Expressive Arts Therapists in Manhattan Beach, CA
![Photo of Nadia Jessica Herman, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4522a06b-dcdf-4c27-9c09-2ae6599a2d75/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nadia Jessica Herman
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I utilize expressive arts, mindfulness, and trauma-informed, evidence-based techniques, tailoring my approach to the specific strengths and needs of each client.
I take a results-driven, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on nurturing each individual's unique strengths and resilience. I believe that healing should be both challenging and enjoyable. My goal is to create a space where therapy is infused with elements of fun, spontaneity, and collaboration, ensuring clients feel engaged in their journey toward growth. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, creative blocks, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, or trauma, I’m here to help transform these obstacles into opportunities for lasting positive change.
I utilize expressive arts, mindfulness, and trauma-informed, evidence-based techniques, tailoring my approach to the specific strengths and needs of each client.
I take a results-driven, holistic approach to therapy, focusing on nurturing each individual's unique strengths and resilience. I believe that healing should be both challenging and enjoyable. My goal is to create a space where therapy is infused with elements of fun, spontaneity, and collaboration, ensuring clients feel engaged in their journey toward growth. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, creative blocks, self-esteem issues, relationship challenges, or trauma, I’m here to help transform these obstacles into opportunities for lasting positive change.
![Photo of Olivia Waldorf, AMFT, ATR-P, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8f7494bf-542a-4593-a787-9cded6b4172a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Olivia Waldorf
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Through using person-centered therapy (PCT) and the expressive arts continuum framework, we’ll work through hard things together using trust, compassion, empathy, and building a safe space.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. As a therapist, I believe in the power of the statement "we can do hard things". You might be experiencing something that is making daily life exhausting, heavy, challenging, or more complicated than life can already be, so I'm grateful you've landed on my page. Something really special that I bring into the therapy space is artmaking and creative expression; as research shows, art is a powerful healing tool, so I use this creativity to help you navigate interpersonal dynamics, life changes, grief & loss, identity exploration, hard emotions, or to just be present with yourself in a world of noise.
Through using person-centered therapy (PCT) and the expressive arts continuum framework, we’ll work through hard things together using trust, compassion, empathy, and building a safe space.
Welcome! I'm so glad you're here. As a therapist, I believe in the power of the statement "we can do hard things". You might be experiencing something that is making daily life exhausting, heavy, challenging, or more complicated than life can already be, so I'm grateful you've landed on my page. Something really special that I bring into the therapy space is artmaking and creative expression; as research shows, art is a powerful healing tool, so I use this creativity to help you navigate interpersonal dynamics, life changes, grief & loss, identity exploration, hard emotions, or to just be present with yourself in a world of noise.
![Photo of Angela Jones, AMFT, CPC, RYT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4425538e-300a-4dea-9068-2eef72e4b545/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angela Jones
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, CPC, RYT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
You deserve happiness. Learning to manage and reduce symptoms may be the first step in enhancing your quality of life as day to day demands can lead to stress, anxiety, interpersonal and relational issues.. As a wellness advocate, I understand both the challenges and opportunities of taking the first step to mitigate the effects of emotional distress. I take a holistic approach grounded in mindfulness partnering closely with you to enhance therapeutic outcomes by tailoring interventions to your individual needs.
You deserve happiness. Learning to manage and reduce symptoms may be the first step in enhancing your quality of life as day to day demands can lead to stress, anxiety, interpersonal and relational issues.. As a wellness advocate, I understand both the challenges and opportunities of taking the first step to mitigate the effects of emotional distress. I take a holistic approach grounded in mindfulness partnering closely with you to enhance therapeutic outcomes by tailoring interventions to your individual needs.
![Photo of Linda Yoon, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51300f9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Yoon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Sometimes, life holds nothing back. We’re totally overwhelmed. It’s all too much. Too much busy-ness, too much hurry, and too much stress. While you’re a master of taking care of everything and everyone around you, taking care of YOU is often forgotten. And your regular pattern of “go, go, go…” leads to anxiety, burnout, or trauma. And so, you’re just…exhausted. You know something has to change. You know life has more to offer. But you’re not sure where to start.
