Expressive Arts Therapists in Montrose, CA
Kimberly Wolz
Art Therapist, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Montrose, CA 91020
Sometimes life's challenges can be overwhelming to the point where we feel like we just can't cope anymore. Tensions mount until the smallest catalyst acts as a tipping point and we break down, shut down or lash out. Art therapy can provide a safe outlet to manage thoughts and emotions that threaten to overwhelm you. Creative self expression in a therapeutic environment with a trained and credentialed Art Therapist can help you explore your triggers and subsequent thoughts and emotions in a safe and healing space.
Sometimes life's challenges can be overwhelming to the point where we feel like we just can't cope anymore. Tensions mount until the smallest catalyst acts as a tipping point and we break down, shut down or lash out. Art therapy can provide a safe outlet to manage thoughts and emotions that threaten to overwhelm you. Creative self expression in a therapeutic environment with a trained and credentialed Art Therapist can help you explore your triggers and subsequent thoughts and emotions in a safe and healing space.
David Ibrahim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LAADC , E500RYT, EMDR, ISTDP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Montrose, CA 91020
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
Are past traumatic experiences, being an adult child of a dysfunctional home, incest survival experiences, addiction issues, phobia, panic, anxiety, C-PTSD or depression affecting your success? Are distractions impacting your optimal performance abilities at work, in your intimate relationships, or in relationships with family members or with yourself? Are you surviving instead of thriving? I provide accelerated psychotherapy for individuals and couples who are challenged by performance loss and emotional unhappiness. Also offer Diagnosis evaluation for addiction, mood, personality, and adult Autism spectrum. HSP and Kink friendly.
More Therapists Nearby
Anna Davidson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I am trained in the expressive arts as well as energy healing & utilize a somatic, holistic, & sex therapy orientation from a lens of liberation.
Do you feel lost or stuck? Disconnected from your body or emotional needs? Perhaps unfulfilled or as if you can't seem to break free from a relational pattern? I see you. You're not alone & I'm passionate about supporting you back home to your truest self. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or are experiencing obstacles in your relationships, I want to work with you to gain more clarity & confidence around communication, needs, boundaries & intimacy. I believe that healing happens in relation- whether to self, other, or the environment & I am intentional about creating a conscious, trusted relationship with my clients.
I am trained in the expressive arts as well as energy healing & utilize a somatic, holistic, & sex therapy orientation from a lens of liberation.
Do you feel lost or stuck? Disconnected from your body or emotional needs? Perhaps unfulfilled or as if you can't seem to break free from a relational pattern? I see you. You're not alone & I'm passionate about supporting you back home to your truest self. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression, or are experiencing obstacles in your relationships, I want to work with you to gain more clarity & confidence around communication, needs, boundaries & intimacy. I believe that healing happens in relation- whether to self, other, or the environment & I am intentional about creating a conscious, trusted relationship with my clients.
Ebony Marie Ann Williams
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91107 (Online Only)
I offer a collaborative and eclectic approach that utilizes psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral interventions, expressive arts, mindfulness, and body-oriented practices to support you on your journey.
The lotus flower is the only flower that seeds and blooms simultaneously. The lotus is rooted in muddy water, developing in the midst of thick struggle and obstacles. When the lotus emerges, it cleans the water, transforming its environment. This is where it blooms seeking the light of the sun while sending out seeds of possibility into the world. The lotus symbolizes cause and effect teaching us that each action we take will produce a result and that we contain all the material needed to mend/heal unresolved wounds and traumas.
I offer a collaborative and eclectic approach that utilizes psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral interventions, expressive arts, mindfulness, and body-oriented practices to support you on your journey.
The lotus flower is the only flower that seeds and blooms simultaneously. The lotus is rooted in muddy water, developing in the midst of thick struggle and obstacles. When the lotus emerges, it cleans the water, transforming its environment. This is where it blooms seeking the light of the sun while sending out seeds of possibility into the world. The lotus symbolizes cause and effect teaching us that each action we take will produce a result and that we contain all the material needed to mend/heal unresolved wounds and traumas.
Julia Paige Pengra Clarke
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Glendale, CA 91208
These might include non-directive play therapy for children, expressive arts therapies for adolescents and adults, or mindfulness techniques.
