Expressive Arts Therapists in Westminster, MD
![Photo of Rachel Baldwin, MS, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ad1033b0-7533-411c-bb22-d9cdf639df4e/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC). My child focuses are in ADHD, autism, special education, anxiety, and trauma, while adults are complex trauma, attachment disorders, and first responders. My goal as a counselor is to compassionately help you with processing, healing, and understanding your emotional, behavioral, psychological, and cultural self as a whole mind and body approach. I utilizes creative expressive therapy, humanistic, and positive-solution focus within a cognitive behavioral therapy approach.
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC). My child focuses are in ADHD, autism, special education, anxiety, and trauma, while adults are complex trauma, attachment disorders, and first responders. My goal as a counselor is to compassionately help you with processing, healing, and understanding your emotional, behavioral, psychological, and cultural self as a whole mind and body approach. I utilizes creative expressive therapy, humanistic, and positive-solution focus within a cognitive behavioral therapy approach.
![Photo of Heather M Stackus, MEd, LCPC, NCC, NCSC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/876c13b1-ae83-4953-8cdd-19451066628a/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heather M Stackus
Counselor, MEd, LCPC, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, MD 21158 (Online Only)
I work with children, adults, families, and couples. I work to help strengthen the development of parenting skills, boundary setting, communication, decision making and behavioral management. I assist with the development of emotional intelligence including self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy for others. For children, I see ages 3+.
I work with children, adults, families, and couples. I work to help strengthen the development of parenting skills, boundary setting, communication, decision making and behavioral management. I assist with the development of emotional intelligence including self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy for others. For children, I see ages 3+.
![Photo of Nathan Heydari, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/547f8c12-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Have you had a hard journey in life? Do you keep finding yourself in the same place, confused about your changing moods, and having difficulty finding stability and understanding in relationships? Are you yearning for a moment of peace (and the ability to allow yourself to be present there)? Maybe you have spent a lot of time meeting the needs of others, and haven't really figured out who you are. I can help you gain perspective on these themes that may be present in your life and to learn how to trust yourself more. I believe you hold the answers within you, and together, we will hold a safe space for you to discover them.
Have you had a hard journey in life? Do you keep finding yourself in the same place, confused about your changing moods, and having difficulty finding stability and understanding in relationships? Are you yearning for a moment of peace (and the ability to allow yourself to be present there)? Maybe you have spent a lot of time meeting the needs of others, and haven't really figured out who you are. I can help you gain perspective on these themes that may be present in your life and to learn how to trust yourself more. I believe you hold the answers within you, and together, we will hold a safe space for you to discover them.
![Photo of Martha Smith, LCPC, NCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45e98b9f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Martha Smith
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Westminster, MD 21157
My approach to counseling is a strengths based one. I specialize in treating children, teenagers and adults. I have advanced training in play therapy, ABA therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and trauma. I believe that when people are going through serious life events they can change for the better with active listening, empathy, unconditional acceptance and the use of an eclectic approach to meet the patients individual needs.
My approach to counseling is a strengths based one. I specialize in treating children, teenagers and adults. I have advanced training in play therapy, ABA therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and trauma. I believe that when people are going through serious life events they can change for the better with active listening, empathy, unconditional acceptance and the use of an eclectic approach to meet the patients individual needs.
![Photo of Amy Heikkinen, MSW, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d7e2ed50-865f-4607-86e1-649160e72dd9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Carroll Creative Therapy is a psychotherapy practice serving clients of all ages, and provides evidence-based play therapy for children. For older children and teens, we combine strategies and wisdom from play therapy along with traditional talk therapy, often using age-appropriate tools like the creative arts, video games, and social media. Our work with adults tends to look more like traditional talk therapy, but incorporates many of these same elements through conversation. We are also proud to support gender-diverse and LGBTQ+ clients of all ages, and have a deep knowledge of the community.
Carroll Creative Therapy is a psychotherapy practice serving clients of all ages, and provides evidence-based play therapy for children. For older children and teens, we combine strategies and wisdom from play therapy along with traditional talk therapy, often using age-appropriate tools like the creative arts, video games, and social media. Our work with adults tends to look more like traditional talk therapy, but incorporates many of these same elements through conversation. We are also proud to support gender-diverse and LGBTQ+ clients of all ages, and have a deep knowledge of the community.
![Photo of Rachel Cochran, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4015b489-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Cochran
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, MD 21157
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work with individuals, couples and families in multiple areas including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship/family conflict, self-esteem issues, grief, eating disorder and food addiction, learning disorders, anger management, self-harm, LGBT issues, reaction to divorce, mediation, and forensic evaluation. I am more than happy to consult with you to see if we are a good fit to work together!
