Expressive Arts Therapists in Chicago, IL
I combine expressive arts with psychodynamic, client-centered, and Positive CBT to promote a trauma-informed environment for growth.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
I combine expressive arts with psychodynamic, client-centered, and Positive CBT to promote a trauma-informed environment for growth.
I'm Albe (she/her/ella), also known as Miss Albe, a bilingual (English/Spanish) art therapist working with individuals and groups among Chicago’s various LGBTQIA+ and Spanish-speaking communities. I view therapy as a collaborative experience designed to enhance personal insight, coping skills, & communication techniques through various avenues of self-expression. I am a kink and poly aware therapist with a strong background in direct service, advocacy, and engagement with the LGBTQIA+ community and transgender women of color in particular.
Sarah Stieglitz
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60604 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
In my own therapeutic work, I have found Expressive Arts to be helpful in healing, even if one isn't "artistically inclined".
I have clinical experience developing coping skills for ADHD, processing childhood trauma, and focusing on difficult life transitions. Whether it’s mental health maintenance or processing a deep hurt, I desire to provide a comfortable environment where people from all backgrounds can meet their emotions without judgment or fear. I see the client-therapist relationship as an alliance. Together we will discuss your story, understand your needs, and experience feelings past and present as a journey towards healing. My hope is for you to leave the session feeling seen and empowered.
In my own therapeutic work, I have found Expressive Arts to be helpful in healing, even if one isn't "artistically inclined".
I have clinical experience developing coping skills for ADHD, processing childhood trauma, and focusing on difficult life transitions. Whether it’s mental health maintenance or processing a deep hurt, I desire to provide a comfortable environment where people from all backgrounds can meet their emotions without judgment or fear. I see the client-therapist relationship as an alliance. Together we will discuss your story, understand your needs, and experience feelings past and present as a journey towards healing. My hope is for you to leave the session feeling seen and empowered.
Martina Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, CADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60640
I bring an effective blend of warmth and compassion by using skills from CBT, DBT, behavior management strategies, play therapy, and expressive arts.
As a clinical therapist, my main passion is in working with children and families, to help them overcome barriers and live their most meaningful lives. I work with clients of all ages, but love working with children and families in particular. I can help you and your child with a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, anger and stress management, building self esteem, coping with loss/grief, challenging behaviors, exposure to trauma, and attachment trauma. As a certified drug and alcohol counselor (CADC), I have specialized experience and training working with substance abuse, and can also help in this area.
I bring an effective blend of warmth and compassion by using skills from CBT, DBT, behavior management strategies, play therapy, and expressive arts.
As a clinical therapist, my main passion is in working with children and families, to help them overcome barriers and live their most meaningful lives. I work with clients of all ages, but love working with children and families in particular. I can help you and your child with a variety of issues, such as depression, anxiety, anger and stress management, building self esteem, coping with loss/grief, challenging behaviors, exposure to trauma, and attachment trauma. As a certified drug and alcohol counselor (CADC), I have specialized experience and training working with substance abuse, and can also help in this area.
Compassionate Guide on Your Healing Journey Eve's clients prefer a more creative approach using our Expressive Arts Therapy to find their voice and connect with their feelings and emotions.
Unlock Your Inner Creativity and Heal Are you seeking deeper self-awareness, self-love, and acceptance? Whether you're navigating life transitions, coping with stress, or looking to express yourself creatively, therapy can guide you on your journey. Eve Brownstone specializes in helping clients tap into their creative souls through art therapy, dance, guided imagery, and more. Discover how these expressive tools can illuminate your path to healing and empowerment.
Compassionate Guide on Your Healing Journey Eve's clients prefer a more creative approach using our Expressive Arts Therapy to find their voice and connect with their feelings and emotions.
Unlock Your Inner Creativity and Heal Are you seeking deeper self-awareness, self-love, and acceptance? Whether you're navigating life transitions, coping with stress, or looking to express yourself creatively, therapy can guide you on your journey. Eve Brownstone specializes in helping clients tap into their creative souls through art therapy, dance, guided imagery, and more. Discover how these expressive tools can illuminate your path to healing and empowerment.
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist, but I may draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches in our work together, including IFS and other ego state therapies, somatic psychology, mindfulness, and expressive arts.
In my experience, therapy is a collaborative process, and healing means growing into a more affirming, resilient, and accountable experience of life. In the process of living, you may have created and held onto ineffective relationship patterns or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma in order to protect yourself and survive. Together, we’ll identify and understand the contexts in which these patterns developed in body, mind, and spirit in order to create the acceptance and self-compassion that can support deep healing and more fulfilling relationships with self and others.