Sometimes, life holds nothing back. We’re totally overwhelmed. It’s all too much. Too much busy-ness, too much hurry, and too much stress. While you’re a master of taking care of everything and everyone around you, taking care of YOU is often forgotten. And your regular pattern of “go, go, go…” leads to anxiety, burnout, or trauma. And so, you’re just…exhausted. You know something has to change. You know life has more to offer. But you’re not sure where to start.
![Photo of Alison Wood, MA, LMFT, MPS, ATR-BC, AEDP II, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b77c8c74-ed86-4f3b-b2ce-e714afcf797a/4/320x400.jpeg)
Alison Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MPS, ATR-BC, AEDP II
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
It’s hard to tune out those inner critics that leave us feeling not good enough, alone, and hopeless. Sometimes we have difficult thoughts and experiences we have never shared with anyone that also leave us feeling nervous, disconnected and depleted. What if you could take all that negativity and use it to fuel creativity? A kind of creativity that offers healing and liberation from the hurt- one that allows movement when we are stuck. In therapy with me you will express yourself with more than just talk. My approach is empathic, gender affirming, culturally humble, LGBTQIA+ celebrating, radically accepting, and direct.
It’s hard to tune out those inner critics that leave us feeling not good enough, alone, and hopeless. Sometimes we have difficult thoughts and experiences we have never shared with anyone that also leave us feeling nervous, disconnected and depleted. What if you could take all that negativity and use it to fuel creativity? A kind of creativity that offers healing and liberation from the hurt- one that allows movement when we are stuck. In therapy with me you will express yourself with more than just talk. My approach is empathic, gender affirming, culturally humble, LGBTQIA+ celebrating, radically accepting, and direct.
![Photo of Janelle De Veyra, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/26a76ba4-16ae-4de8-80e6-bd28c0cc21be/2/320x400.png)
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma? Do you experience difficulties managing family and relationship issues? I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. The subconscious mind controls most of our reality and choices, so building awareness and active presence can improve the quality of daily living and assist in not only surviving but thriving through life. As an intuitive & holistic therapist, I will assist you in strengthening your inner psyche and developing new tools to manage negative feelings and thoughts.
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, and trauma? Do you experience difficulties managing family and relationship issues? I believe that healing happens when we pay attention to all the parts that make us whole—our mind, body, and soul. The subconscious mind controls most of our reality and choices, so building awareness and active presence can improve the quality of daily living and assist in not only surviving but thriving through life. As an intuitive & holistic therapist, I will assist you in strengthening your inner psyche and developing new tools to manage negative feelings and thoughts.
![Photo of Kriss Light - Kriss Light, LMFT, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ab4a34c-4cc4-4e17-a7cb-fd67ba5b250b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kriss Light, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
I am a Jungian Certificated Psychotherapist. Depth Psychology is interested in all ages. All Peoples. All Understandings. "How does it work?" people ask. By making the Unconscious, Conscious. Therapist and patient become curious together, about your life. Feelings and values vital to the individual. Psychotherapy is the inner journey towards understanding ourselves. Your journey. By making conscious our unconscious (often complicated) feelings, we project them less onto the world and less onto others. This process, brings self acceptance and a new vitality. I look forward to sitting with you.
I am a Jungian Certificated Psychotherapist. Depth Psychology is interested in all ages. All Peoples. All Understandings. "How does it work?" people ask. By making the Unconscious, Conscious. Therapist and patient become curious together, about your life. Feelings and values vital to the individual. Psychotherapy is the inner journey towards understanding ourselves. Your journey. By making conscious our unconscious (often complicated) feelings, we project them less onto the world and less onto others. This process, brings self acceptance and a new vitality. I look forward to sitting with you.
![Photo of Jonathan Morin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/094863ca-d3df-43a1-b169-5f4399b5189a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jonathan Morin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
I'm an experienced psychotherapist skilled in working with individuals and families. I've treated adults with stress, anxiety/depression, relationship and career struggles and teenagers with behavioral/emotional problems, academic issues and parent-child conflicts. I primarily utilize strengths-based, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches to help people identify and apply their own personal strengths to work effectively through different life circumstances.
