Frequently Asked Questions
What is art therapy?
Art therapy is a modality of treatment that allows clients to use art and the creative process to work towards their specific treatment goals and process their experience. People of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from art therapy. For more information, please visit the Art Therapy page or the American Art Therapy Association's website.
Is art therapy just for children?
Children, adolescents, and adults of all different populations and backgrounds can benefit from art therapy. The modality is not only an especially effective means of expression for children and adolescents, but can be a powerful experience for adults, helping clients express experiences that are often difficult to put into words.
Do I have to be an artist to participate in art therapy?
You do not have to be an artist to benefit from art therapy. Art therapy is less about artistic skill and the product made during a session, and more about the process of learning and expressing one’s self in order to work towards specific needs and treatment goals.
How do you become an art therapist?
There is extensive training and education required to become an art therapist. In order to practice art therapy both ethically and effectively, a clinician must have a Masters in art therapy from an accredited institution.
What can I expect in an art therapy session?
Each client’s session will be a little bit different, based on the client’s unique needs and treatment goals. However…
Typically for child sessions, I primarily use child-centered and narrative approaches in the practice of art therapy. Children are given a lot of choice in what they make and talk about with the belief that what they create is an expression of their unique experience of the world. Often children’s artwork and imagination is used to talk about their emotions and experience.
In adolescent sessions, they too are given a great amount of choice in what they create. Often, the first several sessions may just be art-making as a means of building rapport and trust until the adolescent feels comfortable enough to engage in the therapeutic relationship. Once they feel comfortable, the client and I will use the artwork to process their experience.
And in adult sessions, I incorporate many other theories of therapy, such as CBT, Mindfulness, and client-centered approaches. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative process in which the therapist and client work together to bring about positive change and wellness. Clients and I will have a discussion about their goals in therapy and what artistic mediums and processes I feel would be most beneficial to achieving those goals.
Do you take insurance?
I am now accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance. Please call member services on the back of your card to confirm mental health benefits.
What are your private pay rates?
As of April 2023, my current rates are:
Initial 1-hour intake session: $135
Adolescent/adult 55-minute session: $120
Child 30-minute session: $70
If I don't want to engage in art therapy, do you offer traditional talk-therapy?
Yes, I offer traditional talk psychotherapy and counseling services as well.