Art Therapy in Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA

Photo of Kelly Kaderlik, LMHC, Counselor
Kelly Kaderlik
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
I would love to guide you in the process of art making to promote your own personal healing.
Hello, my name is Kelly Kaderlik. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find a counselor and the feelings that come with starting therapy. The fact that you are looking at this page now shows that you are ready and willing to make a change in your life, therapy is hard work, and the progress can feel slow sometimes but I will point out your strengths and accomplishments on our journey together. I would like to provide you some more information about who I am and my professional experience so you can make an informed decision about working together. You can always call me too if you would like to know more.
I would love to guide you in the process of art making to promote your own personal healing.
Hello, my name is Kelly Kaderlik. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to find a counselor and the feelings that come with starting therapy. The fact that you are looking at this page now shows that you are ready and willing to make a change in your life, therapy is hard work, and the progress can feel slow sometimes but I will point out your strengths and accomplishments on our journey together. I would like to provide you some more information about who I am and my professional experience so you can make an informed decision about working together. You can always call me too if you would like to know more.
(360) 818-7207 x1 View (360) 818-7207 x1
Photo of Danielle M Rosa, ATR, LMHC, Counselor
Danielle M Rosa
Counselor, ATR, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112
I am a dual trained mental health counselor and art therapist with specialized training for trauma in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR.
I am passionate about guiding people on their transformative journeys of self-discovery and healing. With boundless empathy and flair for creativity, I believe in the power of expression as a pathway to profound insights and personal growth. In my inclusive space, honoring diversity and fostering a sense of acceptance is key. Let's shed the layers of your past and embark on reparenting, igniting the spark within you to radiate authenticity and strength. Whether you seek to unravel the depths of your emotions, release past traumas, or simply reconnect with your inner muse, I'm here to walk with you, sculpting joy and authenticity.
I am a dual trained mental health counselor and art therapist with specialized training for trauma in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and EMDR.
I am passionate about guiding people on their transformative journeys of self-discovery and healing. With boundless empathy and flair for creativity, I believe in the power of expression as a pathway to profound insights and personal growth. In my inclusive space, honoring diversity and fostering a sense of acceptance is key. Let's shed the layers of your past and embark on reparenting, igniting the spark within you to radiate authenticity and strength. Whether you seek to unravel the depths of your emotions, release past traumas, or simply reconnect with your inner muse, I'm here to walk with you, sculpting joy and authenticity.
(206) 569-8208 View (206) 569-8208
Photo of Rachel Loch, MA, LMHCA, ATR-P, Counselor
Rachel Loch
Counselor, MA, LMHCA, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112
I also am trained in Art Therapy and incorporate this when applicable!.
Whether you are getting to know yourself better or are seeking support while navigating life’s challenges, I would love to come alongside your journey to offer a compassionate and empowering space to process and grow in. I enjoy working with people who may be members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and people with systemic or religious trauma. However, you don’t need to belong to these particular communities to work with me, I hope to see clients thrive in exactly who they are.
I also am trained in Art Therapy and incorporate this when applicable!.
Whether you are getting to know yourself better or are seeking support while navigating life’s challenges, I would love to come alongside your journey to offer a compassionate and empowering space to process and grow in. I enjoy working with people who may be members of the LGBTQIA+ community, neurodivergent folks, and people with systemic or religious trauma. However, you don’t need to belong to these particular communities to work with me, I hope to see clients thrive in exactly who they are.
(509) 796-7912 View (509) 796-7912
Photo of Suzra Martha Antoine, MSW, LICSWA, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Suzra Martha Antoine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSWA, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
Evidence-based practices I uses are Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, Trauma-Play, Play Therapy, TF-CBT, Art Therapy, and mindfulness/coping skills.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, trauma, and multiple mental health diagnoses? I assist clients in healing from trauma, helping youth, adolescents, and adults cope with life stressors, and low self-esteem. I also assist individuals in identifying their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, establishing goals, empowering individuals to believe in themselves by offering compassion and support to clients in learning different coping skills to overcome life's stressors.
Evidence-based practices I uses are Cognitive behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy, Trauma-Play, Play Therapy, TF-CBT, Art Therapy, and mindfulness/coping skills.
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, trauma, and multiple mental health diagnoses? I assist clients in healing from trauma, helping youth, adolescents, and adults cope with life stressors, and low self-esteem. I also assist individuals in identifying their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, establishing goals, empowering individuals to believe in themselves by offering compassion and support to clients in learning different coping skills to overcome life's stressors.