If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you're just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. I work with individuals, couples and families in multiple areas including trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship/family conflict, self-esteem issues, grief, eating disorder and food addiction, learning disorders, anger management, self-harm, LGBT issues, reaction to divorce, mediation, and forensic evaluation. I am more than happy to consult with you to see if we are a good fit to work together!
![Photo of Andie Lozouski, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0d55d6c-e30a-40ad-826c-ac302e0b90e6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Andie Lozouski
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Westminster, MD 21157 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Andie. I've helped people with their mental health recovery since the late 1980s. People have come to me feeling overwhelmed with challenging life circumstances or transitions. Some struggled to manage sadness, fear, ruminating thoughts, trauma, identity issues, relationship conflicts, unhealthy habits and more. Have you suffered in silence? Did you turn to others for support but they were too busy? Do they make suggestions without really hearing and acknowledging your feelings? Understanding and replacing ineffective patterns of thought/behavior takes time; it can be less overwhelming with guidance from a therapist.
Hi, I'm Andie. I've helped people with their mental health recovery since the late 1980s. People have come to me feeling overwhelmed with challenging life circumstances or transitions. Some struggled to manage sadness, fear, ruminating thoughts, trauma, identity issues, relationship conflicts, unhealthy habits and more. Have you suffered in silence? Did you turn to others for support but they were too busy? Do they make suggestions without really hearing and acknowledging your feelings? Understanding and replacing ineffective patterns of thought/behavior takes time; it can be less overwhelming with guidance from a therapist.
![Photo of Melissa Houck, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9fd9333e-8303-4372-93fa-bf0eaf0bca15/1/320x400.jpeg)
**ACCEPTING CLIENTS IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL** I believe everyone has within them the strength, ability, and desire to fulfill his or her own potential. My job as a therapist is to help you to recognize, find, and unlock your inner strengths through the therapeutic and self-discovery process. If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, impacted by a recent or prolonged trauma, or are just having difficulty navigating through the daily stresses of life, I can help. I provide a warm, non-judgmental, and safe haven environment for your journey of self-discovery and growth. ***Telehealth Available***
**ACCEPTING CLIENTS IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL** I believe everyone has within them the strength, ability, and desire to fulfill his or her own potential. My job as a therapist is to help you to recognize, find, and unlock your inner strengths through the therapeutic and self-discovery process. If you or a loved one are struggling with feelings of sadness, anxiety, impacted by a recent or prolonged trauma, or are just having difficulty navigating through the daily stresses of life, I can help. I provide a warm, non-judgmental, and safe haven environment for your journey of self-discovery and growth. ***Telehealth Available***
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Kate Sollitto, LCSW-C, CTMH, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04ba6b55-b522-4126-9707-994e8d46cb1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kate Sollitto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CTMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hampstead, MD 21074
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.
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.
![Photo of Alan Kutner, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50d7ae29-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." Are you tired of pretending "everything's fine", when it's not? Real men embrace vulnerability, honesty & courage. It takes guts to ask for help & face struggles head-on. It takes strength to open up & true bravery to take action for lasting change. We often hit a wall in life & reach a turning point – a bridge we need to cross. Are you looking for a therapist who is real and genuine & can guide you across? As we embark on this transformative journey, I will be here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to unlock your true potential.
"The problem is not the problem. The problem is your attitude about the problem." Are you tired of pretending "everything's fine", when it's not? Real men embrace vulnerability, honesty & courage. It takes guts to ask for help & face struggles head-on. It takes strength to open up & true bravery to take action for lasting change. We often hit a wall in life & reach a turning point – a bridge we need to cross. Are you looking for a therapist who is real and genuine & can guide you across? As we embark on this transformative journey, I will be here to support you every step of the way, empowering you to unlock your true potential.
![Photo of Emily Kendall, LCPAT, Art Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0f51ba8-3320-406f-ba15-48e6f29742bc/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced art therapist and counselor who is dedicated to helping young adults cope with neurodivergence, adversity, anxiety, and depression. You likely have good reasons for feeling angry at the world, the people around you, or maybe even yourself, but are you ready to confront the blocks that are keeping you stuck? Sometimes we get stuck in a cycle of avoidance and/ or ambivalence because that's how we've learned to survive. Living in survival mode is exhausting and when the stress of being alive feels like too much to carry and we don't give our emotions the attention they need, they may start to feel "out of control".
