Art Therapy in Montpelier, VT
![Photo of Jill Creswell, MS, LCMHC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5a660dd-5a9e-4063-ae24-df136fa710d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jill Creswell
Psychologist, MS, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602
Waitlist for new clients
With children, I employ expressive art therapies and play therapy.
I believe in everyone's innate capacity to heal. Everyone deserves a safe and supportive therapeutic environment which can allow one to connect to all parts of oneself and lead to a greater capacity for self awareness and self compassion. Creating this space of safety, trust and unconditional regard for my client guides all my interactions and interventions. We will work collaboratively to explore how your family history, life experiences and current stressors contribute to the issues that bring you to therapy so that you can begin to shift unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behavior that are holding you back in life.
With children, I employ expressive art therapies and play therapy.
I believe in everyone's innate capacity to heal. Everyone deserves a safe and supportive therapeutic environment which can allow one to connect to all parts of oneself and lead to a greater capacity for self awareness and self compassion. Creating this space of safety, trust and unconditional regard for my client guides all my interactions and interventions. We will work collaboratively to explore how your family history, life experiences and current stressors contribute to the issues that bring you to therapy so that you can begin to shift unhelpful patterns of thoughts and behavior that are holding you back in life.
![Photo of Allie Andrus McCann, MA, MFT, ATR-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3be80e56-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Allie Andrus McCann
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602 (Online Only)
I support individuals, couples and families with diverse needs, and specialize in work with children, adolescents, parents, and families. I see my work with clients as a co-creative process, drawing on my clients' unique character, strength, and values, as well as a variety of therapeutic techniques and tools. I have a holistic view of health and well-being, and take into account the mind, body, and spirit. I offer support for a variety of issues, especially anxiety and mood issues, grief, loss, trauma, and parenting issues. I am an Art Therapist as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
I support individuals, couples and families with diverse needs, and specialize in work with children, adolescents, parents, and families. I see my work with clients as a co-creative process, drawing on my clients' unique character, strength, and values, as well as a variety of therapeutic techniques and tools. I have a holistic view of health and well-being, and take into account the mind, body, and spirit. I offer support for a variety of issues, especially anxiety and mood issues, grief, loss, trauma, and parenting issues. I am an Art Therapist as well as a Marriage and Family Therapist.
![Photo of Dr. Tia D. Buchanan - Dr. Tia Buchanan, LPCS, LAC, M.A/PhD., NBCC, CCMHC, PhD, LPCLPCS, LAC, NBCCNCC, CCMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cc29ef2-32b6-47cb-8c39-686a6ec9bbed/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Tia Buchanan, LPCS, LAC, M.A/PhD., NBCC, CCMHC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPCLPCS, LAC, NBCCNCC, CCMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montpelier, VT 05602 (Online Only)
Using tools from various clinical background I offer integrated techniques from developmental psychology play, art therapy, Sand Tray therapy, Yoga/EDMR, Somatic EMDR, ISSA Certified Elite Trainer, Kickboxing, MI, FIT, integrating a bio-psych-social-spiritual clinical client centered approach for Camp Zama students and families, Japan.
I am an LPC, LPCS, LAC in SC, and LPC in Vermont. I have earned M.A. Counseling; M.A. Professional Mental Health Clinical Mental Health (CACREP); M.S. Forensic Psychology: Pediatrics Mental Health Population (Liberty University); Ph.D.; Play Therapy Certification (Capella); Master Black-Belt Six Sigma Certification (Purdue University). I am NBCC Board Certified NCE/National Certified Counselor, NCMHCE/Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I am located in Zama Middle High School, Japan where I serve as ASCAS to provide clinical mental health on-site to all ZMHS student ID card holders, 6-12 grades and families.
Using tools from various clinical background I offer integrated techniques from developmental psychology play, art therapy, Sand Tray therapy, Yoga/EDMR, Somatic EMDR, ISSA Certified Elite Trainer, Kickboxing, MI, FIT, integrating a bio-psych-social-spiritual clinical client centered approach for Camp Zama students and families, Japan.