(206) 204-5185 View (206) 204-5185
Photo of Cecille Alexander, LMHC, ATR-P, Counselor
Cecille Alexander
Counselor, LMHC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
In addition to talk therapy, I gently invite clients to explore their full range of expression through art making, storytelling, music, breathwork, and movement; the body can understand truth in ways that words cannot.
I believe in honoring your intersecting identities and how they contextualize your experience. As a multicultural/mixed Asian American (Korean/Filipino/white), highly sensitive, queer femme, the question of how to navigate life in the duality has perpetually challenged and inspired me throughout my life, delivering me to this work. I'm passionate about working with clients of marginalized gender, sexuality, and racial identities who are exploring their truths related to culture, race, generation, and queerness. I hope that together we can explore the important intersection of personal transformation and social change.
In addition to talk therapy, I gently invite clients to explore their full range of expression through art making, storytelling, music, breathwork, and movement; the body can understand truth in ways that words cannot.
I believe in honoring your intersecting identities and how they contextualize your experience. As a multicultural/mixed Asian American (Korean/Filipino/white), highly sensitive, queer femme, the question of how to navigate life in the duality has perpetually challenged and inspired me throughout my life, delivering me to this work. I'm passionate about working with clients of marginalized gender, sexuality, and racial identities who are exploring their truths related to culture, race, generation, and queerness. I hope that together we can explore the important intersection of personal transformation and social change.
(206) 594-2779 View (206) 594-2779
Photo of Joy Rufener, MA, LMHC, LPCC, Counselor
Joy Rufener
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPCC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112
Integrating art making in therapy can help us understand our path to healing and wholeness.
Is life feeling like too much to handle alone lately? Are you feeling stuck or hopeless? Do you struggle to prioritize yourself or even know who you are or what you want? You are not alone. This non-judgmental space has been created for you to unload your burden. You will be listened to, believed in, acknowledged, and seen. You will be welcomed. You are invited to create this space for yourself. Together we will embark on a journey toward emotional healing and wholeness, exploring mind, body, and spirit.
Integrating art making in therapy can help us understand our path to healing and wholeness.
Is life feeling like too much to handle alone lately? Are you feeling stuck or hopeless? Do you struggle to prioritize yourself or even know who you are or what you want? You are not alone. This non-judgmental space has been created for you to unload your burden. You will be listened to, believed in, acknowledged, and seen. You will be welcomed. You are invited to create this space for yourself. Together we will embark on a journey toward emotional healing and wholeness, exploring mind, body, and spirit.
(562) 553-8905 View (562) 553-8905
Photo of Hannah Guggenheim, MSW, MFA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Hannah Guggenheim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MFA
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102
Waitlist for new clients
Art Therapy & Narrative Therapy.
Intuitive, culturally sensitive, solution-based therapy can help you cultivate gratitude, understand nuance and heal. Our focus: wellbeing, self acceptance and your quest for ongoing transformation. I am a trauma informed practitioner supporting life transitions for individuals, couples and families. I work with adjustment difficulties and disorders, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, PTSD, ADHD, SPD, infertility and parent coaching. LGBTQ2SIA, gender affirming mental health therapy. I am a certified technology addiction specialist.
Art Therapy & Narrative Therapy.
Intuitive, culturally sensitive, solution-based therapy can help you cultivate gratitude, understand nuance and heal. Our focus: wellbeing, self acceptance and your quest for ongoing transformation. I am a trauma informed practitioner supporting life transitions for individuals, couples and families. I work with adjustment difficulties and disorders, anxiety/depression, grief and loss, PTSD, ADHD, SPD, infertility and parent coaching. LGBTQ2SIA, gender affirming mental health therapy. I am a certified technology addiction specialist.
(360) 288-4772 View (360) 288-4772
Photo of Clare Wheeler, MA, LMHC, ATR-P, Counselor
Clare Wheeler
Counselor, MA, LMHC, ATR-P
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102
This is why, in addition to regular talk therapy, I also offer Art Therapy and EMDR.
We all deserve to feel at home and safe in our bodies and minds, and it’s my passion to help you find this place. If you're not feeling at home with yourself right now, the question is not "what's wrong with me?", but rather, "what happened to me?". There is a reason you're struggling the way you are, and we'll curiously and compassionately look for these answers together, while developing ways for you to tend to your body and mind. It's not always an easy journey, but it's the most important one.
