art therapy

WHAT IS ART THERAPY?

Art therapy is a broad term that applies to a wide variety of techniques that use art as a method of healing. Art therapy can be done in a clinical setting, like a hospital or other psychiatric facility, or it can take place in your own home with an art therapist. Art therapy could be used to communicate specific goals or challenges, or it can be the process of making art itself.

WHAT IS AN ART THERAPIST?

An art therapist is someone with advanced training and degrees in the study of art making and psychology. Traditional therapy can use art therapeutic techniques, but it is not the same as doing art therapy with a trained art therapist! Art therapists have experience both in making art and in therapy, which means we can help with the technical knowledge of art making as well as the psycho-social support of therapy. Even if I am not the right art therapist for you, if you are interested in art therapy I highly encourage you to seek out another art therapist.

WHY DO ART THERAPY?

Sometimes, challenges can be very hard to put into words. Other times, we are so used to talking about our problems that we have trouble actually tackling them. Art therapy, with its focus on non-verbal communication, can help bypass the language part of your brain and help work directly with the part of you that needs the most support.

WHO DOES ART THERAPY?

Really, really anyone. If you’re feeling intimidated by me from reading all of this, then I must assure you I am just barely over 5 feet tall and do not bite. You’ve gotten this far, are clearly interested in making some art together, so just reach out.

“I AM A TERRIBLE ARTIST. I CAN’T EVEN DRAW STICK FIGURES.”

Not a question, but definitely something I hear a lot. First of all, I’m not sure how stick figures became the benchmark for being a “good” artist, but please take a look at the famous artists Mark Rothko, Piet Mondrian, Paul Klee, Joan Miro, and basically the whole Abstract Expressionism movement.

Second of all, you do not need to be a “good” artist, or even have any experience with art, in order to benefit from art therapy. My true belief is that all people benefit from the process of making things, so I will walk that road with you from wherever is your starting point.

ARE YOUR CLASSES ART THERAPY?

My classes, workshops, and caregiver bonding sessions are not considered art therapy unless specified by the participants based on the goals for our time together. If you would like for our classes to be therapy sessions (whether for individual or groups), we will design goals that align with insurance logistics. We also can only do therapy sessions in Connecticut until I have received my New York license.

IS ART THERAPY COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Maybe. I will work with you to find a way to get your insurance to cover our sessions if possible. If not, I operate on a sliding scale, and will work with you to find a financial option that fits our situation.

I look forward to hearing from you!