Expressive Arts Therapists in Nashville, TN
Jessie Risman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I am passionate about the heart and deeply committed to seeing you live more fully by engaging yours. Because your needs are as unique and valuable as your story, my therapy is grounded in Person-Centered Theory. I trust you to be the expert on your own life, and thus the expert in the room. My approach to therapy is integrative and trauma-informed. While drawing from Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR and Play and Expressive Arts Therapy, my focus remains on the most powerful tool, the relationship. From my own healing journey, I have come to believe we're wounded in the context of relationship, and we heal in relationship, too.
I am passionate about the heart and deeply committed to seeing you live more fully by engaging yours. Because your needs are as unique and valuable as your story, my therapy is grounded in Person-Centered Theory. I trust you to be the expert on your own life, and thus the expert in the room. My approach to therapy is integrative and trauma-informed. While drawing from Somatic and Attachment Focused EMDR and Play and Expressive Arts Therapy, my focus remains on the most powerful tool, the relationship. From my own healing journey, I have come to believe we're wounded in the context of relationship, and we heal in relationship, too.
KBR Serenity Mind, Body Practice
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37206 (Online Only)
Depending on what we decide together based on your goals I am able to apply evidenced based therapies, in addition to yoga, meditation techniques and expressive arts.
Greetings! I'm Karen Roberts, a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in working with individuals, families, and groups in community. In therapy, my approach is to meet you where you are on your journey and collaborate towards achieving your goals. By envisioning what changes you desire in your life, you have already taken the first step. Perhaps you aim to be more vibrant, energetic, decisive, and purposeful. Imagine the possibilities if you could tap into these qualities. What would your life look like and how would you feel?
Depending on what we decide together based on your goals I am able to apply evidenced based therapies, in addition to yoga, meditation techniques and expressive arts.
Greetings! I'm Karen Roberts, a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in working with individuals, families, and groups in community. In therapy, my approach is to meet you where you are on your journey and collaborate towards achieving your goals. By envisioning what changes you desire in your life, you have already taken the first step. Perhaps you aim to be more vibrant, energetic, decisive, and purposeful. Imagine the possibilities if you could tap into these qualities. What would your life look like and how would you feel?
Sarah B Rodgers
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RDT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
I take an integrative approach that includes talk, attachment, trauma-focused approaches (EMDR, Brainspotting), body-based (Somatic Experiencing) and expressive arts therapies (drama therapy), parts work (narrative, Gestalt), CBT, solution-focused, buddhist psychology, and more.
I help you create more of the life you want, one that feels better and is more personally satisfying. I work with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, boundaries, narcissistic wounding, somatic issues, & other obstacles that keep you from thriving. Clients often reach out to me because they're feeling anxious, panicky, isolated, frustrated in relationships, stuck in perfectionism or people-pleasing, sad, unlike their usual selves, or desire for a deeper level of healing. If you want a collaborator to help you find your own unique way and provide practical strategies with a deep healing approach, I may be your person.
I take an integrative approach that includes talk, attachment, trauma-focused approaches (EMDR, Brainspotting), body-based (Somatic Experiencing) and expressive arts therapies (drama therapy), parts work (narrative, Gestalt), CBT, solution-focused, buddhist psychology, and more.
I help you create more of the life you want, one that feels better and is more personally satisfying. I work with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, boundaries, narcissistic wounding, somatic issues, & other obstacles that keep you from thriving. Clients often reach out to me because they're feeling anxious, panicky, isolated, frustrated in relationships, stuck in perfectionism or people-pleasing, sad, unlike their usual selves, or desire for a deeper level of healing. If you want a collaborator to help you find your own unique way and provide practical strategies with a deep healing approach, I may be your person.
Melissa Gordon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LSSW, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37215
My ideal client is open to holistic treatment modalities such as expressive arts, yoga, and mindfulness.
***Now Accepting New Clients***I believe we are all born to create legacies. The world needs a perspective, idea, insight, talent, and gift that only you can give or bring. Different adversities attempt to diminish our belief that this is true. I am a therapist whose focus centers on client self-empowerment and determination. My passion is working with individuals and groups to help them ritualize peace by creating coping mechanisms to face challenges and achieve goals. My practice aims to promote healing by facilitating the creation of new road maps to personal wellness.
My ideal client is open to holistic treatment modalities such as expressive arts, yoga, and mindfulness.
