Expressive Arts Therapists in Venice, CA
![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
Venice, CA 90291
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 Hyim J Ross, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/92bdde6e-0d17-485f-bfdf-2f28c6010c3c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with emotion disregulation? Anxious or depressed? Self medicating? You will have to create new patterns of behavior and thought to deal with the old destructive behaviors and thoughts. Self-compassion through self awareness. I can help you thrive and cultivate emotional sobriety. I work with adults and adolescents who struggle with emotional disregulation and/or dealing with addiction-be that drugs, alcohol, sex, gaming, smart phones, intensity, pills, marijuana, etc. With over a decade of experience in helping people, you will learn skills to deal with your challenges as well as address the roots of your suffering.
Struggling with emotion disregulation? Anxious or depressed? Self medicating? You will have to create new patterns of behavior and thought to deal with the old destructive behaviors and thoughts. Self-compassion through self awareness. I can help you thrive and cultivate emotional sobriety. I work with adults and adolescents who struggle with emotional disregulation and/or dealing with addiction-be that drugs, alcohol, sex, gaming, smart phones, intensity, pills, marijuana, etc. With over a decade of experience in helping people, you will learn skills to deal with your challenges as well as address the roots of your suffering.
![Photo of Judith Bin-Nun, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, MAPsych, MA Ed, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49ca6998-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Judith Bin-Nun
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPCC, MAPsych, MA Ed
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
My website www.drjudybin-nun describes my practice and offers endorsements and photos of art-maker therapy and Animal Assisted Therapy. I offer a warm,supportive and creative approach to individual growth and having faith to live in the present tense. I have worked with children and teens my entire life and offer parent guidance and family sessions. I treat individuals and couples as well. Working from a place of warmth and dedication, I help my patient to leave behind self limiting beliefs and learn positivity to enhance growth.
My website www.drjudybin-nun describes my practice and offers endorsements and photos of art-maker therapy and Animal Assisted Therapy. I offer a warm,supportive and creative approach to individual growth and having faith to live in the present tense. I have worked with children and teens my entire life and offer parent guidance and family sessions. I treat individuals and couples as well. Working from a place of warmth and dedication, I help my patient to leave behind self limiting beliefs and learn positivity to enhance growth.
![Photo of Danielle Birrittella, LMFT, MA, MFA, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ad68144-9c9c-4f3a-89a5-12e8e9126855/2/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Birrittella
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, MFA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
My role as a psychotherapist is to accompany people on their courageous journeys of healing, discovery, and self-expression. I enjoy working with individuals who are curious and inspired to take their inner work seriously. I believe that the narratives we tell about ourselves hold tremendous power and that, through our work together, we can become more conscious of how these stories shape our lives in order to find opportunities for new understanding and meaning making. As a depth psychotherapist, I have reverence for the wisdom of psyche, the unconscious, to help guide us to explore parts of ourselves in order to become more whole.
My role as a psychotherapist is to accompany people on their courageous journeys of healing, discovery, and self-expression. I enjoy working with individuals who are curious and inspired to take their inner work seriously. I believe that the narratives we tell about ourselves hold tremendous power and that, through our work together, we can become more conscious of how these stories shape our lives in order to find opportunities for new understanding and meaning making. As a depth psychotherapist, I have reverence for the wisdom of psyche, the unconscious, to help guide us to explore parts of ourselves in order to become more whole.
![Photo of Liam Kalin McAuliffe, MTS, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3af3c980-9a28-48fb-b458-e48b8e6a6759/3/320x400.jpeg)
Liam Kalin McAuliffe
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MTS, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
Are you looking for an embodied, creative, collaborative, and deeply transformative approach to navigating your life's challenges? My clients are soulful individuals and couples who are serious about healing the root causes of pain and conflict. This journey means connecting with the deep wisdom of your psyche and becoming more courageous, vulnerable, empathic, and accountable in all areas of your life. Many of my clients describe themselves as people for whom talk therapy "hit a wall," and who are looking for a therapist who can help integrate the spiritual process of "waking up" with the emotional process of "growing up."
