Expressive Arts Therapists in 37203

Photo of Jill Terhune, EdS, LPC, Counselor
Jill Terhune
Counselor, EdS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
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.
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Photo of Gabriela Aguirre-Iriarte, MS, MA, LPC-MHS, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gabriela Aguirre-Iriarte
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, MA, LPC-MHS, RPT-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I am a Registered Play Therapist and believe in the power of play and expressive arts.
Growing is a complicated affair, it challenges us to face the unfaceable. Changes can be unpredictable and frightening. Life is scary like facing a dragon, but the paradox is that 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.
Growing is a complicated affair, it challenges us to face the unfaceable. Changes can be unpredictable and frightening. Life is scary like facing a dragon, but the paradox is that 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.
(629) 260-5433 View (629) 260-5433
Photo of Preston Lang, MA, LPC, -MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Preston Lang
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, -MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I also utilize Mindfulness, expressive arts & other experiential interventions.
We begin to develop our sense of Self & identity through our interactions with others at an early age. Our self-esteem, our thought patterns that contribute to anxiety or depression, our choice of a partner later in life--- all are heavily influenced by our relationships with those around us. When you begin to understand the origin of your thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns, you are better able to navigate your life. Therapy allows us to heal from trauma, process our grief, ease conflicts in our personal relationships, and develop a clearer sense of self.
I also utilize Mindfulness, expressive arts & other experiential interventions.
We begin to develop our sense of Self & identity through our interactions with others at an early age. Our self-esteem, our thought patterns that contribute to anxiety or depression, our choice of a partner later in life--- all are heavily influenced by our relationships with those around us. When you begin to understand the origin of your thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns, you are better able to navigate your life. Therapy allows us to heal from trauma, process our grief, ease conflicts in our personal relationships, and develop a clearer sense of self.
(629) 206-9491 View (629) 206-9491
Photo of Jessie Risman, MS, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
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.
(615) 205-8130 View (615) 205-8130
Photo of Rachel Mae Gladys - Rachel Gladys Therapeutic Services, LPCMHSP, RPT, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachel Gladys Therapeutic Services
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCMHSP, RPT, NCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
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.
(615) 569-3193 View (615) 569-3193
Photo of Natalie Hoyt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Natalie Hoyt
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
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.
(615) 205-9589 View (615) 205-9589
Photo of Angelique Howington Works, MS, LPC, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Angelique Howington Works
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
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.
(615) 206-3009 View (615) 206-3009
Photo of Rebekah Near @ Tennessee Mental Wellness, LCAT
Rebekah Near @ Tennessee Mental Wellness
Creative Arts Therapist, LCAT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Expressive arts is experiential, using simple, accessible tools and materials.
Are you looking for something different? Expressive arts therapy aims at getting to the authentic root of issues with individuals and groups through the arts. This unique theraputic style assists in coping through major life changes and helps to increase self-care and mindfulness. Expressive arts integrates the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing, play and other creative processes to foster personal transformation. In our sessions we will use intermodal expressive arts interventions to engage the full range of emotions associated with life’s obstacles.
Expressive arts is experiential, using simple, accessible tools and materials.
Are you looking for something different? Expressive arts therapy aims at getting to the authentic root of issues with individuals and groups through the arts. This unique theraputic style assists in coping through major life changes and helps to increase self-care and mindfulness. Expressive arts integrates the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing, play and other creative processes to foster personal transformation. In our sessions we will use intermodal expressive arts interventions to engage the full range of emotions associated with life’s obstacles.
(615) 258-7317 View (615) 258-7317
Photo of Niamh Rawlins, MS, LPCMHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Niamh Rawlins
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, questions of identity, relational issues, trauma, or are transitioning into a new phase of life, sometimes life demands more of us than we know how to give. If this is where you are today, I commend your courage for seeking help. Where you are at today is not where you need to remain. I will meet you where you're at, and work with you to find meaning, solutions, and next steps in your life and relationships.
Whether you are dealing with anxiety, questions of identity, relational issues, trauma, or are transitioning into a new phase of life, sometimes life demands more of us than we know how to give. If this is where you are today, I commend your courage for seeking help. Where you are at today is not where you need to remain. I will meet you where you're at, and work with you to find meaning, solutions, and next steps in your life and relationships.
(629) 263-6664 View (629) 263-6664
Photo of Dr. Layla J. Bonner, PhD, LMFT, NCC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Layla J. Bonner
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, NCC
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203  (Online Only)
I work best with clients who have a deep desire to be seen, heard, and known. I want to know your heart, your fears, your shame, and your pain. I want to know how past hurts and trauma affect your everyday life today.