To THRIVE is a natural desire of being human; and yet we are often stuck in surviving. We want to feel effective, creative, and balanced. With nearly 20 years of practice, I've enjoyed building powerful, therapeutic relationships with Adolescents, Adults, Families, and groups in multiple settings. Together, we access and process change through collaborative, creative, narrative, strength-based approaches. Some common issues I work with are: anxiety, depression, life transitions, creative blocks, traumas, learning differences, and addiction.
These might include non-directive play therapy for children, expressive arts therapies for adolescents and adults, or mindfulness techniques.
To THRIVE is a natural desire of being human; and yet we are often stuck in surviving. We want to feel effective, creative, and balanced. With nearly 20 years of practice, I've enjoyed building powerful, therapeutic relationships with Adolescents, Adults, Families, and groups in multiple settings. Together, we access and process change through collaborative, creative, narrative, strength-based approaches. Some common issues I work with are: anxiety, depression, life transitions, creative blocks, traumas, learning differences, and addiction.
Melissa J Johnson
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91101
Our exciting and extensive group therapy program (about 25 group options) includes groups for empowerment, social skills, expressive arts, and more.
Are you looking for ways to help your family m or yourself find zest and build strength for facing life's challenges? Is your family challenged by stress during COVID-19? I and the Institute therapy team work with children, teens, young women, families and gender-expansive youth to build resilience during challenging times like these. Individual, family, and group therapy are provided with fee and payment options to meet varied needs. As CEO and founder, I offer consultation and training to educators, medical and mental health professionals. Our website is full of resources to support social and emotional growth for our times.
Our exciting and extensive group therapy program (about 25 group options) includes groups for empowerment, social skills, expressive arts, and more.
Are you looking for ways to help your family m or yourself find zest and build strength for facing life's challenges? Is your family challenged by stress during COVID-19? I and the Institute therapy team work with children, teens, young women, families and gender-expansive youth to build resilience during challenging times like these. Individual, family, and group therapy are provided with fee and payment options to meet varied needs. As CEO and founder, I offer consultation and training to educators, medical and mental health professionals. Our website is full of resources to support social and emotional growth for our times.
Channie Amato
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026
From talk therapy to expressive arts therapy, to mindfulness and grounding techniques.
Channie Amato is a licensed therapist practicing for over 13 years, provides a holistic, individualistic, collaborative approach to build a sense of self, better one's relationships with themselves, others, and increase healthy coping strategies i.e. breath work, mindfulness, to best support client's overall health and wellbeing. Working with older adolescents to older adults, Channie works with client's experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, challenges in relationships, healing from narcissist abuse, codependency, self-esteem/ self-confidence, relationship with self, grief, bereavement, trauma, PTSD, pain.
From talk therapy to expressive arts therapy, to mindfulness and grounding techniques.
Channie Amato is a licensed therapist practicing for over 13 years, provides a holistic, individualistic, collaborative approach to build a sense of self, better one's relationships with themselves, others, and increase healthy coping strategies i.e. breath work, mindfulness, to best support client's overall health and wellbeing. Working with older adolescents to older adults, Channie works with client's experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, challenges in relationships, healing from narcissist abuse, codependency, self-esteem/ self-confidence, relationship with self, grief, bereavement, trauma, PTSD, pain.
Kerstin Hern
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Do you seek relief from anxiety, low self worth, negative self-talk? Are you creative, highly sensitive, or feel like a "black sheep"? I can relate in both my being-human and therapy journeys... As a holistic therapist, I use brain science w/ tried and true coping tools plus somatic, Jungian, Parts Work, and expressive arts therapies. I believe we all have innate gifts + strengths that we "remember" and reactivate through meaningful connections that also birth self-trust. Together, we'll heal anxiety/stress, trauma, identity + relationship issues by exploring your stories, automatic beliefs, and emotions your brain/mind/body hold.
Do you seek relief from anxiety, low self worth, negative self-talk? Are you creative, highly sensitive, or feel like a "black sheep"? I can relate in both my being-human and therapy journeys... As a holistic therapist, I use brain science w/ tried and true coping tools plus somatic, Jungian, Parts Work, and expressive arts therapies. I believe we all have innate gifts + strengths that we "remember" and reactivate through meaningful connections that also birth self-trust. Together, we'll heal anxiety/stress, trauma, identity + relationship issues by exploring your stories, automatic beliefs, and emotions your brain/mind/body hold.
Sose Yapudzhian
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91206 (Online Only)
Using cognitive-behavioral, narrative/expressive arts and psychodynamic approaches, I support you in organizing your thoughts and gaining insight into your behavior, addiction, or other symptoms.