I am an experienced art therapist and counselor who is dedicated to helping young adults cope with neurodivergence, adversity, anxiety, and depression. You likely have good reasons for feeling angry at the world, the people around you, or maybe even yourself, but are you ready to confront the blocks that are keeping you stuck? Sometimes we get stuck in a cycle of avoidance and/ or ambivalence because that's how we've learned to survive. Living in survival mode is exhausting and when the stress of being alive feels like too much to carry and we don't give our emotions the attention they need, they may start to feel "out of control".
![Photo of Samantha Norris, LGPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7a1a434f-8882-456b-bb5b-6b3702d8d18f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life can feel hard when our day-to-day energy is spent molding ourselves, masking and working extra hard at meeting the many demands and expectations that we ourselves, and others, place on us. Managing life in overdrive whether its due to our neurodivergence, trauma or unresolved and un-met needs can cause stress, emotional overwhelm, difficulty coping and relational challenges. Who we support: Child/Teen Play Therapy and Counseling Services Neurodivergent Brains of all ages: ADHD'ers, Autistic's, AuDHD, Pda'ers Perinatal adjustment challenges (Prenatal, postpartum) Parenting/Family Wellbeing and Relational Health.
Life can feel hard when our day-to-day energy is spent molding ourselves, masking and working extra hard at meeting the many demands and expectations that we ourselves, and others, place on us. Managing life in overdrive whether its due to our neurodivergence, trauma or unresolved and un-met needs can cause stress, emotional overwhelm, difficulty coping and relational challenges. Who we support: Child/Teen Play Therapy and Counseling Services Neurodivergent Brains of all ages: ADHD'ers, Autistic's, AuDHD, Pda'ers Perinatal adjustment challenges (Prenatal, postpartum) Parenting/Family Wellbeing and Relational Health.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Wendy Caldwell, LCPC, LPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e09fcc0-f895-4895-9835-00a75ae93d27/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed, board-certified, clinical counselor, certified in Expressive Arts through the Person- Centered Expressive Arts Institute. Using an integrative approach, I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, creative expression, CBT, and DBT skills to support you in your treatment. I use EMDR protocol to teach trauma-informed strategies to self-regulate and address trauma. I will meet you where you are through empathy, compassion, and congruence to help generate insight that can lead to increased healthy coping and desired change. I consider it an honor to be part of my client's journeys.
I am a licensed, board-certified, clinical counselor, certified in Expressive Arts through the Person- Centered Expressive Arts Institute. Using an integrative approach, I combine traditional talk therapy with mindfulness, creative expression, CBT, and DBT skills to support you in your treatment. I use EMDR protocol to teach trauma-informed strategies to self-regulate and address trauma. I will meet you where you are through empathy, compassion, and congruence to help generate insight that can lead to increased healthy coping and desired change. I consider it an honor to be part of my client's journeys.
![Photo of Christy Van Horn, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/74dfda28-8e68-4232-9f31-032e1b86562d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Christy Van Horn
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
With an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy, Christy uses traditional and new techniques in therapy.
Christy Van Horn is a seasoned therapist and life coach of 20 years who offers tools and techniques to relax, recenter, and tune into your inner wisdom. Whether it's through traditional talk therapy or a mindful breath practice, Christy's calm presence provides a healing space to uncover your authentic voice.
With an MA in Expressive Arts Therapy, Christy uses traditional and new techniques in therapy.
Christy Van Horn is a seasoned therapist and life coach of 20 years who offers tools and techniques to relax, recenter, and tune into your inner wisdom. Whether it's through traditional talk therapy or a mindful breath practice, Christy's calm presence provides a healing space to uncover your authentic voice.
![Photo of Shanita Newman, LCPC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57ef5e7b-2d57-43db-8688-c285e964d4b6/3/320x400.jpeg)
Shanita Newman
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lanham, MD 20706
Raise your hand if you have ever had big feelings that you have not been exactly sure how to deal with or process. Now raise your hand again if you want to help to manage or process those feelings. Using a person-centered approach and other approaches such as expressive arts I support Black Women and Black Teen Girls with Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Self-Esteem/ Self-Image, and Trauma.
Raise your hand if you have ever had big feelings that you have not been exactly sure how to deal with or process. Now raise your hand again if you want to help to manage or process those feelings. Using a person-centered approach and other approaches such as expressive arts I support Black Women and Black Teen Girls with Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Self-Esteem/ Self-Image, and Trauma.
![Photo of Shannon Sammis, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9a35e889-dca4-46e1-8a22-4ef7c7b90652/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shannon Sammis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Owings Mills, MD 21117 (Online Only)
I prefer to take a child-centered approach and utilize developmentally appropriate techniques including play therapy, expressive arts, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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 prefer to take a child-centered approach and utilize developmentally appropriate techniques including play therapy, expressive arts, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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.