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist, but I may draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches in our work together, including IFS and other ego state therapies, somatic psychology, mindfulness, and expressive arts.
In my experience, therapy is a collaborative process, and healing means growing into a more affirming, resilient, and accountable experience of life. In the process of living, you may have created and held onto ineffective relationship patterns or symptoms of anxiety, depression, or trauma in order to protect yourself and survive. Together, we’ll identify and understand the contexts in which these patterns developed in body, mind, and spirit in order to create the acceptance and self-compassion that can support deep healing and more fulfilling relationships with self and others.
My practice is multicultural, and I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and expressive arts, to help you find new meanings in live.
Hello! I’m Yi, a bilingual LPC therapist in Chicago. We all face challenges that can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. During these times, it’s easy to feel like everything is slipping out of control. You don’t have to go through it alone—I’m here to help you navigate those feelings and find your way forward. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and uncover the resources within you to manage life’s ups and downs. My approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself, grow, and build the the confidence and resilience you need to thrive.
My practice is multicultural, and I draw from a variety of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and expressive arts, to help you find new meanings in live.
Hello! I’m Yi, a bilingual LPC therapist in Chicago. We all face challenges that can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck. During these times, it’s easy to feel like everything is slipping out of control. You don’t have to go through it alone—I’m here to help you navigate those feelings and find your way forward. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and uncover the resources within you to manage life’s ups and downs. My approach is warm, supportive, and down-to-earth. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can be yourself, grow, and build the the confidence and resilience you need to thrive.
I am certified in Psychodrama, an expressive arts therapy that uses guided dramatic action, allowing us to go deeper than traditional talk therapy to create meaningful change.
With warmth, compassion, and extensive experience, I've dedicated 20 years to supporting adults, children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and eating disorders. I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through significant life transitions, including the journey into young adulthood, forming partnerships, and managing prenatal/postpartum mental health. Additionally, I offer valuable assistance to those struggling with infertility, providing guidance along paths such as IVF, donor egg/sperm, and surrogacy.
I am certified in Psychodrama, an expressive arts therapy that uses guided dramatic action, allowing us to go deeper than traditional talk therapy to create meaningful change.
With warmth, compassion, and extensive experience, I've dedicated 20 years to supporting adults, children, adolescents, and families from diverse backgrounds facing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and eating disorders. I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through significant life transitions, including the journey into young adulthood, forming partnerships, and managing prenatal/postpartum mental health. Additionally, I offer valuable assistance to those struggling with infertility, providing guidance along paths such as IVF, donor egg/sperm, and surrogacy.
Shanel Jackson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, REAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60607 (Online Only)
As a holistic counselor and expressive arts therapist, my work with clients takes the whole person, mind, body and spirit into consideration.
Perhaps you feel stuck, with no clear sense of purpose and don’t know the next steps to move forward in your life. Or your environment is not supportive, and you feel disconnected, frustrated and unheard in your relationships. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional wounds caused by racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of oppression. And maybe you aren't even sure what the problem is, you just know things aren't working. I am here to support you in creating deep and meaningful change, so you can live the authentic and empowering life that you deserve to have.
As a holistic counselor and expressive arts therapist, my work with clients takes the whole person, mind, body and spirit into consideration.
Perhaps you feel stuck, with no clear sense of purpose and don’t know the next steps to move forward in your life. Or your environment is not supportive, and you feel disconnected, frustrated and unheard in your relationships. Maybe you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or emotional wounds caused by racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of oppression. And maybe you aren't even sure what the problem is, you just know things aren't working. I am here to support you in creating deep and meaningful change, so you can live the authentic and empowering life that you deserve to have.
Cinthia Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60608 (Online Only)
I specialize in Latino mental health and provide a trauma-informed approach through talk, play, and expressive arts-based therapies.
Hello, I’m Cinthia, a bilingual, first-generation Mexican American therapist and proud Chicago native. My practice is dedicated to helping youth, young adults, and their families navigate childhood trauma, behavioral challenges, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I deeply understand the unique experiences of Latino families and offer strengths-based, collaborative, and culturally affirming therapy that respects and honors your values.
I specialize in Latino mental health and provide a trauma-informed approach through talk, play, and expressive arts-based therapies.
Hello, I’m Cinthia, a bilingual, first-generation Mexican American therapist and proud Chicago native. My practice is dedicated to helping youth, young adults, and their families navigate childhood trauma, behavioral challenges, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. I deeply understand the unique experiences of Latino families and offer strengths-based, collaborative, and culturally affirming therapy that respects and honors your values.
I am a Licensed Social Worker committed to providing care to adults and teenagers. Together, we'll uncover your strengths and set therapeutic goals. I utilize a variety of approaches in therapy, such as exploring attachment, coping skills, mindfulness, and expressive arts, to aid in identity exploration and emotional processing.