Are you struggling with trauma, grief, or loss? As a first-generation Armenian-American from an immigrant family, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating relationships, family, and work while carrying around the complexities of intergenerational trauma. Grief and loss can take many forms, and not all are widely recognized or supported by society. This is called disenfranchised grief, the type of grieving that can leave you believing you are alone, but the truth is that you are not.
Using cognitive-behavioral, narrative/expressive arts and psychodynamic approaches, I support you in organizing your thoughts and gaining insight into your behavior, addiction, or other symptoms.
Are you struggling with trauma, grief, or loss? As a first-generation Armenian-American from an immigrant family, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating relationships, family, and work while carrying around the complexities of intergenerational trauma. Grief and loss can take many forms, and not all are widely recognized or supported by society. This is called disenfranchised grief, the type of grieving that can leave you believing you are alone, but the truth is that you are not.
Dean Stahl
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist, AMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
South Pasadena, CA 91030
When it fits, we may incorporate expressive arts for your healing journey.
Part Mr. Rogers, part Kevin Bacon in Footloose - I offer compassionate and respectful therapy for individuals, family, and couples in California. We'll work together and co-create a space for your most tender parts to feel safe enough to be heard and seen. Specialties include; Body Liberation, Eating Disorders, Body Shame, Trans and Gender Expansive Care, Depression, Trauma, and supporting Professional Artists.
When it fits, we may incorporate expressive arts for your healing journey.
Part Mr. Rogers, part Kevin Bacon in Footloose - I offer compassionate and respectful therapy for individuals, family, and couples in California. We'll work together and co-create a space for your most tender parts to feel safe enough to be heard and seen. Specialties include; Body Liberation, Eating Disorders, Body Shame, Trans and Gender Expansive Care, Depression, Trauma, and supporting Professional Artists.
Malia Gallegos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I am a Certified TRM Trauma Resiliency Model Practitioner, hold a certificate in Advanced Studies in Trauma and Dissociation, was certified as an eating disorder specialist and movement analyst and I incorporate expressive arts into my work.
You are a creative, dynamic person and I help you recover from complex trauma, dissociation, relationship concerns and identity wounds to meet your goals for living with success, safety and ease. In sessions, we explore your beliefs and work to reframe and release you from the burdens and behaviors of the past. We acknowledge what happened to you rather than judge what's wrong with you, and we uplift what's right with you. As you grow, we respect and understand how you found ways to survive and we celebrate how you are now living with autonomy, boundaries, connection, creativity, and choice.
I am a Certified TRM Trauma Resiliency Model Practitioner, hold a certificate in Advanced Studies in Trauma and Dissociation, was certified as an eating disorder specialist and movement analyst and I incorporate expressive arts into my work.
You are a creative, dynamic person and I help you recover from complex trauma, dissociation, relationship concerns and identity wounds to meet your goals for living with success, safety and ease. In sessions, we explore your beliefs and work to reframe and release you from the burdens and behaviors of the past. We acknowledge what happened to you rather than judge what's wrong with you, and we uplift what's right with you. As you grow, we respect and understand how you found ways to survive and we celebrate how you are now living with autonomy, boundaries, connection, creativity, and choice.
Alice Dote
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
Methods I specialize in include Animal Assisted Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Ecotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness Practices, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Having a trusted therapist as a member of your support network can make a huge difference in the quality and enjoyment of your daily life. In our sessions, I pay attention and attune to your somatic and emotional state, social and cultural location, and attachment history to support you in staying mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy.
Methods I specialize in include Animal Assisted Therapy, Expressive Arts Therapy, Ecotherapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Polyvagal Theory, Mindfulness Practices, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Having a trusted therapist as a member of your support network can make a huge difference in the quality and enjoyment of your daily life. In our sessions, I pay attention and attune to your somatic and emotional state, social and cultural location, and attachment history to support you in staying mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy.
Jessica ' Chiara ' Viscomi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Glendale, CA 91201 (Online Only)
In addition, I also use expressive arts therapy, depth therapy, and mindfulness to help people heal from trauma, navigate life transitions, and connect with the wisdom of their body, mind, and spirit.
Are you looking to recover from the wounds of narcissistic abuse and codependency and forge happier, healthier relationships? Welcome. Or do you need support for having a loved one with serious mental illness (SMI)? Welcome.
