partner you thought. Negative behaviors bringing you down. Wondering if your child's ok? Challenges with siblings, bedtimes, strong emotions, school, fill in the blank... Parenting can be the most stressful time, when it is touted as the most joyful. It is a fast track to getting your PhD in personal growth & development. I have been there. And, I can help. We can talk about those dirty, little secrets. Together, concretely creating a plan with long, lasting results. Bringing ease and strength, breaking unhealthy patterns.
Wishing like parenting came with directions. Realizing you are not the parent, and or partner you thought. Negative behaviors bringing you down. Wondering if your child's ok? Challenges with siblings, bedtimes, strong emotions, school, fill in the blank... Parenting can be the most stressful time, when it is touted as the most joyful. It is a fast track to getting your PhD in personal growth & development. I have been there. And, I can help. We can talk about those dirty, little secrets. Together, concretely creating a plan with long, lasting results. Bringing ease and strength, breaking unhealthy patterns.
![Photo of Evette Ybarra, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59d5a4cf-43a4-4a92-95a5-d72f96975f18/1/320x400.png)
Thank you for viewing my profile, by the way, I am Evette Ybarra, LCSW. My goal is to be present while you are navigating your path/ journey in this challenging world! Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
Thank you for viewing my profile, by the way, I am Evette Ybarra, LCSW. My goal is to be present while you are navigating your path/ journey in this challenging world! Helen Keller said, "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired, and success achieved.
![Photo of Jaklin Yasaman, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4280291b-def5-4007-bef9-c1acf7b70346/1/320x400.png)
My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will listen and accept us without judgement. I consider therapy as a privilege where I am invited into my client's lives, and to travel the journey with them through healing, change and self-empowerment. I utilize different modalities such as; psycho dynamic theory, attachment theory, cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness.
My greatest reward as a therapist is helping my clients explore ways to make the changes in their lives that will allow them to look forward to the future with hope. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will listen and accept us without judgement. I consider therapy as a privilege where I am invited into my client's lives, and to travel the journey with them through healing, change and self-empowerment. I utilize different modalities such as; psycho dynamic theory, attachment theory, cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness.
![Photo of Hardy Ophuls, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d950cdc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I look forward to working with people interested in examining their past, present and future in hopes of finding greater meaning in, and understating of, all three of those aspects of their lives. Therapy can be scary, and is not without its risks, but I will provide a safe and non-judgmental container for the process. My passion is helping people interested in the examined life, and I bring much experience, both clinical and life experience, to this shared journey ahead.
I look forward to working with people interested in examining their past, present and future in hopes of finding greater meaning in, and understating of, all three of those aspects of their lives. Therapy can be scary, and is not without its risks, but I will provide a safe and non-judgmental container for the process. My passion is helping people interested in the examined life, and I bring much experience, both clinical and life experience, to this shared journey ahead.
![Photo of Dr. Afton Blake, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be64dd6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a therapist, I will act as your guide as you work to develop healthy relationships, create meaningful work, explore your relationship with society, and evolve on your spiritual path. Together, we will choose from a variety of therapeutic approaches (including imagery, dreamwork, and regression) to journey through your past life and future visions. The adventure of coming to know your authentic self will allow you to create the meaningful changes in your life that you are seeking.
As a therapist, I will act as your guide as you work to develop healthy relationships, create meaningful work, explore your relationship with society, and evolve on your spiritual path. Together, we will choose from a variety of therapeutic approaches (including imagery, dreamwork, and regression) to journey through your past life and future visions. The adventure of coming to know your authentic self will allow you to create the meaningful changes in your life that you are seeking.
See more therapy options for Eagle Rock
Art Therapy
How does art therapy work?
The process of making art allows people to express themselves. Art-making can take many forms, such as painting, collage, or sculpting. The therapist asks questions that the work elicits, such as how the person felt while creating their piece, or if any memories surfaced that they can discuss. The therapist will then work with the patient to process their experience, understand themselves better, and work toward change.
Does art therapy help with trauma?
Art therapy can be a valuable treatment option for those suffering from trauma. Traumatic experiences such as combat, rape, or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. The physical nature of creating art can also help people feel rooted in the body, which may benefit those who feel disconnected from their body in the aftermath of trauma.
How long does art therapy last?
The duration of art therapy varies, but a common length for treatment is 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Some people may see improvement in just a few weeks, while others may choose to remain in therapy longer term. Patients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
What are the limitations of art therapy?
Art therapy is helpful for many people, but a limitation is that it doesn’t have as robust an evidence base as other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. The evidence on art therapy is mixed; some research demonstrates its benefits, while other research suggests that it has little impact on patients.