I am a Licensed Social Worker committed to providing care to adults and teenagers. Together, we'll uncover your strengths and set therapeutic goals. I utilize a variety of approaches in therapy, such as exploring attachment, coping skills, mindfulness, and expressive arts, to aid in identity exploration and emotional processing.
Amy Graham
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR, EMDR
Verified Verified
Chicago, IL 60601 (Online Only)
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Expressive Arts Therapist in Chicago, IL. My holistic framework and creative process supports the whole person improving physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual well being. Combining Psychotherapy, Expressive Arts therapies and EMDR, I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space to gently explore the underlying causes of symptoms, expand self-awareness, learn valuable coping skills, embrace self-compassion, connect the mind and body, and rewrite your past narrative. All of you is welcome here!
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Expressive Arts Therapist in Chicago, IL. My holistic framework and creative process supports the whole person improving physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual well being. Combining Psychotherapy, Expressive Arts therapies and EMDR, I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space to gently explore the underlying causes of symptoms, expand self-awareness, learn valuable coping skills, embrace self-compassion, connect the mind and body, and rewrite your past narrative. All of you is welcome here!
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We will often use Expressive Arts Therapy, mindfulness, and CBT in our colaboration.
As a biracial human, I understand the juggling process between developing identity while also finding a sense of belonging within communities. Doing this on top of just simply learning how to be an adult and manage emotions can be a difficult juggling process! I prioritize the awareness of various factors like multiculturalism, oppression, trauma, and neurodiversity when working on deepening your understanding of yourself and reintegrating the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. Due to these factors, I bring my genuine personality to help build trust in the therapeutic relationship.
We will often use Expressive Arts Therapy, mindfulness, and CBT in our colaboration.
As a biracial human, I understand the juggling process between developing identity while also finding a sense of belonging within communities. Doing this on top of just simply learning how to be an adult and manage emotions can be a difficult juggling process! I prioritize the awareness of various factors like multiculturalism, oppression, trauma, and neurodiversity when working on deepening your understanding of yourself and reintegrating the connection between your mind, body, and spirit. Due to these factors, I bring my genuine personality to help build trust in the therapeutic relationship.
I have training/experience in a variety of treatment modalities including drama therapy and expressive arts therapy, Ketamine Asissted Psychotherapy, DBT, ACT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and EFT.
Are you feeling stuck or unsure of yourself? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, work/life balance, relationship concerns, or how to achieve what you really want? I can help you find your authentic voice, connect to your inner strengths, discover new perspectives, and effectively assert yourself to make the positive changes you need. I will help you manage your self-critical voices and gain meaningful insights into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I specialize in helping young and not so young adults who are struggling with self-confidence, relationships, trauma, life transitions, and issues of identity.
I have training/experience in a variety of treatment modalities including drama therapy and expressive arts therapy, Ketamine Asissted Psychotherapy, DBT, ACT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and EFT.
Are you feeling stuck or unsure of yourself? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, work/life balance, relationship concerns, or how to achieve what you really want? I can help you find your authentic voice, connect to your inner strengths, discover new perspectives, and effectively assert yourself to make the positive changes you need. I will help you manage your self-critical voices and gain meaningful insights into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. I specialize in helping young and not so young adults who are struggling with self-confidence, relationships, trauma, life transitions, and issues of identity.
As a neurodiverse clinician with chronic illness, Willow brings their whole self to working with their community. Their goal is always to give clients the opportunity to feel seen, heard and supported. They are non-judgmental, caring and somewhat goofy. Willow has experience working in a variety of settings around grief, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression and disability concerns, and has training in trauma-informed play therapy and utilizing expressive arts in therapeutic work. Their approach is grounded in attachment-theory, narrative therapy, harm reduction, disability justice, and family systems theory.
As a neurodiverse clinician with chronic illness, Willow brings their whole self to working with their community. Their goal is always to give clients the opportunity to feel seen, heard and supported. They are non-judgmental, caring and somewhat goofy. Willow has experience working in a variety of settings around grief, identity development, trauma, anxiety, depression and disability concerns, and has training in trauma-informed play therapy and utilizing expressive arts in therapeutic work. Their approach is grounded in attachment-theory, narrative therapy, harm reduction, disability justice, and family systems theory.
As an expressive arts therapist, I use music, imagery, art making, metaphor, and storytelling to help you tap into these resources as a means to healing and transformation.