I'm an experienced psychotherapist skilled in working with individuals and families. I've treated adults with stress, anxiety/depression, relationship and career struggles and teenagers with behavioral/emotional problems, academic issues and parent-child conflicts. I primarily utilize strengths-based, cognitive behavioral and solution-focused approaches to help people identify and apply their own personal strengths to work effectively through different life circumstances.
![Photo of Colin Anthony Ziegler, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/634be337-9575-4316-9dba-6c92bb0a32fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
Colin Anthony Ziegler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267 (Online Only)
As a mental health crisis responder with 10+ years of direct experience, my technique is honed to quickly build a functional dynamic and work collaboratively to dial into the core problem. Results driven; I believe every minute of our time counts, so you can expect a style that is direct, concise, gimmick-free, and with no frills to interfere with the authenticity of our exchange. While I am trained and certified in several evidence-based practices, it is ultimately my job to support your path to self-mastery by asking the right questions and deferring to you as the expert on the situation, your life, and your choices.
As a mental health crisis responder with 10+ years of direct experience, my technique is honed to quickly build a functional dynamic and work collaboratively to dial into the core problem. Results driven; I believe every minute of our time counts, so you can expect a style that is direct, concise, gimmick-free, and with no frills to interfere with the authenticity of our exchange. While I am trained and certified in several evidence-based practices, it is ultimately my job to support your path to self-mastery by asking the right questions and deferring to you as the expert on the situation, your life, and your choices.
![Photo of Dana Bryon Staub, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/40922864-13d3-48c3-ba60-67430d50753d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dana Bryon Staub
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PsyD, LCSW
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? Do you find yourself repeating negative patterns? Do you want to make positive changes within yourself and your relationships? I believe that therapy is a collaborative process in which we together determine what you need. Years of experience contribute to my ability to create a safe space that will encourage deep exploration into understanding your emotional concerns. Often after completing the therapeutic process, many come to discover that they have more choices in their lives and report feeling more optimistic and alive.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck? Do you find yourself repeating negative patterns? Do you want to make positive changes within yourself and your relationships? I believe that therapy is a collaborative process in which we together determine what you need. Years of experience contribute to my ability to create a safe space that will encourage deep exploration into understanding your emotional concerns. Often after completing the therapeutic process, many come to discover that they have more choices in their lives and report feeling more optimistic and alive.
![Photo of Jill E. Groves, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a8bb9f3-4791-4b67-97b7-723e69c49e3a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Deciding to pursue therapy can be a big step. Some days you feel you need help, the next your convinced you can handle it all on your own. Ambivalence is normal; you don't need to be 100% ready. As your therapist, I strive to be authentic, compassionate, and honest with my clients. My goal is to provide a place where you feel comfortable being yourself. As a team, we'll identify what is working and where you may want change, we'll prioritize goals, and find tools to aid you in reaching those goals. With kindness, patience, and effort, change and recovery are within your reach.
Deciding to pursue therapy can be a big step. Some days you feel you need help, the next your convinced you can handle it all on your own. Ambivalence is normal; you don't need to be 100% ready. As your therapist, I strive to be authentic, compassionate, and honest with my clients. My goal is to provide a place where you feel comfortable being yourself. As a team, we'll identify what is working and where you may want change, we'll prioritize goals, and find tools to aid you in reaching those goals. With kindness, patience, and effort, change and recovery are within your reach.
15 Second Videos
Nadia Jessica Herman
Olivia Waldorf
Lindsay Rosser
![Photo of Patricia Andershock, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17f76d45-f07d-4ebe-9bc9-7219eda3b4cf/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Andershock
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Are you looking for a Christian therapist who can provide you with counseling from a Christian perspective? Do you want to live with less anxiety or depression in your life? Do you feel misunderstood by your partner? Are you looking for a way to rebuild love and trust in your marriage? Have you been involved in a toxic relationship, or do you have unresolved trauma from your past? I can meet you in your current crisis, or uncomfortable life situation, provide a safe and accepting place for you to begin to explore your feelings and experiences, and together we can work towards achieving personal fulfillment and healing.