In addition, I also use expressive arts therapy, depth therapy, and mindfulness to help people heal from trauma, navigate life transitions, and connect with the wisdom of their body, mind, and spirit.
Are you looking to recover from the wounds of narcissistic abuse and codependency and forge happier, healthier relationships? Welcome. Or do you need support for having a loved one with serious mental illness (SMI)? Welcome.
Megan M Kain
Psychologist, PsyD, PATP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pasadena, CA 91105
Depending on the particular client or target problem, I often weave somatic, CBT, humanistic, expressive arts, neurobiological, and mindfulness perspectives into the work.
Life demands so much from us on a daily basis. Our bosses want more of our time, our partners are slow to show love but quick to start an argument, and our families always seem to ask for more. Therapy is your space to escape from these demands, to take a breath and realign with who you truly are. I am passionate about helping clients illuminate ways they may enhance their relationships, embrace their true self, and gain the self-confidence needed to thrive in life. For those who utilize psychedelic medicine to facilitate healing, we can explore integration and prep work together.
Depending on the particular client or target problem, I often weave somatic, CBT, humanistic, expressive arts, neurobiological, and mindfulness perspectives into the work.
Life demands so much from us on a daily basis. Our bosses want more of our time, our partners are slow to show love but quick to start an argument, and our families always seem to ask for more. Therapy is your space to escape from these demands, to take a breath and realign with who you truly are. I am passionate about helping clients illuminate ways they may enhance their relationships, embrace their true self, and gain the self-confidence needed to thrive in life. For those who utilize psychedelic medicine to facilitate healing, we can explore integration and prep work together.
Meredith Lynne Simonds
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT, APCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hollywood, CA 90068 (Online Only)
My background in writing and theater inspires and informs my work in Narrative Therapy and Expressive Arts.
Hi, I’m Meredith, and I specialize in women’s issues, particularly as they relate to life transitions, anxiety, and self-esteem. I provide Strengths-Based therapy for navigating the self-doubt that creeps in—and the anxiety that charges in—throwing you off course in times of crisis, times of change, relationships, work, school, creative endeavors, self-care, and other meaningful areas of life as you define them. Wherever you are on your journey, I will be there to help you steady the ship, adjust course toward your destination, and discover new possibilities along the way.
My background in writing and theater inspires and informs my work in Narrative Therapy and Expressive Arts.
Hi, I’m Meredith, and I specialize in women’s issues, particularly as they relate to life transitions, anxiety, and self-esteem. I provide Strengths-Based therapy for navigating the self-doubt that creeps in—and the anxiety that charges in—throwing you off course in times of crisis, times of change, relationships, work, school, creative endeavors, self-care, and other meaningful areas of life as you define them. Wherever you are on your journey, I will be there to help you steady the ship, adjust course toward your destination, and discover new possibilities along the way.
Zamira Pla
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
West Hollywood, CA 90038
To explore your path and goals I use creative approaches/methods that include expressive arts (visual arts, music, dance/movement, writing, storytelling, and theater), sound therapy, embodiment coaching and yoga, Jungian techniques, sandtray and play therapy.
Many of us come to therapy because we are experiencing symptoms, feelings or circumstances that we want to change. Only to discover that there might be deeper things that we desire, that the symptoms are only the surface. We discover that we want to find our purpose or calling, that we want freedom from expectations, freedom from fears. We are seeking meaningful and honest relationships. We wish to communicate efficiently. We crave inspiration, imagination, creativity, and clarity. We long to move forward, wherever that place is. We want to expand and feel the infinity that we are and explore all possibilities in our lives.
To explore your path and goals I use creative approaches/methods that include expressive arts (visual arts, music, dance/movement, writing, storytelling, and theater), sound therapy, embodiment coaching and yoga, Jungian techniques, sandtray and play therapy.
Many of us come to therapy because we are experiencing symptoms, feelings or circumstances that we want to change. Only to discover that there might be deeper things that we desire, that the symptoms are only the surface. We discover that we want to find our purpose or calling, that we want freedom from expectations, freedom from fears. We are seeking meaningful and honest relationships. We wish to communicate efficiently. We crave inspiration, imagination, creativity, and clarity. We long to move forward, wherever that place is. We want to expand and feel the infinity that we are and explore all possibilities in our lives.