Are you looking for an embodied, creative, collaborative, and deeply transformative approach to navigating your life's challenges? My clients are soulful individuals and couples who are serious about healing the root causes of pain and conflict. This journey means connecting with the deep wisdom of your psyche and becoming more courageous, vulnerable, empathic, and accountable in all areas of your life. Many of my clients describe themselves as people for whom talk therapy "hit a wall," and who are looking for a therapist who can help integrate the spiritual process of "waking up" with the emotional process of "growing up."
![Photo of John William Johnson, PhD, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6eafdef7-749c-4f63-9f07-3097ccf0d3fe/1/320x400.jpeg)
John William Johnson
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291 (Online Only)
Do you find yourself ruminating about your fears and frustrations? Are you having communication issues with your partner? At work? With friends? Feeling anxiety? Depression? Do you experience more lows than you are used to? Does life feel like a burden, something that is happening to you and you have no ability to move toward what you want, but rather complain and blame those you love? The past few years may have been very hard for you, and you feel a bit hopeless. Do you find yourself reacting to other people's statements about you? Do you argue and try to convince them that they don't understand?
Do you find yourself ruminating about your fears and frustrations? Are you having communication issues with your partner? At work? With friends? Feeling anxiety? Depression? Do you experience more lows than you are used to? Does life feel like a burden, something that is happening to you and you have no ability to move toward what you want, but rather complain and blame those you love? The past few years may have been very hard for you, and you feel a bit hopeless. Do you find yourself reacting to other people's statements about you? Do you argue and try to convince them that they don't understand?
![Photo of Lauren Elizabeth Taus, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50719b53-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lauren Elizabeth Taus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and a yoga and meditation teacher based in Venice Beach, California. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey home - to yourself. As a therapist, I see individuals, families and couples. My practice areas of expertise include stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, creative blocks, and life transitions. My approach is individualized. I’ll meet you where you are, and offer you an individualized treatment plan based on my education and trainings.
I’m a licensed psychotherapist, and a yoga and meditation teacher based in Venice Beach, California. I am dedicated to supporting you on your journey home - to yourself. As a therapist, I see individuals, families and couples. My practice areas of expertise include stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and loss, trauma, addictions, relationship difficulties, creative blocks, and life transitions. My approach is individualized. I’ll meet you where you are, and offer you an individualized treatment plan based on my education and trainings.
![Photo of Darcy Lubbers, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e8f08f38-5512-4f18-b9b7-addccf31add1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Darcy Lubbers
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
My work as a marriage and family therapist, clinical art therapist and somatic psychotherapist is integrative, interactive, and holistic. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in private practice, residential and outpatient treatment, I offer pathways to healing and well-being within the context of a safe and supportive environment. In my work with individuals, couples and families, treatment specialties include the healing of communication and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, family and personal illness, grief and loss.
![Photo of Nancy Hyland, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/47f504e0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life is challenging, especially when you are overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with a past trauma or current stressor, I can help relieve persistent sadness, grief or anxiety. I have extensive experience utilizing the latest techniques, based in neuroscience, to assist people struggling with emotional distress, low self esteem, relationship issues, trauma & violence, disordered eating & substance abuse. I can help ensure your past doesn't dictate your future, as together we address the underlying causes of your distress, in a safe and supportive environment that honors your individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.
Life is challenging, especially when you are overwhelmed by distressing thoughts and feelings. Whether you're dealing with a past trauma or current stressor, I can help relieve persistent sadness, grief or anxiety. I have extensive experience utilizing the latest techniques, based in neuroscience, to assist people struggling with emotional distress, low self esteem, relationship issues, trauma & violence, disordered eating & substance abuse. I can help ensure your past doesn't dictate your future, as together we address the underlying causes of your distress, in a safe and supportive environment that honors your individual needs, values, beliefs, and goals.