This is why, in addition to regular talk therapy, I also offer Art Therapy and EMDR.
We all deserve to feel at home and safe in our bodies and minds, and it’s my passion to help you find this place. If you're not feeling at home with yourself right now, the question is not "what's wrong with me?", but rather, "what happened to me?". There is a reason you're struggling the way you are, and we'll curiously and compassionately look for these answers together, while developing ways for you to tend to your body and mind. It's not always an easy journey, but it's the most important one.
(360) 218-7190 View (360) 218-7190
Photo of Katie Renee Taylor - Magnolia Behavioral and Holistic Health, LSWAIC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Magnolia Behavioral and Holistic Health
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Art Therapy, Cultural Competence and Awareness, Intersectionality-Informed Therapy, Empowerment and Strengths-Based Therapy, Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices and motivational interviewing (MI).
I am an open book that listens and shares. Your concerns, challenges, and aspirations matter deeply to me. By listening attentively and with empathy, I strive to truly understand your needs and goals. This allows me to tailor my approach to best support you on your journey. I work with clients who suffer with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, Low Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence, Trauma and Abuse. Pre and Adolescent teens dealing with academic pressure, family dynamics, processing emotions, Bullying and peer pressure, Identity and Self-Discovery and Sexual Health. Black women navigating their Blackness in todays society.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Family Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapies, Art Therapy, Cultural Competence and Awareness, Intersectionality-Informed Therapy, Empowerment and Strengths-Based Therapy, Mindfulness and Self-Care Practices and motivational interviewing (MI).
I am an open book that listens and shares. Your concerns, challenges, and aspirations matter deeply to me. By listening attentively and with empathy, I strive to truly understand your needs and goals. This allows me to tailor my approach to best support you on your journey. I work with clients who suffer with anxiety, depression, relationship problems, Low Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence, Trauma and Abuse. Pre and Adolescent teens dealing with academic pressure, family dynamics, processing emotions, Bullying and peer pressure, Identity and Self-Discovery and Sexual Health. Black women navigating their Blackness in todays society.
(509) 339-8063 View (509) 339-8063
Photo of Dani Patrick, LMHCA
Dani Patrick
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, LMHCA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
If you want, we can dive into writing, art, music, movement, or role-playing to explore your experience and imagine the future you want.
Accepting new clients as of 8/26/24. Whether you’re transgender, non-binary, queer, neurodivergent, kinky or non-monogamous, you deserve a therapist who gets you. Maybe stress or trauma has impacted how you show up to relationships. Maybe creativity plays a big role in your life but you've been feeling disconnected to your creative practice. Maybe despite external success, you struggle to feel good about yourself. As a therapist, I work to support you in bringing curiosity and compassion towards yourself. Together we can unpack your experience, develop deeper self-understanding, and shift patterns that no longer work for you.
If you want, we can dive into writing, art, music, movement, or role-playing to explore your experience and imagine the future you want.
Accepting new clients as of 8/26/24. Whether you’re transgender, non-binary, queer, neurodivergent, kinky or non-monogamous, you deserve a therapist who gets you. Maybe stress or trauma has impacted how you show up to relationships. Maybe creativity plays a big role in your life but you've been feeling disconnected to your creative practice. Maybe despite external success, you struggle to feel good about yourself. As a therapist, I work to support you in bringing curiosity and compassion towards yourself. Together we can unpack your experience, develop deeper self-understanding, and shift patterns that no longer work for you.
(281) 720-3954 View (281) 720-3954
Photo of Sarah Weber, MA, LMHC, LPC, AT-P, Counselor
Sarah Weber
Counselor, MA, LMHC, LPC, AT-P
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102
Both evidence-based practices and expressive therapies are used in my approach: Art Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention and Inference-Based CBT.
Starting therapy for the first time, or with someone new, can bring up feelings of vulnerability. There’s no right or wrong way to st art, or reasons needed to begin. I believe all people can benefit from therapy. After all, being a human is hard enough. With me, the process of coming to therapy is made simple through co-creating safety and trust. I allow space where people can be human, share their truth, explore identities and practice new learning. I’m accepting clients ages 5+ for in-person and ages 13+ for telehealth or in-person. Clients under 13 unable to do in-person are encouraged to st art parent sessions to foster change.
Both evidence-based practices and expressive therapies are used in my approach: Art Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention and Inference-Based CBT.
