Expressive Arts Therapists in 97236
Erica Ochsenreither
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, ATR-BC, LCAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97236 (Online Only)
I practice from an integrated model that combines expressive arts, somatic, trauma-informed, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, and attachment approaches.
I am passionate about providing a warm, collaborative, empathetic space with opportunity for embodied healing. I will support you in weaving together thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs in a safe and supportive relationship, deepening your awareness and, at times, challenging you toward your potential. I serve those struggling with depression, anxiety, navigating the effects of acute and/or complex trauma, those seeking to deepen their relationship with their body, and those desiring to change the way they show up in relationships. Come as you are, to a soft place to land, where you can feel wholeheartedly human.
I practice from an integrated model that combines expressive arts, somatic, trauma-informed, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, and attachment approaches.
I am passionate about providing a warm, collaborative, empathetic space with opportunity for embodied healing. I will support you in weaving together thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs in a safe and supportive relationship, deepening your awareness and, at times, challenging you toward your potential. I serve those struggling with depression, anxiety, navigating the effects of acute and/or complex trauma, those seeking to deepen their relationship with their body, and those desiring to change the way they show up in relationships. Come as you are, to a soft place to land, where you can feel wholeheartedly human.
In therapy sessions I work to develop mindfulness skills through art, talk, and interactions with nature. There are opportunities to process difficult experiences and transform feelings of hurt, fear, and anger into dynamic creativity. I have experience working with individuals who are healing from past trauma, coping with medical issues, managing anger, learning to recognize personal strengths, finding ways to connect to their communities, and developing more creative and joyful lives.”
In therapy sessions I work to develop mindfulness skills through art, talk, and interactions with nature. There are opportunities to process difficult experiences and transform feelings of hurt, fear, and anger into dynamic creativity. I have experience working with individuals who are healing from past trauma, coping with medical issues, managing anger, learning to recognize personal strengths, finding ways to connect to their communities, and developing more creative and joyful lives.”
Aimee Amodio
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97236 (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Aimee. I'm a queer, nonbinary social worker in the glorious Pacific Northwest. Currently accepting new clients located in Washington State. As a licensed, clinical social worker (LICSW), I have training and experience in working with individuals using a strengths-based, trauma informed, and intersectional lens. That means I see the best in you, do my best to not retraumatize you, and honor all your different roles and identities. My greatest gift as a therapist is empathy. My counseling style is flexible, and always incorporates humor and weirdness.
Hi, I'm Aimee. I'm a queer, nonbinary social worker in the glorious Pacific Northwest. Currently accepting new clients located in Washington State. As a licensed, clinical social worker (LICSW), I have training and experience in working with individuals using a strengths-based, trauma informed, and intersectional lens. That means I see the best in you, do my best to not retraumatize you, and honor all your different roles and identities. My greatest gift as a therapist is empathy. My counseling style is flexible, and always incorporates humor and weirdness.
Catherine Chapman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, NCC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97236
Waitlist for new clients
I entered the mental health field based on my own life-changing experience when I went through therapy to address the impact of childhood traumas. With the help of my counselors my life transformed from hopeless and stuck to empowered and whole. I had no idea this kind of transformation was even possible. Now, it is my turn to give back and walk alongside those who choose the difficult path of recovery. I won't have your answers since your story and personality are unique. What I do have is familiarity with the path, faith in your ability to find your answers, and professional experience guiding individuals toward wholeness.
I entered the mental health field based on my own life-changing experience when I went through therapy to address the impact of childhood traumas. With the help of my counselors my life transformed from hopeless and stuck to empowered and whole. I had no idea this kind of transformation was even possible. Now, it is my turn to give back and walk alongside those who choose the difficult path of recovery. I won't have your answers since your story and personality are unique. What I do have is familiarity with the path, faith in your ability to find your answers, and professional experience guiding individuals toward wholeness.
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Expressive Arts Therapists
What happens in expressive arts therapy?
In an expressive arts therapy session, the therapist will provide the space and materials necessary to encourage the client to express themselves creatively. These can include art supplies, musical instruments, a journal, a camera, and more. The therapist offers careful guidance throughout the creative process, often noticing and talking about psychological issues as they arise. Many clients also benefit from the mind-body connection—the physical act of making art can help them feel more grounded and present.
How long does expressive arts therapy take?
An expressive arts therapy session will typically last between 50 minutes and an hour. Group sessions may run longer. Sometimes, a client might only need one or two sessions of expressive arts therapy in conjunction with talk therapy to resolve a psychological issue. Others might find a fixed number of sessions over the course of either weeks or months to be beneficial. The duration depends on the client and their individual needs and goals for therapy.
How does expressive arts therapy help children?
Creativity is an important part of normal child development. Expressive arts therapy proves a safe outlet for child clients to learn to identify their emotions and express them in healthy ways. In expressive arts therapy, children can build their self-esteem, discover more about their personality and strengths, and feel a sense of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic world. This therapeutic approach can be particularly helpful for children with developmental disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech impairments, and other conditions.
What are the limitations of expressive arts therapy?
Sometimes individuals have physical limitations that can affect their ability to express themselves artistically in certain mediums. For example, someone with hearing problems might find it difficult to make music. Sickness and mobility issues can make some types of art physically inaccessible (e.g., sculpting, dancing, etc.). Sometimes, clients are overly skeptical and have trouble letting go and engaging with the creative process. Individuals who require a higher level of care may be better served with other types of therapy.