Therapists in Vancouver, WA
Melissa Cantwell
Counselor, MA Ed, LHMCA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98663
Waitlist for new clients
I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate at A Better Way Counseling. This is a second career for me. I have spent the last 18 years in the world of public education with a master's degree in Special Education. The majority of my career has been spent supporting families and their children through the education system with the resources they need to succeed. I have worked with children ages 3-21 with a wide variety of disabilities such as autism, ADHD, visual impairments, dyslexia, communication disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.
I’m a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate at A Better Way Counseling. This is a second career for me. I have spent the last 18 years in the world of public education with a master's degree in Special Education. The majority of my career has been spent supporting families and their children through the education system with the resources they need to succeed. I have worked with children ages 3-21 with a wide variety of disabilities such as autism, ADHD, visual impairments, dyslexia, communication disorders, anxiety, depression, and more.
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“The fundamental principle in care of the soul is that the soul needs tending. If we do not tend to things in their suffering, and decay, we risk living the life of the walking dead.” ~Thomas Moore. As I acquire experience as a therapist, it has become apparent that the therapeutic relationship between the counselor and the client is crucial to the success of the client. Counseling is based on trust and the professional connection, and through that connection, the counseling session becomes a co-creation that can unlock the client’s barriers to a fulfilling life.
“The fundamental principle in care of the soul is that the soul needs tending. If we do not tend to things in their suffering, and decay, we risk living the life of the walking dead.” ~Thomas Moore. As I acquire experience as a therapist, it has become apparent that the therapeutic relationship between the counselor and the client is crucial to the success of the client. Counseling is based on trust and the professional connection, and through that connection, the counseling session becomes a co-creation that can unlock the client’s barriers to a fulfilling life.
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Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Vancouver
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See More TherapistsExpressive 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.