I am an LPC, LPCS, LAC in SC, and LPC in Vermont. I have earned M.A. Counseling; M.A. Professional Mental Health Clinical Mental Health (CACREP); M.S. Forensic Psychology: Pediatrics Mental Health Population (Liberty University); Ph.D.; Play Therapy Certification (Capella); Master Black-Belt Six Sigma Certification (Purdue University). I am NBCC Board Certified NCE/National Certified Counselor, NCMHCE/Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. I am located in Zama Middle High School, Japan where I serve as ASCAS to provide clinical mental health on-site to all ZMHS student ID card holders, 6-12 grades and families.
![Photo of Ron Zambetti - Counseling Arts - Psychotherapy & Somatic Process, MFA, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/36d1b0c7-536f-4570-8cec-b47f658bcade/5/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Arts - Psychotherapy & Somatic Process
Unlicensed Psychotherapist, MFA, MA
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602
It is felt that within the therapeutic process both therapist and client ideally enter into an alliance to awaken their innate authenticity. My approach echoes the idea that when we engage our authentic or “deeper self” our highest potential may be awakened toward the creation of emotional balance. I believe this is integral to deeper and lasting recovery.
It is felt that within the therapeutic process both therapist and client ideally enter into an alliance to awaken their innate authenticity. My approach echoes the idea that when we engage our authentic or “deeper self” our highest potential may be awakened toward the creation of emotional balance. I believe this is integral to deeper and lasting recovery.
![Photo of Jacob E Edmondson, MA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49da0739-6059-457f-b9b9-7328a9436445/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have worked in mental health for the better p art of the previous five years.
I believe that personal connections are one of the keys to living a fulfilling and satisfying life. My goal through therapy is to develop a relationship of trust and authenticity. My primary focus is to guide you to meet your five basic needs of survival, belonging, power, freedom, and fun, all within a safe and comforting environment. People experience distress when these needs are not met and when they are unable to connect with or relate to others in a meaningful way. I will support you through the process of meeting these needs.
I have worked in mental health for the better p art of the previous five years.
I believe that personal connections are one of the keys to living a fulfilling and satisfying life. My goal through therapy is to develop a relationship of trust and authenticity. My primary focus is to guide you to meet your five basic needs of survival, belonging, power, freedom, and fun, all within a safe and comforting environment. People experience distress when these needs are not met and when they are unable to connect with or relate to others in a meaningful way. I will support you through the process of meeting these needs.
![Photo of Robin Darrow, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1dbd4884-64b0-4b9d-b5d2-2ab73a352f98/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, parenting issues, stress and trauma. I am also a yoga teacher and enjoy helping clients connect with their bodies to release tension and make space for self-awareness. I believe in the importance of creating a warm, non-judgmental and safe therapeutic space, and a relationship in which you feel supported, understood and heard. I create a collaborative and compassionate space with my clients to help them discover why they are struggling and work towards meaningful change and growth.
I specialize in treating adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, parenting issues, stress and trauma. I am also a yoga teacher and enjoy helping clients connect with their bodies to release tension and make space for self-awareness. I believe in the importance of creating a warm, non-judgmental and safe therapeutic space, and a relationship in which you feel supported, understood and heard. I create a collaborative and compassionate space with my clients to help them discover why they are struggling and work towards meaningful change and growth.
![Photo of Martin T. Kemple, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddcc8fe0-4925-4e07-8692-b1eed65bd7c3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a family-oriented psychotherapist. I work individually with adults and youth, and with families together. How we see ourselves in our families - past, present, future - often provides the foundation for how we form our initial identity. Our identity, in turn, shapes how we act at home and in the world. The therapeutic process provides first a mirror to reflect our own sometimes hidden selves, and a light to gain unique insight into who we are and what we are here to do in this world.
