Expressive Arts Therapists in Reisterstown, MD

“In every adult there lurks a child— an eternal child, something that is always becoming, is never completed, and calls for unceasing care, attention, and education. That is the part of the personality which wants to develop and become whole.“ -Carl Jung.

I am a queer, nonbinary transmasculine human that uses he/they pronouns. My practice is devoted to creative and collaborative work within a safe and non-threatening environment. I am a clinically trained art therapist and counselor who uses an individualized and trauma-informed approach. I specialize in navigating issues that impact children and adolescents, such as depression, anxiety, risky or self-harming behaviors, stress, gender identity, and difficult life transitions. I have experience working in an intensive outpatient setting and now practice individual expressive therapy in a private practice setting.

Now Accepting New Clients (2023): The stressors of modern living create noisy interference in the “telephone line” to our highest self (often called the soul, spirit, unified field, universal consciousness, etc.). Through my intuitive psychotherapy practice, I cast my mystical gifts through the lens of my expertise as a licensed clinical social worker. Marrying the two allows for optimum balance between divine clarity and therapeutic processing and integration work. Clients benefit on a soul level while remaining anchored in practical application tools for everyday living.

I have been an art psychotherapist since 1982. I currently work with adolescents and adults, using a trauma informed integrated approach for the impact of developmental trauma with its comorbidity, dissociation, and attachment issues. Art gives voice to what is stored implicitly within sensory somatic means. My client and I foster the relational benefit of the compassionate therapeutic alliance using the power of the creative process with a strength based focus. Our collaborative goal is to resolve the impact of the past; building resiliency, internal wisdom, and self compassion. I am an approved art therapy Supervisor in Maryland.

My philosophy when working with children and teens is that they need to feel heard, valued, and supported. I believe that they need to understand that their thoughts and feelings matter. When meeting children and teens, I aim to provide a safe and comforting space to work through their emotions and help navigate challenges that impact their daily life. I have spent years working with children, teens, and their caregivers in schools and their homes especially in the field of special education. I am a certified school social worker and have a special interest in working with children and teens who are neurodivergent.

I have over 7 years experience supporting persons from youth to older adults, in residential settings, individual and group therapy. My approach seeks to enhance the wellness of cross-cultural & historically marginalized groups like Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and persons who are LGBTQIA+. I specialize in holistic interventions that address the mind, body and spirit of the whole person. I have experience treating anxiety, depression and adjustment disorders using interventions such as mindfulness, deep breathing, meditation and yoga.

Welcome! I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults coping with anxiety, depression and/or other behavioral difficulties related to life transitions including but not limited to divorce, out of home placement, grief and loss. I work closely with families and focus on the importance of relationships, building self worth and creating/maintaining peace at home. Caregiver involvement is essential in my work with children. I provide parents and/or caregivers with skills to utilize at home as well as provide insight and a better understanding of what your child may be experiencing.

If you email me via this platform, please check your spam folder for a response - I usually respond within 2 business days and have received feedback that those emails tend to get send to spam. If you struggle with managing your day-to-day life due to anxiety, intrusive thoughts, organization, keeping track of all your ducks that you're attempting to keep in a row, I am the therapist for you. I love helping my clients learn new skills which will improve their mood, confidence, and self of self. I not only want to help you cope with your emotions, but also get to the root cause of them and work to change what can be changed.

My style has been described as innovative yet practical. I work with clients to develop healthier ways of coping with life and creating more satisfying relationships. A non-judgmental, trusting therapeutic relationship is essential. Experiential learning and educational materials provide the basis for lasting change. Areas of skill building include, emotional regulation, grief relief, living with anxiety, depression, healing trauma. Relationship skills involve communication, conflict resolution, keeping love alive and refining commitment. Methods include Mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, body centered therapy and desensitization with EMDR (www.emdria.org). The work of therapy becomes the joy and satisfaction of living.

I believe that true healing happens when a challenge is addressed holistically, and when the client is seen as a whole person. Therapy with me is a safe space to explore your connection with any uncomfortable emotions, disruptive thoughts and behavioral patterns, as well as, complicated relationships with the individuals in your life. I am especially passionate about working with those who suffer with pain and trauma from the past and who are interested in exploring how it affects their everyday life.

Imagine your mental health as a garden—what would it currently look like? Are there overgrown weeds taking up too much space, symbolizing past traumas or emotional blocks that stifle your growth? Perhaps delicate seeds, representing unexplored aspects of your inner world, are struggling to break through the surface. Just as a gardener carefully tends to their plants, nurturing your inner child is essential for fostering a vibrant and balanced inner landscape. I am an art therapist, artist, and outdoor walk-and-talk therapy enthusiast, specializing in providing clients with care through creative expression, nature, and movement!

My ideal client presents depressive symptoms related to trauma & grief. They express that they want to process unresolved childhood issues. They express that the issues have prevented close relationships with their adult children. They want forgiveness and help in creating better ties. The goal may be to explore & resolve issues related to traumatic events and improve overall mood. Interventions may include sharing details of the event and how it has affected their relationships, using positive self-talk, developing positive coping skills, and identifying effective strategies to communicate thoughts and feelings.

I'm a licensed therapist with a specialization in ADHD, trauma, and anxiety. My role is to provide compassionate support, structure, validation, and tools to help you improve your mental health and accomplish your goals.