Starting therapy for the first time, or with someone new, can bring up feelings of vulnerability. There’s no right or wrong way to st art, or reasons needed to begin. I believe all people can benefit from therapy. After all, being a human is hard enough. With me, the process of coming to therapy is made simple through co-creating safety and trust. I allow space where people can be human, share their truth, explore identities and practice new learning. I’m accepting clients ages 5+ for in-person and ages 13+ for telehealth or in-person. Clients under 13 unable to do in-person are encouraged to st art parent sessions to foster change.
(425) 961-6718 View (425) 961-6718
Photo of Anne W Taylor, LMHC, LPC, ATR, Counselor
Anne W Taylor
Counselor, LMHC, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
Recognizing the complexity of each individual’s needs and circumstances I employ an eclectic range of strength based, trauma informed therapy approaches including Mindfulness, Art Therapy and Brainspotting.
I believe that every individual possesses their own unique strengths and knowledge that can be leveraged to overcome challenges and navigate life transitions. I take an integrative, trauma informed mindfulness-based approach, to empower you to be your own change agent for creating sustainable optimum emotional and spiritual well-being.
Recognizing the complexity of each individual’s needs and circumstances I employ an eclectic range of strength based, trauma informed therapy approaches including Mindfulness, Art Therapy and Brainspotting.
I believe that every individual possesses their own unique strengths and knowledge that can be leveraged to overcome challenges and navigate life transitions. I take an integrative, trauma informed mindfulness-based approach, to empower you to be your own change agent for creating sustainable optimum emotional and spiritual well-being.
(206) 445-7988 View (206) 445-7988
Photo of Mariana Boden, MAEd, LMHCA, NCC, Counselor
Mariana Boden
Counselor, MAEd, LMHCA, NCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112
Mental health struggles can make it challenging for anyone to enjoy their life fully. It is my passion to support others in finding healing in whatever way that feels right and useful for them. I believe in creating a trustworthy, non-judgmental space for therapy, in which each client can show up as they are. I have extensive training and experience with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and I also have a lot of experience (clinical and personal) working with neurodiverse individuals, particularly with ADHD.
Mental health struggles can make it challenging for anyone to enjoy their life fully. It is my passion to support others in finding healing in whatever way that feels right and useful for them. I believe in creating a trustworthy, non-judgmental space for therapy, in which each client can show up as they are. I have extensive training and experience with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and I also have a lot of experience (clinical and personal) working with neurodiverse individuals, particularly with ADHD.
(206) 309-8212 View (206) 309-8212
Photo of Dr. Ezra Mf Goetzen, PsyD, Counselor
Dr. Ezra Mf Goetzen
Counselor, PsyD
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98122  (Online Only)
I have current openings ———Navigating our current world is no easy task, especially if you are queer, trans, non-binary, or practice non traditional relationship structures. Many of us experience depression, anxiety, intense self doubt, or even self hatred. I will offer you a safe yet engaging space where we can challenge and heal the blocks that get in your way.
I have current openings ———Navigating our current world is no easy task, especially if you are queer, trans, non-binary, or practice non traditional relationship structures. Many of us experience depression, anxiety, intense self doubt, or even self hatred. I will offer you a safe yet engaging space where we can challenge and heal the blocks that get in your way.
(646) 588-1596 View (646) 588-1596
Photo of Nicholas S. Sciarrone, LMHC, MHP, MA, Counselor
Nicholas S. Sciarrone
Counselor, LMHC, MHP, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, self esteem, SUD, and struggles related to life transitions. I help clients find the solid ground they need to support forward movement and a more positive trajectory. I begin by working with clients in developing a deeper understanding of themselves to arm them with the knowledge necessary to address their problems and make changes necessary to develop more adaptive coping strategies and improve the quality of their lives. I am non-judgmental and work to create a space in which clients can freely explore, uncover, and accept themselves more fully to live fuller, more meaningful lives.
I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, self esteem, SUD, and struggles related to life transitions. I help clients find the solid ground they need to support forward movement and a more positive trajectory. I begin by working with clients in developing a deeper understanding of themselves to arm them with the knowledge necessary to address their problems and make changes necessary to develop more adaptive coping strategies and improve the quality of their lives. I am non-judgmental and work to create a space in which clients can freely explore, uncover, and accept themselves more fully to live fuller, more meaningful lives.
(206) 502-0894 View (206) 502-0894
Photo of Toun Altharwa, MA , LMHC, Counselor
Toun Altharwa
Counselor, MA , LMHC
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
I am a non-binary trauma informed therapist and I come from a spiritual background believing in love and compassion for all living beings. I welcome people from all walks of life and have worked with populations from diverse backgrounds.