I am a family-oriented psychotherapist. I work individually with adults and youth, and with families together. How we see ourselves in our families - past, present, future - often provides the foundation for how we form our initial identity. Our identity, in turn, shapes how we act at home and in the world. The therapeutic process provides first a mirror to reflect our own sometimes hidden selves, and a light to gain unique insight into who we are and what we are here to do in this world.
![Photo of Jennifer Overton, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5ccf802a-c74a-4ed4-93bc-2b86a2176ca3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jennifer Overton
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602
Waitlist for new clients
I am currently making a waitlist for new clients! Welcome to Joyful Otter Therapy. I offer in-person and telehealth counseling and psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, adults and families, ages 4 and up. Through a holistic approach, I strive to provide a safe and accessible environment to explore your strengths and needs, and develop goals that fit your current situation. Using evidence-based therapy, such as cognitive behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based, and play therapy, I incorporate expressive arts to allow for more accessible treatment.
I am currently making a waitlist for new clients! Welcome to Joyful Otter Therapy. I offer in-person and telehealth counseling and psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, adults and families, ages 4 and up. Through a holistic approach, I strive to provide a safe and accessible environment to explore your strengths and needs, and develop goals that fit your current situation. Using evidence-based therapy, such as cognitive behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based, and play therapy, I incorporate expressive arts to allow for more accessible treatment.
![Photo of Talaia Thomas, LCMHC, MA, QMHP, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/002b698c-6786-4d66-ab8a-7d7cbc0f1b5f/3/320x400.jpeg)
My counseling approach is both practical and realistic, provided in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. I work with adults and older children interested and willing to make necessary changes to better their lives. I've also incorporated pets into my practice, as research has proven the use of pets in counseling reduces stress and elevates mood. Areas of treatment include depression, anxiety, PTSD, identity concerns, relationship difficulties, crisis consultation, etc. Options for counseling include traditional talk therapy, experiential work, EMDR, and CBT techniques.
My counseling approach is both practical and realistic, provided in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. I work with adults and older children interested and willing to make necessary changes to better their lives. I've also incorporated pets into my practice, as research has proven the use of pets in counseling reduces stress and elevates mood. Areas of treatment include depression, anxiety, PTSD, identity concerns, relationship difficulties, crisis consultation, etc. Options for counseling include traditional talk therapy, experiential work, EMDR, and CBT techniques.
![Photo of Evelyn A. Zoecklein, MA, LCMHC, LADC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/403664de-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have been a substance abuse and mental health clinician for 19 years. I have worked in residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient, medically assisted therapy, and school settings providing prevention, intervention, assessment, treatment, and referral services. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in group and individual sessions providing both education and therapy. I am qualified to provide license reinstatement counseling for the State of Vermont.
I have been a substance abuse and mental health clinician for 19 years. I have worked in residential, intensive outpatient, outpatient, medically assisted therapy, and school settings providing prevention, intervention, assessment, treatment, and referral services. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in group and individual sessions providing both education and therapy. I am qualified to provide license reinstatement counseling for the State of Vermont.
![Photo of Phoenix Song, MFT, CHT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/97cfe3b3-f3b0-4537-9bb0-189cfc9c66f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Phoenix Song
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CHT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Montpelier, VT 05602
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or artist, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma. With so much pain in the world, it's hard to care for your own feelings and needs, let alone heal from your experiences of trauma. I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA empaths, artists, and magic makers to heal from the trauma of oppression, abuse, and sexual violence and reclaim their power. To embrace their own sacred needs and gifts. And to connect with the power of QT ancestors and community, ecospirituality, creativity, joy, and nourished activism.
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or artist, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma. With so much pain in the world, it's hard to care for your own feelings and needs, let alone heal from your experiences of trauma. I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA empaths, artists, and magic makers to heal from the trauma of oppression, abuse, and sexual violence and reclaim their power. To embrace their own sacred needs and gifts. And to connect with the power of QT ancestors and community, ecospirituality, creativity, joy, and nourished activism.