![Photo of S. Lorena Shadwick, IMFT-S, LMFT-S, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/200eab93-07be-4295-abe2-e6c968070e51/2/320x400.jpeg)
S. Lorena Shadwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, IMFT-S, LMFT-S, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I provide Telehealth sessions Mon - Thurs from 10a est - 5p EST. I am focused on working with adults and adolescents. I do not work with couples or children younger than 12. I am trauma and attachment focused. I offer a client-centered, affirming, collaborative, relational approach. I support clients struggling with Trauma, PTSD, and Grief & Loss. I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (somatic trauma therapy) and Board Certified in Art Therapy. I am also LGBTQ allied and am affirming of all sexual, gender and relational identities. I am a Clinical Supervisor and can provide supervision to pre-licensed MFT/ATR trainees.
I provide Telehealth sessions Mon - Thurs from 10a est - 5p EST. I am focused on working with adults and adolescents. I do not work with couples or children younger than 12. I am trauma and attachment focused. I offer a client-centered, affirming, collaborative, relational approach. I support clients struggling with Trauma, PTSD, and Grief & Loss. I am trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (somatic trauma therapy) and Board Certified in Art Therapy. I am also LGBTQ allied and am affirming of all sexual, gender and relational identities. I am a Clinical Supervisor and can provide supervision to pre-licensed MFT/ATR trainees.
![Photo of Olivia Pool, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/68446e2a-2956-4185-9b9f-727f56e88df0/1/320x400.png)
Have you done a ton of personal development work but still find yourself stuck and frustrated that you just keep repeating the same patterns of behavior? Or you're in the middle of a major life transition and unsure of how to cope with the changes and emotions? Searching for purpose and direction in this wild ride of life and just can't seem to find it yet? I help brilliant people like you move beyond these issues by teaching self mastery skills so you can be your own best therapist, healer, and guide. If you're ready to learn the skills and make the changes to become the master of yourself, you've landed on the right page.
Have you done a ton of personal development work but still find yourself stuck and frustrated that you just keep repeating the same patterns of behavior? Or you're in the middle of a major life transition and unsure of how to cope with the changes and emotions? Searching for purpose and direction in this wild ride of life and just can't seem to find it yet? I help brilliant people like you move beyond these issues by teaching self mastery skills so you can be your own best therapist, healer, and guide. If you're ready to learn the skills and make the changes to become the master of yourself, you've landed on the right page.
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![Photo of Elizabeth Schofield-Bickford, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45d8cb88-16f5-4516-88bc-4af8d685e02b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Elizabeth Schofield-Bickford
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291
Waitlist for new clients
I help facilitate the development of a conscious balance in your life. Loss, trauma, dysfunctional relationships, addiction, creative blocks and much more can keep you stuck and stall development. I work with adult clients to help them mine the unconscious and reveal the connection between this material and behaviors and patterns that obstruct vitality. This starts with the establishment of a sound trusting therapeutic relationship. From this foundation, I support and guide you in uncovering and recovering your own resources and strengths.
I help facilitate the development of a conscious balance in your life. Loss, trauma, dysfunctional relationships, addiction, creative blocks and much more can keep you stuck and stall development. I work with adult clients to help them mine the unconscious and reveal the connection between this material and behaviors and patterns that obstruct vitality. This starts with the establishment of a sound trusting therapeutic relationship. From this foundation, I support and guide you in uncovering and recovering your own resources and strengths.
![Photo of Dr. Courtnay Meletta Holistic + Somatic Therapy, PhD, LPCC, LMHC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/744d3ad3-b7cc-4446-94f0-c2d118c0cc76/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Courtnay Meletta Holistic + Somatic Therapy
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, PhD, LPCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291
Are you seeking a profound shift in your life? My practice is centered around guiding individuals who crave alignment, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose. Through a humanistic and spiritual lens, I help you navigate life’s challenges, healing past traumas, and rediscovering your authentic self.
