Expressive Arts Therapists in Arlington, MA

Life is inherently uncertain, and with that comes challenges. You're not alone in navigating those challenges and I am here to help support you along the way. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Registered Drama Therapist. Drama Therapy uses your story, the roles you play in your life, and metaphor to help process topics beyond just talking about them. I work with adults and couples with anxiety, depression, women’s issues, OCD, relationship challenges, life transitions, work/life balance, and family issues. Book a complimentary 15 minute consult by reaching out to me here on Psychology Today.

I invite you to “get curious” about yourself and what has contributed to your current challenges. Curiosity is essential to finding meaning and connection with others and ourselves. I will work with you to open up to uncertainty and learn to coexist with your uncomfortable thoughts and feelings in order to strengthen your relationship with yourself and others. You are not a problem to be fixed; you are a whole, complex, and amazing person. I look forward to helping you to open up to your innate gifts.

Are you seeking a deeper connection with the parts of yourself that call for healing? Are you motivated for change and to strengthen your capabilities? I aim to enhance your self-awareness to better understand and accept yourself, ultimately leading to a healthy and balanced life. I hold space for individuals to summon their resilience and uncover a lost connection to Self and others due to trauma or stress. Have you lost touch with your intuition? I will support and facilitate your ability to tune into your inner healing intelligence and by doing so, allow you to gain clarity, new perspectives and reconnection.

I am a clinical mental health counselor and expressive arts therapist whose practice is rooted in community and social justice-based approaches to mental health and well-being. I work primarily with adolescents and adults with diverse mental health needs. My clinical experience has specifically involved working with womxn and folx of color to address complex trauma and explore issues around gender, sexuality, and sociocultural identity.

My ideal client is someone who is ready to explore their patterns, thoughts, and unique stories. They may be struggling with anxiety or depression or haven't fully processed traumas and attachment issues in their lifetime. This ideal client may be detached from their emotions, have a hard time letting go, or find it difficult to experience joy. This person is motivated for change and seeks more insight about themselves.

The ideal client is motivated to continue to work with their inner child to become grounded in the present moment. They may have anxiety, mood disorders, or personality disorders, or they may not be sure what is underlying their experience, which I can help identify as well. The ideal clients are open to trying new methods of healing, including arts and spirituality. They are willing to trust me with their feelings and express them, whether that is verbally, through the expressive arts, or both.

As a therapist and coach, I have helped countless clients break free from stuck patterns and take successful action toward achieving their personal goals. My experience encompasses a wide range of issues, including relationship problems, emotional wounds originating in childhood, addictions and other unwanted behaviors, depression, and anxiety.

I offer individuals and couples evidence-based approaches to heal emotional struggles, build sustainable health/wellness, and transform your relationships and life. Your sessions may include frank and thought-provoking discussion of your road blocks, including concrete ways to heal your core emotional wounds; a guided mindfulness, body-based, Imago or Brainspotting exercise; and practices for connecting to your strength and empowerment. Together we will focus on tangible, on-the-ground results in your life.

While I am currently at capacity with clients, there are times when openings become available. Drawing from over three decades of experience in mental health, addiction counseling, and psychiatric rehabilitation, I offer specialized, personalized approaches for both individuals and couples. In couples counseling, our focus is on enhancing communication and fostering skills to reignite connections and reopen hearts. I approach our work with utmost respect, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for your unique journey. You are the expert in your own experience, I provide unwavering support, strategies and realistic optimism.

Drawing from a blend of expressive art therapy, neuroscience, and evidence based treatments, I help individuals gain better understanding of the space between their ears. Since an early age, I've been fascinated with human consciousness and am passionate about looking at the ways in which we communicate our internal experiences with one another. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Art Therapist I am rooted in supporting folks with OCD, PTSD, and anxiety. I am additionally trained in psychedelic assisted therapy, which is a useful tool for folks who wish to integrate non ordinary states of consciousness.

I optimally resonate with clients who are interested in self awareness and taking responsibility for the part that they play in life and relational challenges. They are committed to healing past traumas in order to be able to live as fully as possible in the present. The understanding that self transformation very naturally attracts qualitative experiences and relationships enables psychotherapy and connective couples work to be optimally beneficial.

I provide a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for clients to explore life's issues and challenges and develop a positive sense of self. I use positivity, humor and creativity and my goal is to help people recognize their strengths and unique qualities, which can serve them on their path to wellness. I also engage clients in honest reflection of themselves and their relationships and help empower them to make any necessary changes in their lives that promote growth and healing. I have a client-centered, non-judgmental approach and welcome clients from all backgrounds.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed by emotions? Maybe you feel disconnected in your relationships or struggle with a sense of loneliness. Some people live with anxiety, depression, trauma and ADHD but have never received the right support. Do you want to find ways to heal and get to know your true self? Together we can explore the root causes of your symptoms and find the right tools to help you reach your goals.

What does self-love and compassion mean to you? I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to engage in self-exploration, self-empowerment, and healing. I believe that therapy is a space to prioritize your wellbeing, in order to show up for yourself and those you care about.

Something that I know to be true: when people feel at home in their bodies, they are better equipped for life’s challenges. I see my role as someone who can support you in finding a safe way home... perhaps home to the relationship with your body, to the feelings it holds, to a greater degree of self-acceptance, personal empowerment, and interpersonal connection. Much of my work is body-centered supporting chronic and critical illness, physical, medical, and sexual trauma, body image and dysmorphia.

Kirsten is a licensed mental health counselor who is passionate about advocating for mental health and well-being. Their professional experiences primarily focus on working with college students and young adults. As a non-binary person and first-gen immigrant, Kirsten brings a deep understanding of the complexities of identity exploration and the unique challenges faced by folks through the lens of intersectionality. With a commitment to creating a safe and affirming space, Kirsten works with clients to embrace their authentic selves and navigate life's transitions with confidence and resilience.

Clients who value growth through insight,emotional awareness and creativity, do well with me. By growth I mean moving towards being more mindful. Being more present in body,mind and,sprit. I am best suited to treating depression, anxiety,trauma,sexual identity issues, as well as relationship issues and issues of life purpose including career and relationships. I also specialize in working with people who have been diagnosed or their child has been Diagnosed with an illness such as Type 1 diabetes.

Feeling burnt out, isolated, or just plain lonely? You're not alone. Whether you’re an adolescent, adult, or part of a family dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or neurodiversity, I'm here to help. With everything that's happened lately, many of us are struggling. I offer a compassionate ear and effective support. My goal is to help you and your loved ones find emotional freedom and feel less weighed down. Let’s work together to bring more peace and balance into your life!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and Expressive Art Therapist who enjoys art, music, writing and traveling. I have experience working in a wide array of clinical settings including crisis, inpatient, private practice and community mental health.