![Photo of Karinne Comenzo, MA, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e61502d0-db84-4293-9bc7-7c1198556f0c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karinne Comenzo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LICSW
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05601 (Online Only)
I believe everyone should be in therapy. There is a true benefit to having a person to talk to who is not personally involved in the outcome and the decisions you choose. I come to each session wanting to connect with you as an individual, identify the things you want, need, and desire out of life and assist in your plan to get where you want to be.
I believe everyone should be in therapy. There is a true benefit to having a person to talk to who is not personally involved in the outcome and the decisions you choose. I come to each session wanting to connect with you as an individual, identify the things you want, need, and desire out of life and assist in your plan to get where you want to be.
![Photo of Malia Matteson, LCMHC, LPC, NCC, R-DMT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0c23d8a-4ec2-48e0-969d-c7247fe31a02/1/320x400.jpeg)
Malia Matteson
Counselor, LCMHC, LPC, NCC, R-DMT
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05601 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Maybe your life has gotten to a place where you know it needs to change, but you feel stuck and scared. Or perhaps your life just got turned upside down—a loss, a crisis, a sudden wake-up call—and you’re not sure where to turn. Then again, you might be in a place where things are basically okay. But you yearn for a greater sense of purpose and aliveness. Whatever your specific situation, if you’re ready to take the risk of changing your life for the better, then I’m here to support, guide, and collaborate with you in making that happen.
Maybe your life has gotten to a place where you know it needs to change, but you feel stuck and scared. Or perhaps your life just got turned upside down—a loss, a crisis, a sudden wake-up call—and you’re not sure where to turn. Then again, you might be in a place where things are basically okay. But you yearn for a greater sense of purpose and aliveness. Whatever your specific situation, if you’re ready to take the risk of changing your life for the better, then I’m here to support, guide, and collaborate with you in making that happen.
![Photo of Shaina Levee - Shaina Levee, M.A., MA, Registered Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/481550b2-13d6-4661-81c1-2573b308eb68/2/320x400.jpeg)
Shaina Levee, M.A.
Registered Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05601 (Online Only)
I engage emotional processing tools based in Buddhist and Transpersonal Psychology that allow you to shift out of your stress responses and into your he art and its deeper wisdom for healing and integration.
Accepting clients 8/1/2024. Offering a somatic approach that is trauma-informed, he art-centered and integrative. I work with children, teens, and adults undergoing life transitions, or who are recovering from challenging circumstances or trauma. I offer couples and family sessions in addition to individual sessions. I specialize in pregnancy/postpartum/parenting, TBI & head injury, and additionally support people undergoing grief and loss. "Shaina has helped me find my strength, confidence and embrace the challenge of motherhood as a deep practice. Seeing Shaina has been the best gift I could give to myself and my family." VT & MI.
I engage emotional processing tools based in Buddhist and Transpersonal Psychology that allow you to shift out of your stress responses and into your he art and its deeper wisdom for healing and integration.
Accepting clients 8/1/2024. Offering a somatic approach that is trauma-informed, he art-centered and integrative. I work with children, teens, and adults undergoing life transitions, or who are recovering from challenging circumstances or trauma. I offer couples and family sessions in addition to individual sessions. I specialize in pregnancy/postpartum/parenting, TBI & head injury, and additionally support people undergoing grief and loss. "Shaina has helped me find my strength, confidence and embrace the challenge of motherhood as a deep practice. Seeing Shaina has been the best gift I could give to myself and my family." VT & MI.
![Photo of Brie Pero, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d21418f2-2fa9-4428-8be8-48e9d3e2f079/1/320x400.jpeg)
My goal is to empower clients and identify their strengths, so that they can meet goals in all areas of their life. I use a variety of approaches to help heal trauma, manage challenges, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Our work might include: mindfulness, CBT, systemic therapy, solution-focused therapy, or play therapy.