Are you seeking a profound shift in your life? My practice is centered around guiding individuals who crave alignment, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose. Through a humanistic and spiritual lens, I help you navigate life’s challenges, healing past traumas, and rediscovering your authentic self.
![Photo of Dain Dorsey, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/16961b03-3812-4c0d-83ab-e99ffcd3e47c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hey! Whether you are new to therapy or not, I commend you for the bravery it takes to start searching. I hope that you will find I could be of service to you. In both my professional and personal journey, I have sought to learn how to find more peace, happiness, and fulfillment. As a therapist, my goal is to learn what that might look like for you, and explore how we get there. I want my clients to crave insight, and question "Why are things the way they are?" I work best with clients who are willing to consider alternative perspectives, experiment with change, and remains persistent despite obstacles or failures.
Hey! Whether you are new to therapy or not, I commend you for the bravery it takes to start searching. I hope that you will find I could be of service to you. In both my professional and personal journey, I have sought to learn how to find more peace, happiness, and fulfillment. As a therapist, my goal is to learn what that might look like for you, and explore how we get there. I want my clients to crave insight, and question "Why are things the way they are?" I work best with clients who are willing to consider alternative perspectives, experiment with change, and remains persistent despite obstacles or failures.
![Photo of Brian Stefan - California Grief Center, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/492c8684-27e5-4b3f-ae2c-f89ce78d3038/1/320x400.jpeg)
California Grief Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291 (Online Only)
Are you tired of grieving alone? There's so much you want to express but it’s hard to talk with most friends, family, or others. You go back and forth between fear and anger, and often feel stuck in your grief. Sometimes you'd prefer to feel numb and other times you wish you could burrow yourself deep inside your loss. You know the answer is not to "move on" but you struggle with how to "move forward." It makes you wonder if you're doing this “correctly” or if it will ever get better. It seems like you are finally ready to reach out for help but it's hard to take that first step.
Are you tired of grieving alone? There's so much you want to express but it’s hard to talk with most friends, family, or others. You go back and forth between fear and anger, and often feel stuck in your grief. Sometimes you'd prefer to feel numb and other times you wish you could burrow yourself deep inside your loss. You know the answer is not to "move on" but you struggle with how to "move forward." It makes you wonder if you're doing this “correctly” or if it will ever get better. It seems like you are finally ready to reach out for help but it's hard to take that first step.
![Photo of Demitra Tsioulos, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c289f894-4944-493c-918d-c35b849c006d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Demitra Tsioulos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
If you are suffering from repeated patterns that are negatively impacting your life and desire freedom and space to heal and transform these patterns, I can help. I work with individuals, couples, groups and families who are overwhelmed by anxiety, suffering from depression, in a life transition, managing grief, having existential distress, and/or looking for deeper meaning and a stronger sense of Self. Often times being seen and understood by a nonjudgmental, compassionate therapist is a key factor in healing. The process is rich and ultimately empowering.
If you are suffering from repeated patterns that are negatively impacting your life and desire freedom and space to heal and transform these patterns, I can help. I work with individuals, couples, groups and families who are overwhelmed by anxiety, suffering from depression, in a life transition, managing grief, having existential distress, and/or looking for deeper meaning and a stronger sense of Self. Often times being seen and understood by a nonjudgmental, compassionate therapist is a key factor in healing. The process is rich and ultimately empowering.
![Photo of Isabella Rose Alonzo-Gatti, MA, PhD(c), AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d20c103c-19ba-497e-b95b-3b892762a55d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Isabella Rose Alonzo-Gatti
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, PhD(c), AMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Venice, CA 90291
Has your relationship flatlined? Do you often wonder, “When did the thrill vanish?” or “Why is World War 3 happening in my living room?” Is your partner dismissive, cold, or indifferent? Maybe intimacy has become a distant memory. Is sex even still on the table? Perhaps you’re terrified that the best has come and gone. The fixes you’ve tried have turned into a cycle of rejection, resentment, and amplified hurt. You’ve probably started seeing or looking for the spark from someone else.