***Now Accepting New Clients***I believe we are all born to create legacies. The world needs a perspective, idea, insight, talent, and gift that only you can give or bring. Different adversities attempt to diminish our belief that this is true. I am a therapist whose focus centers on client self-empowerment and determination. My passion is working with individuals and groups to help them ritualize peace by creating coping mechanisms to face challenges and achieve goals. My practice aims to promote healing by facilitating the creation of new road maps to personal wellness.
Christina Healey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
I am EMDR Trained and use modalities such as sand tray and expressive arts.
Sometimes you find yourself in a phase of life and wonder “how did I get here?” Or maybe you need help making sense of what it means to be there. You are not alone. In a trusted therapeutic alliance, we can work together to understand and accept not only the phase of life you are in, but who you are and how you can transform into who you want to be. Let’s dive into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and determine if they are getting you closer to who you want to be. This can look like building positive self regard, meaning making, setting boundaries, creating new goals, or healing from abusive systems.
I am EMDR Trained and use modalities such as sand tray and expressive arts.
Sometimes you find yourself in a phase of life and wonder “how did I get here?” Or maybe you need help making sense of what it means to be there. You are not alone. In a trusted therapeutic alliance, we can work together to understand and accept not only the phase of life you are in, but who you are and how you can transform into who you want to be. Let’s dive into your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions and determine if they are getting you closer to who you want to be. This can look like building positive self regard, meaning making, setting boundaries, creating new goals, or healing from abusive systems.
Gabriela Aguirre-Iriarte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC-MHS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
I am a Registered Play Therapist and believe in the power of play and expressive arts.
Healing and growing is a complicated affair. Changes can be unpredictable and frightening, but facing our fears is the only path to complete healing. A counselor is a companion and an ally through the journey. A mirror that helps us see ourselves better, that can help us change the way we see the world and that gives us the opportunity to modify what bother us.
I am a Registered Play Therapist and believe in the power of play and expressive arts.
Healing and growing is a complicated affair. Changes can be unpredictable and frightening, but facing our fears is the only path to complete healing. A counselor is a companion and an ally through the journey. A mirror that helps us see ourselves better, that can help us change the way we see the world and that gives us the opportunity to modify what bother us.
Julia Marx
Licensed Professional Counselor, MFA, MA, R-DMT, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37212
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, an MFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah, and a Masters of Expressive Arts Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Boston.
I provide individualized support tailored to my clients' unique stories. I use expressive arts therapy and dance/movement therapy techniques in addition to client-centered talk therapy to engage with clients as we process in both the verbal and non-verbal realms. The body and mind are interconnected and the body can be used as a map guiding explorations of the self, as well as a metaphor to express emotions which can be difficult to convey in words alone. Through a therapeutic relationship, I provide empathic support and playful intervention.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, an MFA in Modern Dance from the University of Utah, and a Masters of Expressive Arts Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University in Boston.
I provide individualized support tailored to my clients' unique stories. I use expressive arts therapy and dance/movement therapy techniques in addition to client-centered talk therapy to engage with clients as we process in both the verbal and non-verbal realms. The body and mind are interconnected and the body can be used as a map guiding explorations of the self, as well as a metaphor to express emotions which can be difficult to convey in words alone. Through a therapeutic relationship, I provide empathic support and playful intervention.
I work from a family systems and psychodynamic perspective, but I employ experiential techniques such as internal family systems, sand tray, play, and expressive arts with clients of all ages, enabling us to move beyond cognitive-verbal level healing and engage in the deep work that changes lives.
"I'm TIRED." I hear this all the time from my clients and/or their parents. Life has gotten so busy that we are flying from one thing to another without a chance to catch our breath. Maybe you are tired of fighting with your child to get them to behave. Maybe you are tired of losing track of things and time. Maybe you are tired of wondering if you made the right choice or if you'll ever be good enough. Maybe you are tired of being haunted by trauma. Maybe you are tired of taking care of everyone else without a break for yourself. Or maybe you're just plain tired. I get it! And there's good news: therapy can help.
I work from a family systems and psychodynamic perspective, but I employ experiential techniques such as internal family systems, sand tray, play, and expressive arts with clients of all ages, enabling us to move beyond cognitive-verbal level healing and engage in the deep work that changes lives.
"I'm TIRED." I hear this all the time from my clients and/or their parents. Life has gotten so busy that we are flying from one thing to another without a chance to catch our breath. Maybe you are tired of fighting with your child to get them to behave. Maybe you are tired of losing track of things and time. Maybe you are tired of wondering if you made the right choice or if you'll ever be good enough. Maybe you are tired of being haunted by trauma. Maybe you are tired of taking care of everyone else without a break for yourself. Or maybe you're just plain tired. I get it! And there's good news: therapy can help.