![Photo of E Noel Phoebus, LCPC, LGPAT, ATR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73ea2b51-44b1-44df-b476-d269ec855eee/1/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize expressive arts to provide clients with freedom of expression and allow clients to express their creativity while embarking on their personal healing journey.
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.
I utilize expressive arts to provide clients with freedom of expression and allow clients to express their creativity while embarking on their personal healing journey.
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.
![Photo of Kristen Scott, LCPC, NCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c0b607aa-9312-4f3c-be90-5d86f82b311a/1/320x400.jpeg)
I utilize IFS (parts work), cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and expressive arts; and if desired, I address spiritual or existential issues.
Have you reached your breaking point and wondered if a change is possible? I am a licensed therapist who can help you restore hope. My clients receive unwavering support and tools to transcend challenging emotions, see new perspectives, and work through debilitating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and the emotionally pervasive effects of trauma. I strive to build a trusting and empathic relationship with my clients as we delve into complex issues. I firmly believe that transformation is possible after exploring the past and present strongholds that hinder the ability to lead a more fulfilled life.
I utilize IFS (parts work), cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, and expressive arts; and if desired, I address spiritual or existential issues.
Have you reached your breaking point and wondered if a change is possible? I am a licensed therapist who can help you restore hope. My clients receive unwavering support and tools to transcend challenging emotions, see new perspectives, and work through debilitating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and the emotionally pervasive effects of trauma. I strive to build a trusting and empathic relationship with my clients as we delve into complex issues. I firmly believe that transformation is possible after exploring the past and present strongholds that hinder the ability to lead a more fulfilled life.
![Photo of Emily Angerhofer, LCSW-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7aa87fad-d59f-4ddd-86fd-d72836b6b595/2/320x400.png)
Utilizing a mix of therapeutic techniques such as expressive arts, play, acceptance and mindfulness practices, and more, I meet my clients where they are, and support them along their journey.
Stressed, overwhelmed, about to lose your $%&?! Whether parenting, existing in the world as neuro-spicy, trying to navigate relationships, processing global tragedy, juggling multiple roles, I can relate and am here for you. My practice is inclusive, anti-racist, and I'm passionate about healing generational curses. Therapy with me is a judgement-free zone. We'll go at your pace, trusting your own wisdom and experiences. I love supporting the full family system: couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan. Whether managing anxiety, depression, or sorting through past trauma, compassion and openness will guide us.
Utilizing a mix of therapeutic techniques such as expressive arts, play, acceptance and mindfulness practices, and more, I meet my clients where they are, and support them along their journey.
Stressed, overwhelmed, about to lose your $%&?! Whether parenting, existing in the world as neuro-spicy, trying to navigate relationships, processing global tragedy, juggling multiple roles, I can relate and am here for you. My practice is inclusive, anti-racist, and I'm passionate about healing generational curses. Therapy with me is a judgement-free zone. We'll go at your pace, trusting your own wisdom and experiences. I love supporting the full family system: couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan. Whether managing anxiety, depression, or sorting through past trauma, compassion and openness will guide us.
![Photo of Casey O'Sullivan, LCPC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2a3bd2a1-125c-459e-93e5-88382efd53b6/2/320x400.jpeg)
My approach builds strongly from your strengths and safe exploration of discomfort by combining humanistic, expressive arts, play, and talk approaches.
Currently accepting new clients - Welcome! It can be an extremely daunting task to try to find the right therapy fit, and searching through profiles can quickly become overwhelming. As an openly ADHDer myself, I work primarily with neurodivergent pre-teens, teens and adults with a wide range of concerns with specialty in ADHD, SPD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also enjoy working with adults struggling through with workplace burnout. I can help to recognize, validate, and explore difficult thoughts and feelings and provide concrete supports and tools to help manage them.
My approach builds strongly from your strengths and safe exploration of discomfort by combining humanistic, expressive arts, play, and talk approaches.
Currently accepting new clients - Welcome! It can be an extremely daunting task to try to find the right therapy fit, and searching through profiles can quickly become overwhelming. As an openly ADHDer myself, I work primarily with neurodivergent pre-teens, teens and adults with a wide range of concerns with specialty in ADHD, SPD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also enjoy working with adults struggling through with workplace burnout. I can help to recognize, validate, and explore difficult thoughts and feelings and provide concrete supports and tools to help manage them.
See more therapy options for Westminster
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Westminster
- Cockeysville
- Eldersburg
- Hampstead
- Hunt Valley
- Lutherville Timonium
- Mount Airy
- New Market
- Owings Mills
- Pikesville
- Reisterstown
- Sykesville
- Timonium
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.