I am a non-binary trauma informed therapist and I come from a spiritual background believing in love and compassion for all living beings. I welcome people from all walks of life and have worked with populations from diverse backgrounds.
(360) 322-1679 View (360) 322-1679
Photo of Nica Selvaggio, LMHC, NCC, Counselor
Nica Selvaggio
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102
Mental health shouldn’t be a privilege. So much of how we feel in our minds and bodies has to do with the identities we inhabit in the world and how our environments do or do not support us. Counseling is a tool that can be helpful when dealing with the natural anxiety, depression, and grief that can arise as a result of living in a culture that refuses to see you or value you. I work with folks through an anti-oppression and somatic (body-based) lens. As a Non-Binary and Queer therapist, I am passionate about the decolonization of the therapy space. The personal is political.
Mental health shouldn’t be a privilege. So much of how we feel in our minds and bodies has to do with the identities we inhabit in the world and how our environments do or do not support us. Counseling is a tool that can be helpful when dealing with the natural anxiety, depression, and grief that can arise as a result of living in a culture that refuses to see you or value you. I work with folks through an anti-oppression and somatic (body-based) lens. As a Non-Binary and Queer therapist, I am passionate about the decolonization of the therapy space. The personal is political.
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Photo of Sumer Statler Aeed, EdD, Psychologist
Sumer Statler Aeed
Psychologist, EdD
Verified Verified
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98112  (Online Only)
Are you living out a story that reflects your truth or is p art of something limiting you from being who you are meant to be? Together we can rewrite, edit, and update your story and your life.
For 22 years I have been helping people solve challenges in life and to find the power and abilities that have been inside them all along. I work with people who face challenges in life as well as those who simply seek ongoing growth and joy in their lives. Let's collaborate to find solutions and to help you develop the skills to improve your quality of life and create lasting change in your relationships with yourself and others. My goal is to create a collaborative relationship with you to help you uncover your authentic self. My style is caring, direct, and often humorous.
Are you living out a story that reflects your truth or is p art of something limiting you from being who you are meant to be? Together we can rewrite, edit, and update your story and your life.
For 22 years I have been helping people solve challenges in life and to find the power and abilities that have been inside them all along. I work with people who face challenges in life as well as those who simply seek ongoing growth and joy in their lives. Let's collaborate to find solutions and to help you develop the skills to improve your quality of life and create lasting change in your relationships with yourself and others. My goal is to create a collaborative relationship with you to help you uncover your authentic self. My style is caring, direct, and often humorous.
(480) 526-7033 View (480) 526-7033
Photo of Tracy L Stewart, MA, MEd, LMHC, Counselor
Tracy L Stewart
Counselor, MA, MEd, LMHC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
Caregivers are an integral p art of our work to support children (ages 0-18) cope with trauma - including abuse, adoption issues, anxiety, depression, anger, oppositional behavior, ADHD, or relating to others.
I center experiences of Black, Indigenous, & other world-majority cultures, & LGBTQIA+. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you to improve relationships, problem-solve, or reduce your suffering.
Caregivers are an integral p art of our work to support children (ages 0-18) cope with trauma - including abuse, adoption issues, anxiety, depression, anger, oppositional behavior, ADHD, or relating to others.
I center experiences of Black, Indigenous, & other world-majority cultures, & LGBTQIA+. I appreciate the opportunity to work with you to improve relationships, problem-solve, or reduce your suffering.
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Photo of Bronwyn Wrobel, LMFT, LMHC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Bronwyn Wrobel
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
20 Endorsed
Capitol Hill, Seattle, WA 98102  (Online Only)
As a Transpersonal Psychotherapist I offer mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual support. I teach you to Love & Accept yourself unconditionally. When you Trust yourself to handle whatever life presents you, you tap into limitless power. You begin to see how every life experience has value and growth potential. Your perspective shifts and life begins to work for you instead of against you. Check out my website for more information www.wizetherapy.com
As a Transpersonal Psychotherapist I offer mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual support. I teach you to Love & Accept yourself unconditionally. When you Trust yourself to handle whatever life presents you, you tap into limitless power. You begin to see how every life experience has value and growth potential. Your perspective shifts and life begins to work for you instead of against you. Check out my website for more information www.wizetherapy.com
(310) 905-8625 View (310) 905-8625
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See more therapy options for Capitol Hill, Seattle

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.