Megan Barbee
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207
Healing is multidimensional, so I use many experiential/somatic interventions including EMDR, play/ expressive arts therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness.
I work with kids, adolescents, and adults who feel stuck; they are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and disordered eating. Many have carried the weight of traumatic experiences for as long as they can remember. Many feel that they spend excess time worrying about food and their bodies and find it hard to engage fully in their lives. They continue to feel out of control of their relationships, their bodies, and their emotions. They feel numb and isolated on the surface, and deep down feel hurt and helpless.
Healing is multidimensional, so I use many experiential/somatic interventions including EMDR, play/ expressive arts therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and mindfulness.
I work with kids, adolescents, and adults who feel stuck; they are experiencing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and disordered eating. Many have carried the weight of traumatic experiences for as long as they can remember. Many feel that they spend excess time worrying about food and their bodies and find it hard to engage fully in their lives. They continue to feel out of control of their relationships, their bodies, and their emotions. They feel numb and isolated on the surface, and deep down feel hurt and helpless.
Christina Jezioro
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37208
I integrate modalities such as Brainspotting, SomEx, IFS, and Expressive Arts Therapy in session with a loving curiosity for the areas that need your attention.
Being a human can be tough. My practice is centered upon helping people deepen their human experience and live a more embodied, present life. Many of my clients are creative people hoping to harness their power, individuals who have experienced early childhood trauma, or people who simply feel "wounded". Our “body memories” & old stories can often be limiting us from our fullest potential of healing. With a neuro-experiential framework, I offer specializations in life transitions, attachment wounds, relational healing, addictions and self soothing behaviors, building self worth, LGBTQIA+ issues, and managing complex emotions.
I integrate modalities such as Brainspotting, SomEx, IFS, and Expressive Arts Therapy in session with a loving curiosity for the areas that need your attention.
Being a human can be tough. My practice is centered upon helping people deepen their human experience and live a more embodied, present life. Many of my clients are creative people hoping to harness their power, individuals who have experienced early childhood trauma, or people who simply feel "wounded". Our “body memories” & old stories can often be limiting us from our fullest potential of healing. With a neuro-experiential framework, I offer specializations in life transitions, attachment wounds, relational healing, addictions and self soothing behaviors, building self worth, LGBTQIA+ issues, and managing complex emotions.
Kevana S West
Pre-Licensed Professional, r-DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37207 (Online Only)
Our collective struggle is that we have inherited a world of imbalance and as such, imbalance lives within each of us. It is my belief that healing is done in community, and that true change can only occur in the space between individuals. Together, we will work to find equilibrium and healing amongst the madness. It is my goal to help clients develop and hone the best version of themselves according to their own vision. Through the integration of movement and the expressive arts, I seek to assist clients in rewriting their narratives in a way that embodies dignity and strength.
Our collective struggle is that we have inherited a world of imbalance and as such, imbalance lives within each of us. It is my belief that healing is done in community, and that true change can only occur in the space between individuals. Together, we will work to find equilibrium and healing amongst the madness. It is my goal to help clients develop and hone the best version of themselves according to their own vision. Through the integration of movement and the expressive arts, I seek to assist clients in rewriting their narratives in a way that embodies dignity and strength.
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As an existential/experiential counselor, I also specialize in couples therapy, expressive arts, trauma sensitive body work, mindfulness and psychodrama.
You many be feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious, depressed, and reliving past traumatic experiences, but hopeful for understanding, confidence, and peace? Through my work in sexual assault centers, domestic violence shelters, in private practice, and at Onsite Workshops I have learned how trauma is stored in the body, how it creates negative beliefs about the self, how it keeps us from living in the present moment and how it keeps us from connecting to those around us. Working with me feels like gentle confrontation and resource building in order to delve into past wounds with a deeply open, knowledgeable, and compassionate ally.
As an existential/experiential counselor, I also specialize in couples therapy, expressive arts, trauma sensitive body work, mindfulness and psychodrama.
You many be feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious, depressed, and reliving past traumatic experiences, but hopeful for understanding, confidence, and peace? Through my work in sexual assault centers, domestic violence shelters, in private practice, and at Onsite Workshops I have learned how trauma is stored in the body, how it creates negative beliefs about the self, how it keeps us from living in the present moment and how it keeps us from connecting to those around us. Working with me feels like gentle confrontation and resource building in order to delve into past wounds with a deeply open, knowledgeable, and compassionate ally.