Are you looking for a Christian therapist who can provide you with counseling from a Christian perspective? Do you want to live with less anxiety or depression in your life? Do you feel misunderstood by your partner? Are you looking for a way to rebuild love and trust in your marriage? Have you been involved in a toxic relationship, or do you have unresolved trauma from your past? I can meet you in your current crisis, or uncomfortable life situation, provide a safe and accepting place for you to begin to explore your feelings and experiences, and together we can work towards achieving personal fulfillment and healing.
![Photo of Lori Baudino, PsyD, BC-DMT, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e873ea-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Please check out my website:drloribaudino.com. I focus on integrative therapeutic support for children & parents. Utilizing a body centered movement approach that is playful, engaging and beneficial. I specialize with children from behavioral, attachment, learning challenges and developmental needs to those with severe medical and physical illness. I support parents on this journey to best communicate, support and find joy in their child/family! I fit approaches to your family needs and preferences. I believe that children are capable and competent and with this support they reach their potential!
Please check out my website:drloribaudino.com. I focus on integrative therapeutic support for children & parents. Utilizing a body centered movement approach that is playful, engaging and beneficial. I specialize with children from behavioral, attachment, learning challenges and developmental needs to those with severe medical and physical illness. I support parents on this journey to best communicate, support and find joy in their child/family! I fit approaches to your family needs and preferences. I believe that children are capable and competent and with this support they reach their potential!
![Photo of Rae C Hipolito, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bb1f19e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rae C Hipolito
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
Create joy and inner calm in your life. My role is to guide you in coming back to your wholeness. I am passionate about helping you heal your wounded parts. This wounding may show up as depression, anxiety, or PTSD in adulthood. My approach is heart-based; it is a fusion of experiential, somatic/body-oriented (releasing emotional pain which is stored in our bodies), gestalt, cognitive behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, and internal family systems approaches. I don't focus on analyzing nor intellectualizing your past. We visit the past to let go of any pain or heal trauma.
Create joy and inner calm in your life. My role is to guide you in coming back to your wholeness. I am passionate about helping you heal your wounded parts. This wounding may show up as depression, anxiety, or PTSD in adulthood. My approach is heart-based; it is a fusion of experiential, somatic/body-oriented (releasing emotional pain which is stored in our bodies), gestalt, cognitive behavioral, EMDR, hypnosis, and internal family systems approaches. I don't focus on analyzing nor intellectualizing your past. We visit the past to let go of any pain or heal trauma.
![Photo of Julia Marie May, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e26e90a4-b016-4710-a7ac-860d46fb64a5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Julia Marie May
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90267 (Online Only)
Julia May, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical art therapist. She treats young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships issues, addiction, codependency, bipolar I/II and borderline personality disorder. She utilizes a variety of approaches with specialized training in Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She strives to empower her clients towards personal growth and healing. She has seen client’s lives transform after working together, breaking compulsive cycles, improving relationships and living positive and more fulfilling lives.
Julia May, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and clinical art therapist. She treats young adults and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships issues, addiction, codependency, bipolar I/II and borderline personality disorder. She utilizes a variety of approaches with specialized training in Art Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She strives to empower her clients towards personal growth and healing. She has seen client’s lives transform after working together, breaking compulsive cycles, improving relationships and living positive and more fulfilling lives.
![Photo of Sierra Rose Brown, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/899401ff-8863-4438-9de4-fe7c21a46c1a/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sierra Rose Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
I specialize in working with people who have a desire to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. I want to work with clients to determine what will work best for them and their unique circumstances. I offer therapy for children, adolescents, adults and elders alike.
I specialize in working with people who have a desire to improve their daily functioning and quality of life. I want to work with clients to determine what will work best for them and their unique circumstances. I offer therapy for children, adolescents, adults and elders alike.
