Art Therapy

Who knew hearing or saying simply “I Got U” carried so much positive affirmation!? Such a statement has helped me overcome many personal and professional obstacles during my lifetime. I even currently say those words to myself as a form of positive self-talk from time to time. With more than 15 years of working in Behavioral Health, I created “I Got U” as a safe space to remind whomever that: I see them, I hear them, and what they say does matter.

Art therapy is the approach in which I have the most training and experience. Art therapy is a way of delivering and processing therapy within the context of creation. I studied at the Drexel Graduate Art Therapy program, and have received my Board Certification.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a quick and effective way to create lasting change. ART does not require you to talk about your painful past in order to heal from it. You, the Client, are in control of what is happening in session. Accelerated Resolution Therapy is an innovated approach building off of EMDR and combining a multitude of traditional psychotherapeutic techniques utilized in... Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gestalt, Brief Psychodynamic, Exposure, and CBT.

I was trained as an art therapist at Loyola Marymount University, one of the first and most leading schools for art therapy in the US. I participate in research to build the field of art therapy, and I deeply believe in the healing power of art. Both at LMU and as an art historian, I studied the mechanisms by which humans make meaning with visual works, and I discovered that the connection between our lived experiences and the art we enjoy is an integral part of human evolution and health.

I am a Registered Art Therapist trained in Boulder, Colorado from Naropa University back in 2000. Art in session could look like you using the art process to give you more insights about your process. Or it could look like you doing art in between sessions to lock in the work we are doing together. It also could just be putting on the creative lens to see your life slightly differently. We need to get creative sometimes to help big grief move.

Sometimes words aren't enough to convey what you want to say. I've found art therapy to be helpful in allowing clients to express themselves in more authentic ways. Through drawing, sculpting, even playing games (such as Dungeons & Dragons) we can dive deeper past what is just said.

I have a masters degree in Art Therapy and Marriage Family Therapy. I am currently a board certified art therapist with the American Art Therapy Credentialing Board. I taught for over a decade at Notre Dame De Namur university in Art Therapy . I am currently the president of the South Texas Art Therapy Association.

Art holds no judgements. It can give new perspective to discuss difficult or troubling issues.

We specialize in clay art therapy but can incorporate other art therapies as well. Within the realm of art therapy, clay has been seen to awaken creativity, foster socialization, reduce negative mood and anxiety, and aid in healing from trauma. We partner with Chris, our life coach/therapy assistant who is also a professional ceramics artist. We incorporate the pottery wheel and hand-building exercises. No judgment here, just a space for you to be you.

Art therapy is a wonderful therapy to help reintegrate the nervous system after a trauma and process preverbal events. It is great for self- exploration and reconnecting with the self.

Art Therapy makes it possible to express what is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to communicate with words. Using art helps delve into the unconscious and parts of the brain in which words do not exist. The process has a unique way of healing old wounds and accessing wellness. There is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy and I will help you access the creative process, regardless of your artistic experience.

Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making. As a certified California Naturalist and a board certified Art Therapist, we will practice nature based expressive arts. Visiting a variety of locations in Alameda, CA -we will explore art, music, movement and animal assisted therapy healing outdoors.

I am trained in Art Therapy and I am a Board-Certified, Registered Art Therapist (ATR-BC). I love to integrate art into therapy sessions if a client is interested, although it is not always necessary to use art. Art can be a strong communication tool to help you understand yourself in a way that verbal language might fail. There are also many talented art therapists in my practice who are available to take new clients. I will be taking in-person Art Therapy clients in Oct 2022.

I am a registered art therapist (ATR) with the American Association of Art Therapy (AATA) and have special training in a Masters' degree format from an accredited program.

You can read my blog on art therapy here! https://www.embodyandmindcollective.com/blog-posts/what-is-art-therapy-its-not-just-for-creatives-by-shaye-mueller

I believe that when we are able to express ourselves creatively through art/music/dance and more, we are able to begin healing. Art can be a great tool when working with kids and teens as well as it gives us a way to connect and communicate with more than words can provide. I personally create and engage in creative activities in sessions with clients to normalize this as a tool. I have over 5 years experience using creative therapies in practice.

You can read my blog on art therapy here! https://www.embodyandmindcollective.com/blog-posts/what-is-art-therapy-its-not-just-for-creatives-by-shaye-mueller

I am a Registered Art Therapist. I use artwork with my clients to help them to externalize what they are going through so that we can use creativity to elicit change. By using art a client uses the right side of the brain and unconscious to find alternative solutions to issues. When you just talk about what you are struggling with it is easier to stay stuck in the problem. It is a fun and insightful way to learn how to find solutions and create containment for the client.