Expressive Arts Therapy - movement, image making, singing, storytelling, improvisation & play - releases the potential of the senses to “tell the story” of our experiences via nonverbal, implicit forms of communication. ~Cathy Malchiodi
What is Expressive Arts Psychotherapy?
It is a form of psychotherapy that engages the senses in the service of self-expression. This means that music, visual arts, play, drama, movement, & imagination are used as a way of connecting to inner knowing, or “felt sense” & allowing that inner knowing to guide therapy. Although it has been around for some time, & in fact is based in traditional healing modalities, it is re-emerging as a body/brain approach that is a necessary component of reducing traumatic stress, connecting back to our senses, back to our selves, creating resilience, & supporting one’s ability to maintain health & well-being.
Expressive Arts Therapy is also rooted in interpersonal neurobiology, which focuses on the interaction of people in relation to one another, and how our neurologic system responds within that interaction. It is a necessary component of understanding the way in which our bodies & brains function, integrate experiences, & is instrumental in understanding how to build resilience, adaptability, & tolerance for our experiences.
In my practice, I combine this whole body approach of expressive arts, interpersonal neurobiology, and a trauma-informed lens with meditation & mindfulness practices, to further connect with the body & patterns through breath, presence, & awareness.
I am interested in connection & collaboration, focusing on building relationship & meeting you where you are. I work to create an emotionally safe environment, free of judgment, supporting your strengths, while creating practical strategies to support your needs & reach your goals. I am licensed in New Mexico as an LPCC (license CCMH0183441) & in Wisconsin as an LPC (license 4787-125)
1:1 Ex Arts Therapy
If you have found more traditional approaches to therapy don’t work for you & you are interested in exploring how expressive arts, creativity, & mindful practices may be able to better meet your needs, book a free consultation. I work with creators of all ages & all abilities. You do not have to be skilled in any art process for this approach to be effective, only a willingness to be open to the process.
Supervision
If you are seeking clinical supervision, I am credentialed to supervise students in Expressive Arts (EXAT), Art therapy/psychotherapy (ATR-BC), & clinical counseling (LPCC/LPC). My approach in supervision combines expressive arts, mindfulness, & clinical competency, with a basis in neurobiology & trauma.
Consultation
If you are looking for a non-traditional approach to conflict resolution, interpersonal connection, building individual/team resilience, & support within the work place, book a 30 minute free consultation. Let’s explore what the integration of interpersonal connection, mindfulness, & creativity can do for your business.
Education & Credentials
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, State of NM, # CCMH0183441
Licensed Professional Counselor, State of WI, #4787-125
Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher, 2021
Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Mentor, 2022
Expressive Arts Therapist, Trauma Informed (EXAT), 2020
Board Certified, Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC), 2002
MA in Art Psychotherapy, Vermont College of Norwich University, 2000
BA in Fine Arts, with Education & Psychology minors, Northeastern Oklahoma State University, 1994
Areas of Focus
Meditation and Mindfulness
Expressive Arts practices
PTSD
Complex, Compound, Developmental Trauma
Depression
Anxiety
Developmental differences
Resilience Building
Effective Communication, Embodied presence, & Interpersonal Support