![Photo of Lindsay Rosser, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01258916-289a-4ae8-8a91-8188248aaefa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsay Rosser
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 (Online Only)
There’s a weight dragging you down. No one can see it, and you’re unsure when it appeared. But each day, it wears on you further. It shows up as a voice in your head, telling you, "No matter how hard you try, you’ll never be good enough.” It prevents you from ever truly opening up to another person and dooming your relationships. It keeps you constantly on edge – never able to let your guard down or feel safe in your own skin. And it makes it difficult to regulate your emotions, never knowing from one moment to the next what will set off a wave of sadness, rage, or panic. You want peace, but it feels out of reach.
There’s a weight dragging you down. No one can see it, and you’re unsure when it appeared. But each day, it wears on you further. It shows up as a voice in your head, telling you, "No matter how hard you try, you’ll never be good enough.” It prevents you from ever truly opening up to another person and dooming your relationships. It keeps you constantly on edge – never able to let your guard down or feel safe in your own skin. And it makes it difficult to regulate your emotions, never knowing from one moment to the next what will set off a wave of sadness, rage, or panic. You want peace, but it feels out of reach.
![Photo of Julie Payne - Peninsula Center for Children and Families, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43b44b50-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peninsula Center for Children and Families
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Not accepting new clients
As a group of professional therapists, we come together to offer therapy services to individuals, couples, families, and children. We work with a wide range of ages (children, teens, & adults) dealing with various challenges and dilemmas. We believe in tapping into the natural strengths of each us, working together, and developing ways that can help us enjoy life and each other more fully. Researchers have found that the relationship between therapist and client accounts for a significant part of change.
As a group of professional therapists, we come together to offer therapy services to individuals, couples, families, and children. We work with a wide range of ages (children, teens, & adults) dealing with various challenges and dilemmas. We believe in tapping into the natural strengths of each us, working together, and developing ways that can help us enjoy life and each other more fully. Researchers have found that the relationship between therapist and client accounts for a significant part of change.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Theresa Goldstein, MA, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cea2655-11ff-48b3-b4b4-b61c113f9ba8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Theresa Goldstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
I encourage creativity and curiosity throughout the therapy process and incorporate talk therapy and expressive arts therapy, as bottom up approach, coping skills, and way to more deeply process emotions.
Are you struggling with daily stressors or trasnitions? Do your fears or anxiety keep you from living the life you want? There comes a time when everyone needs support navigating life’s challenges. Clients who work with me might struggle with depression, anxiety, OCD, Complex Trauma, chronic illness, relational and attachment issues.
I encourage creativity and curiosity throughout the therapy process and incorporate talk therapy and expressive arts therapy, as bottom up approach, coping skills, and way to more deeply process emotions.
Are you struggling with daily stressors or trasnitions? Do your fears or anxiety keep you from living the life you want? There comes a time when everyone needs support navigating life’s challenges. Clients who work with me might struggle with depression, anxiety, OCD, Complex Trauma, chronic illness, relational and attachment issues.
![Photo of Gina Rossi Clinical Psychotherapist, LMFT, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cee6aac-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gina Rossi Clinical Psychotherapist
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA
Verified Verified
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
We have all experienced a shift in our "normal" lives; our usual way of being during the past few years. We are looking at our world, our society, our friends, family and ourselves and nothing is as it once was. During these extraordinary times, you may be questioning what life is about; the meaning of it all. You are not alone, my friends. Many of us are experiencing anxiety, as our once familiar "normal" has shifted to a new "normal". I understand this and you. We can work through this together.
We have all experienced a shift in our "normal" lives; our usual way of being during the past few years. We are looking at our world, our society, our friends, family and ourselves and nothing is as it once was. During these extraordinary times, you may be questioning what life is about; the meaning of it all. You are not alone, my friends. Many of us are experiencing anxiety, as our once familiar "normal" has shifted to a new "normal". I understand this and you. We can work through this together.
See more therapy options for Manhattan Beach
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Manhattan Beach
- Culver City
- El Segundo
- Hawthorne
- Hermosa Beach
- Inglewood
- Marina Del Rey
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Rancho Palos Verdes
- Redondo Beach
- Rolling Hills Estates
- Torrance
- Venice
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.