Treatment Approach

As a creative arts therapist I draw from a variety of clinical approaches with the objective to empower and support individuals to work towards personalized treatment goals. I believe in a strength based and client-centered approach that allows you as the client to become the creative director of your own healing process, whatever that may look like for you. This may take place in a variety of ways including: examining internal thought processes, discussing family dynamics, processing trauma, learning more adaptive thought and behaviors patterns, and developing coping and relaxation skills. I value the use of metaphor as a tool to develop a flexible space in which clients can gain insight through accessing unique strengths and vulnerabilities. 

 

Training

I received a Masters in Art Therapy from New York University, Steinhardt, where my training focused on integrating psychodynamic theory with clinical experience in work with children, adolescents, and adults. In addition to being a New York State Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) and nationally Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I have training and experience using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, and trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Other experience and trainings that I integrate into my practice include: the use of creative writing and poetry, art journaling and photography, bibliotherapy, therapeutic play and drama techniques, yoga inspired practices, solution focused family therapy, and the use of mindfulness techniques for stress reduction, self reflection, and grounding. 

 

Experience

I have clinical experience providing art therapy and verbal psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults through individual and group therapy in a range of treatment settings including: residential treatment, inpatient psychiatric hospital, day treatment, outpatient clinic, substance abuse treatment program, and private practice. I have worked with individuals on a range of goals including: Exploring and managing anxiety and depression | Processing past trauma and managing acute stress | Developing self esteem | Preparing for and navigating life transitions | Developing coping, grounding, and stress reduction techniques | Examining and adapting thought and behavior patterns to create positive life changes | Identity development | Working through complicated family dynamics and family conflict | Developing internal resources, advocacy skills, and the skills to access external resources | Anger management | Supporting children in foster care | Preparing for adoption | Developing strategies for impulse control  | Processing loss and grief | Attachment issues