Oftentimes, the heaviness of daily life can make us feel stuck and trapped in the same patterns that are no longer working. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, I believe in tuning in to innate creativity for solutions. Every individual possesses the tools for creative expression. When big existential questions and decisions arise, I am here to help facilitate the exploration and imagining of infinite possibilities, with the aim of finding clarity around what authentically serves you.
As an expressive arts therapist, I use music, imagery, art making, metaphor, and storytelling to help you tap into these resources as a means to healing and transformation.
Oftentimes, the heaviness of daily life can make us feel stuck and trapped in the same patterns that are no longer working. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, I believe in tuning in to innate creativity for solutions. Every individual possesses the tools for creative expression. When big existential questions and decisions arise, I am here to help facilitate the exploration and imagining of infinite possibilities, with the aim of finding clarity around what authentically serves you.
Emily Perepa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, ICST
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60611
I specialize in bottom-up brain approaches such as EMDR, Sandtray therapy, and use other expressive arts and somatic techniques.
I have worked with kids, families, and individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and looking at the need behind the behavior. It's important for us to be curious at what the need underlying thoughts, feelings and actions. Often, if we can work on strategies to help regulate, we find that thoughts, feelings, or actions feel less overwhelming and stressful.
I specialize in bottom-up brain approaches such as EMDR, Sandtray therapy, and use other expressive arts and somatic techniques.
I have worked with kids, families, and individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and looking at the need behind the behavior. It's important for us to be curious at what the need underlying thoughts, feelings and actions. Often, if we can work on strategies to help regulate, we find that thoughts, feelings, or actions feel less overwhelming and stressful.
My passion is to serve the perinatal population, women, and parents. The miracles of life are challenging whether you have a desire to become a parent, independently or partnered, and especially as a birthing parent. The perinatal period of our lives is one of the most challenging and dramatic times in which we are often at our most vulnerable. The journey of parenthood is a ride of joys, overcasts, detours, and surprises which shape us as people. I meet my clients at the intersection of counseling and art therapy using trauma-informed, positive, person-centered, expressive arts therapy to hear, validate, and empower.
My passion is to serve the perinatal population, women, and parents. The miracles of life are challenging whether you have a desire to become a parent, independently or partnered, and especially as a birthing parent. The perinatal period of our lives is one of the most challenging and dramatic times in which we are often at our most vulnerable. The journey of parenthood is a ride of joys, overcasts, detours, and surprises which shape us as people. I meet my clients at the intersection of counseling and art therapy using trauma-informed, positive, person-centered, expressive arts therapy to hear, validate, and empower.
As a mental health professional I believe strongly in person centered work. I specialize in doing healing work that is centered on the individual. I am a new clinician but have over two years experience working with kids and families, the expressive arts, and diverse populations. I have worked with students k-12 with anxiety, self esteem, identity, and school/ learning environment support.
As a mental health professional I believe strongly in person centered work. I specialize in doing healing work that is centered on the individual. I am a new clinician but have over two years experience working with kids and families, the expressive arts, and diverse populations. I have worked with students k-12 with anxiety, self esteem, identity, and school/ learning environment support.
My approach is person-centered and strengths-based, incorporating expressive arts therapies.
Are you struggling to manage feelings of anxiety, depression, anger or stress? Are you experiencing increased stressors due to life transitions or relationship concerns? I can help you gain skills to manage your stressors, discover your inner strengths, and support you in making positive changes. I specialize in supporting individuals of all ages struggling with managing distressing emotions, stressful life transitions, and challenging interpersonal relationships.
My approach is person-centered and strengths-based, incorporating expressive arts therapies.
Are you struggling to manage feelings of anxiety, depression, anger or stress? Are you experiencing increased stressors due to life transitions or relationship concerns? I can help you gain skills to manage your stressors, discover your inner strengths, and support you in making positive changes. I specialize in supporting individuals of all ages struggling with managing distressing emotions, stressful life transitions, and challenging interpersonal relationships.
Heads Held High Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chicago, IL 60604 (Online Only)
Our therapists offer a range of modalities including expressive arts therapy, EMDR, and much more!.
Are you a queer or trans person who struggles to find a therapist who understands you? Do you find that you often have to educate therapists, who are allies, but don't quite have the cultural understanding of someone who's a part of the community themselves? We are here to help.
Our therapists offer a range of modalities including expressive arts therapy, EMDR, and much more!.
Are you a queer or trans person who struggles to find a therapist who understands you? Do you find that you often have to educate therapists, who are allies, but don't quite have the cultural understanding of someone who's a part of the community themselves? We are here to help.
See more therapy options for Chicago
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Chicago
- Berwyn
- Elmwood Park
- Evanston
- Evergreen Park
- Forest Park
- La Grange
- Lakeview
- Lincoln Park
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- River Forest
- Skokie
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.