Theresa Soltzberg
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90042
I'm Theresa Soltzberg, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am a humanistic and holistic therapist and I work with adult couples and individuals on issues including complex (relational) trauma, life transitions, anxiety, and relationship issues. I typically work with adult clients experiencing relationship challenges and life transitions, as well as career and life changes. I am a humanistic, client-focused therapist, trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (level 2), holistic Expressive Arts therapy (somatic, Jungian, and Transpersonal), as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and couples modalities.
I'm Theresa Soltzberg, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). I am a humanistic and holistic therapist and I work with adult couples and individuals on issues including complex (relational) trauma, life transitions, anxiety, and relationship issues. I typically work with adult clients experiencing relationship challenges and life transitions, as well as career and life changes. I am a humanistic, client-focused therapist, trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (level 2), holistic Expressive Arts therapy (somatic, Jungian, and Transpersonal), as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and couples modalities.
Dr. Sarika Seth
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026 (Online Only)
I offer an integrative style of therapy- a combination of methods and tools drawn from mindfulness based psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment and trauma focused therapies, as well as the expressive arts therapies.
Challenging life circumstances, traumatic experiences, unanticipated changes, opposing messages, and /or oppressive forces can knock us off our course. We may find ourselves having difficulty navigating through heightened states of anxiety and the depths of depression. Or, we just need to be seen and heard. In this instance, therapy can be a refuge- a place to explore, observe, make sense of, find meaning in, and heal from pain we have long been carrying. We may experience a newfound state of peace as we gradually sit with, accept, let go, move forward, and reconnect with the sweetness of life.
I offer an integrative style of therapy- a combination of methods and tools drawn from mindfulness based psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment and trauma focused therapies, as well as the expressive arts therapies.
Challenging life circumstances, traumatic experiences, unanticipated changes, opposing messages, and /or oppressive forces can knock us off our course. We may find ourselves having difficulty navigating through heightened states of anxiety and the depths of depression. Or, we just need to be seen and heard. In this instance, therapy can be a refuge- a place to explore, observe, make sense of, find meaning in, and heal from pain we have long been carrying. We may experience a newfound state of peace as we gradually sit with, accept, let go, move forward, and reconnect with the sweetness of life.
Amber Salik
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EXA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90065
I also have a particular passion for working with creatives & enjoy incorporating expressive arts like photography, music and writing into my sessions as well.
Living with a marginalized identity means becoming familiar with the space in-between. As a neurodivergent Black female therapist, I know just how creative you have to be to exist in a world that was not created with you in mind. My work recognizes the systems that you are up against & leverages the healing powers of art, community and humor to help you process big emotions, facilitate deeper self-awareness, strengthen your relationships and navigate life’s transitions in creative, holistic ways. My mission is not just to hold space, but to also provide tools to help you make sense of the gray areas & live the life you truly want.
I also have a particular passion for working with creatives & enjoy incorporating expressive arts like photography, music and writing into my sessions as well.
Living with a marginalized identity means becoming familiar with the space in-between. As a neurodivergent Black female therapist, I know just how creative you have to be to exist in a world that was not created with you in mind. My work recognizes the systems that you are up against & leverages the healing powers of art, community and humor to help you process big emotions, facilitate deeper self-awareness, strengthen your relationships and navigate life’s transitions in creative, holistic ways. My mission is not just to hold space, but to also provide tools to help you make sense of the gray areas & live the life you truly want.
Erin Elizabeth Powers
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90042
I believe that we all have the capacity to heal, despite any adversity we have faced. I hold an understanding that trauma is often at the root of unresolved issues, and I provide a safe space to unpack whatever is weighing on you. I have experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds, including those experiencing anxiety and co-occurring health issues impacting mental health.I enjoy incorporating mindfulness, expressive arts, and other holistic modalities into my sessions and will provide resources for you to utilize in everyday life. As Carl Jung states, "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become".
I believe that we all have the capacity to heal, despite any adversity we have faced. I hold an understanding that trauma is often at the root of unresolved issues, and I provide a safe space to unpack whatever is weighing on you. I have experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds, including those experiencing anxiety and co-occurring health issues impacting mental health.I enjoy incorporating mindfulness, expressive arts, and other holistic modalities into my sessions and will provide resources for you to utilize in everyday life. As Carl Jung states, "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become".
See more therapy options for Montrose
Nearby Expressive Arts Therapists Searches for Montrose
- Altadena
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- Eagle Rock
- Glendale
- Highland Park
- Hollywood
- La Canada
- Pasadena
- San Marino
- Silver Lake
- South Pasadena
- Toluca Lake
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.