I work best with clients who have a deep desire to be seen, heard, and known. I want to know your heart, your fears, your shame, and your pain. I want to know how past hurts and trauma affect your everyday life today.
(615) 908-3841 View (615) 908-3841
Photo of Musenge Selina Luchembe - Ketamine Assisted Therapy with Musenge, LMFT-S, LPC, MHSP-S, Marriage & Family Therapist
Ketamine Assisted Therapy with Musenge
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT-S, LPC, MHSP-S
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Welcome! No matter where you are in your journey, I am here to support you with embodying wellness in all areas of your life. I am a black, cisgendered, neurodistinct, 1st generation multicultural, nature loving queer biological and adoptive parent with over a decade of experience working with gender expansive adults, sexual minorities ​and multiracial intimate relationships. I prioritize promoting a safe, non-forceful, collaborative exploration, embracing pleasure-centered, kink affirming and non-monogamous relationship structures while practicing intersectional, anti-oppression and decolonizing work.
Welcome! No matter where you are in your journey, I am here to support you with embodying wellness in all areas of your life. I am a black, cisgendered, neurodistinct, 1st generation multicultural, nature loving queer biological and adoptive parent with over a decade of experience working with gender expansive adults, sexual minorities ​and multiracial intimate relationships. I prioritize promoting a safe, non-forceful, collaborative exploration, embracing pleasure-centered, kink affirming and non-monogamous relationship structures while practicing intersectional, anti-oppression and decolonizing work.
(615) 271-9898 View (615) 271-9898
Photo of Gwendolyn Cane, MA, LPC, MHSP, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor
Gwendolyn Cane
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MHSP, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203  (Online Only)
You have made a big step to reach out for help. I can only imagine all of what you are feeling in this moment. I am so proud of you for beginning your journey towards becoming a happier and healthier you. It will be my pleasure to assist and encourage you on reaching your mental health goals with empathy and understanding.
You have made a big step to reach out for help. I can only imagine all of what you are feeling in this moment. I am so proud of you for beginning your journey towards becoming a happier and healthier you. It will be my pleasure to assist and encourage you on reaching your mental health goals with empathy and understanding.
(615) 437-4165 View (615) 437-4165
Photo of Heather Alesch, MEd, PsyD, Psychologist
Heather Alesch
Psychologist, MEd, PsyD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Hello- Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I love working with adolescents and adults. I am particularly interested in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, facilitating trauma processes, and substance use recovery. Positivity, laughter, music, and creativity are essential elements of my practice. I look forward to helping you identify your strengths while expressing difficulties through modalities that fit your abilities and preferences.
Hello- Thank you for taking the time to learn about me. I love working with adolescents and adults. I am particularly interested in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, facilitating trauma processes, and substance use recovery. Positivity, laughter, music, and creativity are essential elements of my practice. I look forward to helping you identify your strengths while expressing difficulties through modalities that fit your abilities and preferences.
(615) 398-6127 View (615) 398-6127
Photo of Perry Lines, LMFT, MT-BC, Marriage & Family Therapist
Perry Lines
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MT-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I work well with clients who are driven toward growth and hungry for insight. I am here to help individuals who are seeking to find stability, discover their value and worth, and bring health and restoration to their relationships.
I work well with clients who are driven toward growth and hungry for insight. I am here to help individuals who are seeking to find stability, discover their value and worth, and bring health and restoration to their relationships.
(615) 235-5082 View (615) 235-5082
Photo of Jess Mansell, MS, LPCMHSP, Counselor
Jess Mansell
Counselor, MS, LPCMHSP
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
I work with those who suffer from anxiety, trauma recovery, relational issues, grief and loss, and in exploring self-identity. I also enjoy work with individual clients who seek help in their relationship(s). My goal as a therapist is to create and manage hope for change with you as a client, to teach you tools and skills that help you exercise agency in your every day life, and move away from where you currently are and towards where you dream to be. I see clients from a space of wild curiosity, authenticity, and compassion, and hope that they too can one day be curious, authentic and compassionate towards self and towards others.
I work with those who suffer from anxiety, trauma recovery, relational issues, grief and loss, and in exploring self-identity. I also enjoy work with individual clients who seek help in their relationship(s). My goal as a therapist is to create and manage hope for change with you as a client, to teach you tools and skills that help you exercise agency in your every day life, and move away from where you currently are and towards where you dream to be. I see clients from a space of wild curiosity, authenticity, and compassion, and hope that they too can one day be curious, authentic and compassionate towards self and towards others.