My goal is to empower clients and identify their strengths, so that they can meet goals in all areas of their life. I use a variety of approaches to help heal trauma, manage challenges, improve communication, and strengthen relationships. Our work might include: mindfulness, CBT, systemic therapy, solution-focused therapy, or play therapy.
![Photo of Sarai Louise Hinkley, MA, LCMHC, BC-DMT, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/203dbfc9-9847-4de5-bf66-9f47feb93eda/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sarai Louise Hinkley
Counselor, MA, LCMHC, BC-DMT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montpelier, VT 05602
Not accepting new clients
Expressive art & dance therapy is way to reconnect to the language of the body.
I am passionate about guiding people to follow their hearts & survive this crazy, beautiful world. I support folx in moving through big life changes, stress, trauma, PTSD, addiction, anxiety, depression, internalized oppression & getting unstuck. I employ a variety of playful counseling methods demonstrated by research to be effective at increasing self-esteem, spontaneity & joy. My practice is rooted in expressive art & dance therapy, eco-somatics, social justice, trauma & attachment neuroscience & theory. If you are longing to become a more present & grounded force of change in the world, I would be honored to meet you.
Expressive art & dance therapy is way to reconnect to the language of the body.
I am passionate about guiding people to follow their hearts & survive this crazy, beautiful world. I support folx in moving through big life changes, stress, trauma, PTSD, addiction, anxiety, depression, internalized oppression & getting unstuck. I employ a variety of playful counseling methods demonstrated by research to be effective at increasing self-esteem, spontaneity & joy. My practice is rooted in expressive art & dance therapy, eco-somatics, social justice, trauma & attachment neuroscience & theory. If you are longing to become a more present & grounded force of change in the world, I would be honored to meet you.
![Photo of Erica Fayrie, LCMHC, LMHC, ATR, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/04afb1d8-9caa-4f45-bace-ee7c40873f72/1/320x400.jpeg)
Erica Fayrie
Counselor, LCMHC, LMHC, ATR
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05601 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
The work I offer integrates my masters in Expressive Art Therapy, Rapid Transformational therapy (RTT) (hypnosis), Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) EMDR, EFT and herbalism, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs.
The purpose of our work together is to guide to a place of peace, love and self awareness. I strive to help you become your optimum self, not just surviving or managing but happy and excited about living your life. You may feel like you have never belonged or do not understand what your purpose is- I hope to help you discover all of your potential and the beautiful things you have to share with this world. This is not traditional weekly therapy. Instead we meet less frequently doing in depth work that you take home to continue processing in between sessions.
The work I offer integrates my masters in Expressive Art Therapy, Rapid Transformational therapy (RTT) (hypnosis), Neuro Emotional Technique (NET) EMDR, EFT and herbalism, tailoring each session to meet your unique needs.
The purpose of our work together is to guide to a place of peace, love and self awareness. I strive to help you become your optimum self, not just surviving or managing but happy and excited about living your life. You may feel like you have never belonged or do not understand what your purpose is- I hope to help you discover all of your potential and the beautiful things you have to share with this world. This is not traditional weekly therapy. Instead we meet less frequently doing in depth work that you take home to continue processing in between sessions.
![Photo of Susannah Davis, MA, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1567661a-8a13-4072-ac27-07ab2bb1208f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Susannah Davis
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602
Not accepting new clients
I was a licensed school counselor for 18 years, kindergarten through twelfth grade, sub-acute residential counselor for young adults, therapeutic foster care provider, and art therapy facilitator within many populations.
I offer a combination of therapeutic modalities to help pre-teens, adolescents, and adults navigate and cope with their diverse life experiences. My approach is warm, relational, and client-centered, creating a non-judgmental space to explore feelings and concerns. We will discuss and agree upon your therapeutic goals at the outset, and then st art the journey toward better life balance and understanding.