Has your relationship flatlined? Do you often wonder, “When did the thrill vanish?” or “Why is World War 3 happening in my living room?” Is your partner dismissive, cold, or indifferent? Maybe intimacy has become a distant memory. Is sex even still on the table? Perhaps you’re terrified that the best has come and gone. The fixes you’ve tried have turned into a cycle of rejection, resentment, and amplified hurt. You’ve probably started seeing or looking for the spark from someone else.
![Photo of Tristan Destry Saldaña, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/091f7940-4fdc-4462-af5d-80ac7a1cf06d/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tristan Destry Saldaña
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291 (Online Only)
Perhaps no one can ever inhabit fully the lived experience of another, nor would I presume that I could know it, yet our therapeutic relationship can—without disrespecting the integrity of your lived experience—present the opportunity to take your perspective. I hope to imagine your experience because, as Carl Jung articulates: “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you," and in the memory of childhood’s loneliness and solitude, creative power resides.
Perhaps no one can ever inhabit fully the lived experience of another, nor would I presume that I could know it, yet our therapeutic relationship can—without disrespecting the integrity of your lived experience—present the opportunity to take your perspective. I hope to imagine your experience because, as Carl Jung articulates: “Loneliness does not come from having no people around you but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to you," and in the memory of childhood’s loneliness and solitude, creative power resides.
![Photo of Brandon Gross, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa6b4515-e71f-4278-bb1a-fa1646574249/2/320x400.jpeg)
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― C.G. Jung. I specialize in helping creatives and high-performing individuals in their 20s and 30s navigate emotional challenges, major life changes, and live their most authentic lives. I address issues that include: Isolation and Loneliness, Grief and Loss, Existential Crises, Values Clarification (i.e. figuring out “what matters”), Navigating Life Transitions (e.g. College to Career, Parenting)l, Anxiety and Depression, Communication Breakdown, Creative Block, Career Gridlock and Relationship Challenges. I also specialize in Men's Issues.
“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” ― C.G. Jung. I specialize in helping creatives and high-performing individuals in their 20s and 30s navigate emotional challenges, major life changes, and live their most authentic lives. I address issues that include: Isolation and Loneliness, Grief and Loss, Existential Crises, Values Clarification (i.e. figuring out “what matters”), Navigating Life Transitions (e.g. College to Career, Parenting)l, Anxiety and Depression, Communication Breakdown, Creative Block, Career Gridlock and Relationship Challenges. I also specialize in Men's Issues.
![Photo of Katherine (Katie) Behm, MA, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/462e35f0-3eb3-42b7-be1f-c18a09952f81/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katherine (Katie) Behm
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Venice, CA 90291 (Online Only)
I work with individuals, children, and couples who are facing ongoing or sudden challenges in their lives. My adult clients might be feeling disconnected from themselves and others, uncertain about their life path, or just ready for a change. By implementing body-oriented and cognitive-behavioral practices, I will support you in healing old wounds, breaking free from unhelpful patterns, and creating the life that you want.
I work with individuals, children, and couples who are facing ongoing or sudden challenges in their lives. My adult clients might be feeling disconnected from themselves and others, uncertain about their life path, or just ready for a change. By implementing body-oriented and cognitive-behavioral practices, I will support you in healing old wounds, breaking free from unhelpful patterns, and creating the life that you want.
See more therapy options for Venice
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Venice
- Beverly Hills
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- El Segundo
- Hawthorne
- Hermosa Beach
- Inglewood
- Manhattan Beach
- Marina Del Rey
- Pacific Palisades
- Santa Monica
- West Hollywood
- West Los Angeles
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.