(615) 502-4479 View (615) 502-4479
Photo of Tonya Mills, NCC, LPC-, MHSP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tonya Mills
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC-, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
If you feel you sometimes get in the way of your own happiness, or find yourself repeating relationship patterns that are ineffective, I may be a good fit for you. Whether the difficulty is past trauma or present circumstances, I enjoy working with individuals who long to create a healthier connection with themselves and others. Disconnectedness can result in anxiety, isolation, depression or addiction. I understand the panic and fear that surfaces when my clients have been hurt by themselves or by those they love the most. I create a safe space for them to process difficult experiences, while learning to live a more fulfilled life
If you feel you sometimes get in the way of your own happiness, or find yourself repeating relationship patterns that are ineffective, I may be a good fit for you. Whether the difficulty is past trauma or present circumstances, I enjoy working with individuals who long to create a healthier connection with themselves and others. Disconnectedness can result in anxiety, isolation, depression or addiction. I understand the panic and fear that surfaces when my clients have been hurt by themselves or by those they love the most. I create a safe space for them to process difficult experiences, while learning to live a more fulfilled life
(615) 307-4123 View (615) 307-4123
Photo of Emily Rattle, MSW , Pre-Licensed Professional
Emily Rattle
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Glad you're here! I specialize in guiding individuals aged 16 and beyond through life's twists and turns, helping them navigate challenges like eating disorders, body image struggles, depression, and anxiety while discovering their true selves.
Glad you're here! I specialize in guiding individuals aged 16 and beyond through life's twists and turns, helping them navigate challenges like eating disorders, body image struggles, depression, and anxiety while discovering their true selves.
(629) 249-1507 View (629) 249-1507
Photo of Teresa Prendes-Walls, MAEdS, LPC, MHSP, Counselor
Teresa Prendes-Walls
Counselor, MAEdS, LPC, MHSP
Verified Verified
Nashville, TN 37203
My approach to counseling is very interactive and individualized. I like to provide an environment full of creativity, flexibility and humor during the counseling process. Challenging your self-perception, understanding your emotions, and changing your unhelpful behaviors requires tough work, but you won't be doing it alone. Together we will explore the patterns in your life that are keeping you stuck and find healthier ways to achieve what you need so that you can begin creating a life you love.
My approach to counseling is very interactive and individualized. I like to provide an environment full of creativity, flexibility and humor during the counseling process. Challenging your self-perception, understanding your emotions, and changing your unhelpful behaviors requires tough work, but you won't be doing it alone. Together we will explore the patterns in your life that are keeping you stuck and find healthier ways to achieve what you need so that you can begin creating a life you love.
(615) 206-4164 View (615) 206-4164
Photo of Jamelun Crutchfield, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Jamelun Crutchfield
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203
Have you been feeling overwhelmed since something happened? Do you have distressing thoughts and feelings that you have a hard time controlling? Have you not felt like yourself in a while and do others say you have been different? Other people might not understand how life has been difficult for you lately which makes it hard for you to feel understood and known. Past trauma can make it hard for people to cope with everyday life and activities. This can make it difficult for you to feel like your life matters, feel confident in your decisions, and feel comfortable in your relationships with others.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed since something happened? Do you have distressing thoughts and feelings that you have a hard time controlling? Have you not felt like yourself in a while and do others say you have been different? Other people might not understand how life has been difficult for you lately which makes it hard for you to feel understood and known. Past trauma can make it hard for people to cope with everyday life and activities. This can make it difficult for you to feel like your life matters, feel confident in your decisions, and feel comfortable in your relationships with others.
(615) 437-5083 View (615) 437-5083
Photo of Keenan Pasztor, MS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Keenan Pasztor
Pre-Licensed Professional, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nashville, TN 37203  (Online Only)
Being a teenager and young adult is hard! There is so much uncertainty and uncomfortable feelings that are difficult to sort through. Adolescence is a pivotal time filled with growth, challenges, and profound transformations. I am dedicated to helping young people navigate this complex period, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their identities, manage stress, and develop healthy coping strategies.
Being a teenager and young adult is hard! There is so much uncertainty and uncomfortable feelings that are difficult to sort through. Adolescence is a pivotal time filled with growth, challenges, and profound transformations. I am dedicated to helping young people navigate this complex period, offering a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their identities, manage stress, and develop healthy coping strategies.
(615) 471-6793 View (615) 471-6793
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.