I was a licensed school counselor for 18 years, kindergarten through twelfth grade, sub-acute residential counselor for young adults, therapeutic foster care provider, and art therapy facilitator within many populations.
I offer a combination of therapeutic modalities to help pre-teens, adolescents, and adults navigate and cope with their diverse life experiences. My approach is warm, relational, and client-centered, creating a non-judgmental space to explore feelings and concerns. We will discuss and agree upon your therapeutic goals at the outset, and then st art the journey toward better life balance and understanding.
![Photo of Lisa Scanlon, CMHC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/576d140c-b20e-4b6b-9056-e180aa6b4fa4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa Scanlon
Pre-Licensed Professional, CMHC
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602
Not accepting new clients
What a divine and complex person you are; both stunningly unique and profoundly woven in relationship to all others. For you, I offer the healing arts, which can be playful and light-hearted while being equally capable of offering safe passage through some of the richest, or most difficult experiences in our lives. Some for which, we can be left without words. May you then instead be drawn in, danced out, courted, felt, and moved. May the song of your life be sung in chorus, and the beat of your he art danced with wild surrender.
What a divine and complex person you are; both stunningly unique and profoundly woven in relationship to all others. For you, I offer the healing arts, which can be playful and light-hearted while being equally capable of offering safe passage through some of the richest, or most difficult experiences in our lives. Some for which, we can be left without words. May you then instead be drawn in, danced out, courted, felt, and moved. May the song of your life be sung in chorus, and the beat of your he art danced with wild surrender.
![Photo of Claire Berry, MA, LCMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f5f415c3-a5ad-4880-9dcd-210b3cff98e5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Claire Berry
Counselor, MA, LCMHC
Verified Verified
Montpelier, VT 05602 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
When your life needs direction, connection, and/or balance, whether it's your past, present, or future that brings your desire for change, you hold the power to heal. I believe that with honest self-exploration you can identify the roots of your discomfort and the path forward. I believe in the innate goodness of each person and their power to create the solutions to their challenges. I will partner in your self-discovery and healing by creating a safe, non-judgmental space to begin the work of lowering defenses and looking into the most protected areas of yourself.
When your life needs direction, connection, and/or balance, whether it's your past, present, or future that brings your desire for change, you hold the power to heal. I believe that with honest self-exploration you can identify the roots of your discomfort and the path forward. I believe in the innate goodness of each person and their power to create the solutions to their challenges. I will partner in your self-discovery and healing by creating a safe, non-judgmental space to begin the work of lowering defenses and looking into the most protected areas of yourself.
See more therapy options for Montpelier
Nearby Art Therapy Searches for Montpelier
- Barre
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- Middlebury
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Art Therapy
How does art therapy work?
The process of making art allows people to express themselves. Art-making can take many forms, such as painting, collage, or sculpting. The therapist asks questions that the work elicits, such as how the person felt while creating their piece, or if any memories surfaced that they can discuss. The therapist will then work with the patient to process their experience, understand themselves better, and work toward change.
Does art therapy help with trauma?
Art therapy can be a valuable treatment option for those suffering from trauma. Traumatic experiences such as combat, rape, or childhood abuse can be so painful that articulating them can be too scary or painful; creating art allows people to express themselves without words, and tell their story in a different way. The physical nature of creating art can also help people feel rooted in the body, which may benefit those who feel disconnected from their body in the aftermath of trauma.
How long does art therapy last?
The duration of art therapy varies, but a common length for treatment is 10 to 15 weekly sessions. Some people may see improvement in just a few weeks, while others may choose to remain in therapy longer term. Patients should periodically discuss their goals with their therapist to make sure the two are aligned on process and progress.
What are the limitations of art therapy?
Art therapy is helpful for many people, but a limitation is that it doesn’t have as robust an evidence base as other forms of therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or acceptance and commitment therapy. The evidence on art therapy is mixed; some research demonstrates its benefits, while other research suggests that it has little impact on patients.