Angelique Howington Works
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37205
I incorporate many expressive arts into my therapy sessions, such as sand tray.
Do you struggle with fear, anxiety, worry or depression? Do you avoid situations because of difficult emotions? Does your anxiety and avoidance interfere with your quality of life? Or do you feel everything in your life needs to be perfect? I am passionate about helping individuals learn to thrive again by using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure-Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). I use an integrative approach to create a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment in which individuals can explore and grow.
I incorporate many expressive arts into my therapy sessions, such as sand tray.
Do you struggle with fear, anxiety, worry or depression? Do you avoid situations because of difficult emotions? Does your anxiety and avoidance interfere with your quality of life? Or do you feel everything in your life needs to be perfect? I am passionate about helping individuals learn to thrive again by using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure-Response Prevention Therapy (ERP). I use an integrative approach to create a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate environment in which individuals can explore and grow.
Rachel Gladys Therapeutic Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
I utilize relationally focused and evidence-based treatment modalities grounded in interpersonal neurobiology, child-centered and filial play therapy, expressive arts, and sand tray therapy to create an individualized, integrative, collaborative, and playful treatment experience.
Being a kid is supposed to be a magical time filled with fun, learning, exploring, and giggles. As a parent, is there anything worse than realizing something has gotten in the way of your child's magic? When you can't figure out how you and your child got here, parenting becomes unbearably hard. Worse than that is feeling like you don't know how to help your child. You and your child need support, guidance, and someone who believes the magic isn't lost forever. When life gets challenging, I work with kids, teens, families, and parents. I believe that the magic isn't lost, and healing is possible for your child and family.
I utilize relationally focused and evidence-based treatment modalities grounded in interpersonal neurobiology, child-centered and filial play therapy, expressive arts, and sand tray therapy to create an individualized, integrative, collaborative, and playful treatment experience.
Being a kid is supposed to be a magical time filled with fun, learning, exploring, and giggles. As a parent, is there anything worse than realizing something has gotten in the way of your child's magic? When you can't figure out how you and your child got here, parenting becomes unbearably hard. Worse than that is feeling like you don't know how to help your child. You and your child need support, guidance, and someone who believes the magic isn't lost forever. When life gets challenging, I work with kids, teens, families, and parents. I believe that the magic isn't lost, and healing is possible for your child and family.
Scoville Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, MHSP, RPT, NCC, MS
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37205
I am relational and utilize evidence-based treatment modalities including play therapy and expressive arts, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR.
I am a licensed professional counselor in Nashville, TN. I am passionate about helping others and I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide variety of presenting issues. Life is messy, full of hurts, disappointments, stressors, and grief – past and present. I want to help you get “unstuck” so you can live your best life, whatever that is for you. I have been where you are which makes me uniquely qualified to sit with you and to walk alongside you on your journey of healing. I cannot give you the answers, but I promise you will not have to find them alone.
I am relational and utilize evidence-based treatment modalities including play therapy and expressive arts, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR.
I am a licensed professional counselor in Nashville, TN. I am passionate about helping others and I work with children, adolescents, and adults with a wide variety of presenting issues. Life is messy, full of hurts, disappointments, stressors, and grief – past and present. I want to help you get “unstuck” so you can live your best life, whatever that is for you. I have been where you are which makes me uniquely qualified to sit with you and to walk alongside you on your journey of healing. I cannot give you the answers, but I promise you will not have to find them alone.
Every individual is worthy of healing and peace, and my favorite part about working with clients is working with them as they find the courage to live out this belief. Journeys of healing are sometimes scary, so using a holistic and collaborative approach, I strive to create a space that is nonjudgmental, safe, and peaceful as I aid clients in their work. My approach to therapy includes a combination of evidence-based practices including Restoration therapy and Internal Family Systems therapy, as well as Gottman Method interventions, common factors, and the expressive arts.
Every individual is worthy of healing and peace, and my favorite part about working with clients is working with them as they find the courage to live out this belief. Journeys of healing are sometimes scary, so using a holistic and collaborative approach, I strive to create a space that is nonjudgmental, safe, and peaceful as I aid clients in their work. My approach to therapy includes a combination of evidence-based practices including Restoration therapy and Internal Family Systems therapy, as well as Gottman Method interventions, common factors, and the expressive arts.
Kim Kaplan
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, DMT, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37201
In our sessions you can expect an eclectic and personalized treatment approach using talk therapy combined with my skills in somatic psychotherapy, expressive arts, mindfulness-based practices, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you having difficulty coping with the stressors of life? Are you stuck in a cycle you want to break? Are you finding your emotions overwhelming? Are you struggling with a major life transition? Are you seeking more balance in your life? I can help. I know it takes a great deal of courage to start therapy and how necessary it is to find the right fit. My aim is to create a welcoming environment where you feel safe, trusting and open to be yourself. My approach is warm, attentive, caring and nonjudgmental. I am licensed in PA and TN, offering in-person options for PA residents only and only telehealth for TN residents.
In our sessions you can expect an eclectic and personalized treatment approach using talk therapy combined with my skills in somatic psychotherapy, expressive arts, mindfulness-based practices, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Are you having difficulty coping with the stressors of life? Are you stuck in a cycle you want to break? Are you finding your emotions overwhelming? Are you struggling with a major life transition? Are you seeking more balance in your life? I can help. I know it takes a great deal of courage to start therapy and how necessary it is to find the right fit. My aim is to create a welcoming environment where you feel safe, trusting and open to be yourself. My approach is warm, attentive, caring and nonjudgmental. I am licensed in PA and TN, offering in-person options for PA residents only and only telehealth for TN residents.
Jess Cotton
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS, LPC-A, MHSP-t
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37209
I specialize with working with adults and adolescents (14+), who are experiencing distress from past traumatic experiences, OCD symptoms, difficult life transitions, and abuse recovery. I often work with clients who are hoping to find healing from traumatic experiences and exploration of faith through spiritual disciplines, expressive arts therapy techniques, somatic techniques, IFS, and inner-child work.
I specialize with working with adults and adolescents (14+), who are experiencing distress from past traumatic experiences, OCD symptoms, difficult life transitions, and abuse recovery. I often work with clients who are hoping to find healing from traumatic experiences and exploration of faith through spiritual disciplines, expressive arts therapy techniques, somatic techniques, IFS, and inner-child work.
Cara Clarkson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37201
Waitlist for new clients
We may communicate in a variety of ways through evidenced based techniques such as expressive arts, Brainspotting, or sand tray.
It can feel helpless when looking for support for anxiety causes anxiety itself. I am passionate about working with individuals who have experienced this and have been previously hesitant towards or suspicious of therapy. Whether you are a teenager with social or performance anxiety or an adult navigating the stressors of life transitions and relationships, it is my goal to hold an open, validating space for you to identify what is happening within you as you tell your story, identify pain points along the way, and develop coping skills to tolerate your distress.
We may communicate in a variety of ways through evidenced based techniques such as expressive arts, Brainspotting, or sand tray.
It can feel helpless when looking for support for anxiety causes anxiety itself. I am passionate about working with individuals who have experienced this and have been previously hesitant towards or suspicious of therapy. Whether you are a teenager with social or performance anxiety or an adult navigating the stressors of life transitions and relationships, it is my goal to hold an open, validating space for you to identify what is happening within you as you tell your story, identify pain points along the way, and develop coping skills to tolerate your distress.
Drama Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy can be an effective intervention to help children, parents, and families who are in need of therapeutic support.
Arts and Hearts Therapy is a creative approach to your child's needs. Is your child currently struggling to manage their big feelings? Are they finding it overwhelming and challenging to navigate their relationships with family and friends, establish a positive self-image, or manage their academic responsibilities alongside extra-curricular activities? Would you like some guidance and support around boundary setting, positive discipline practices, and authentic communication with your child? I've worked with children in academic settings since 2006. Various components of Early Childhood Education play a big role in my practice.
Drama Therapy and Expressive Arts Therapy can be an effective intervention to help children, parents, and families who are in need of therapeutic support.
Arts and Hearts Therapy is a creative approach to your child's needs. Is your child currently struggling to manage their big feelings? Are they finding it overwhelming and challenging to navigate their relationships with family and friends, establish a positive self-image, or manage their academic responsibilities alongside extra-curricular activities? Would you like some guidance and support around boundary setting, positive discipline practices, and authentic communication with your child? I've worked with children in academic settings since 2006. Various components of Early Childhood Education play a big role in my practice.
See more therapy options for Nashville
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Nashville
- Antioch
- Berry Hill
- Brentwood
- Columbia
- Franklin
- Gallatin
- Hendersonville
- Lebanon
- Mount Juliet
- Murfreesboro
- Smyrna
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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.