Expressive Art Therapy

Expressive art therapy uses the creative arts as a form of therapy. Similar to art or dance therapy, expressive art therapy uses the creative process of each individual to promote healing. The goal of expressive art therapy is to facilitate self-discovery, increased awareness, connection and understanding. The act of creating art helps to unlock the expression of inner feelings, and the creative process is the path toward better emotional health. Rather than focusing on the final product, the process of creation via nonverbal language is the emphasis. This type of therapy is often used with children, who may participate in music, movement, or finger painting while the therapist observes the activity and encourages the child to talk about the experience. Adult clients might journal, dance, or create videos in order to connect better with themselves and others. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s expressive art therapy specialists today.

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Meet the specialists

 

Sometimes, the words we use to describe what we are going through (talking) doesn't completely explain our pain or difficulties. Some things are difficult to put into words, yet are felt and sensed quite clearly. This is where non-verbal practices (art, movement, music, writing, storytelling, ritual) can be helpful, as they express--via creativity--the how, what and why of our situation. I am trained in facilitating expressive arts therapy sessions, and have simple tools to offer.

— Amanda Rebel, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Wheat Ridge, CO

Creativity like visual and 3D arts, writing, poetry, and movement can all be amazing ways to express and explore emotion, challenge our inner critics, and flex our ability to imagine new possibilities.

— Adrian Eraslan, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA
 

As an artist myself combined with my undergraduate concentration in the psychology of art and artists, I recognize art as being a powerful tool for positive mental health changes. I enjoy the process of exploring and discovering artistic voices and how to tell your story through expression.

— Michael Nolan, Therapist in New York, NY

I was trained in expressive arts through my graduate program and enjoy using drawing, painting, sand tray, play therapy, and drama therapy to help support your growth. Let me know what your interests are and we\'ll find a way to incorporate it into your treatment plan!

— Sprout Therapy PDX, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
 

As a creative person, I enjoy incorporating expressive arts into my practice with interested clients; including drawing, doodling, collage, journaling, or writing exercises. As an eco-therapist, I encourage clients to observe and integrate natural materials and objects into their lives and use them in creative ways. As a trained MSBR provider, I may include mindfulness and visualization into creative sessions.

— Shelley Samuels, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Oakland, CA

Over 20 years of practice developing and implementing expressive arts therapy programs and activities with children, adolescents, and adults. Systems aware and trauma-informed care that is scientifically proven to relieve feelings.

— Mary Beth Rabon, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Charlotte, NC
 

Certified in Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing: A Sensorimotor Art Therapy Approach to Bilateral Body Mapping by Dr. Cornelia Elbrecht’s Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (2019) Certified in Level 1 & 2 Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi’s Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2018-19)

— Aly Dearborn, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA

I've experienced firsthand the power of creative expression to foster healing in my life, and I've seen the way it impacts others as well. With a certificate in expressive arts therapy, I am excited to explore any form of creative expression that lights you up, including visual art, music, writing, movement, singing, drama, and more.

— Bex Lipps, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Seattle, WA
 

Art is a way to express your inner self without the limitations of words. Colors, sounds, flavors, and all other sensory experiences are information that can be communicated through various mediums of art. Art leads to connection where there may be isolation. In all shapes and forms, connection and communication is the purpose of art, and connection and communication are the foundations of healing. No level of artistic ability required

— Sidrah Khan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TX

Expressive arts intervention is a creative and holistic approach that uses various art forms, such as painting, writing, and music, to support individuals in their therapeutic journey. By engaging in artistic expression, clients can explore their emotions, release tension, and gain insights into their inner world. Expressive Arts Interventions can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle with traditional talk therapy or find it difficult to express themselves verbally.

— Grace Shivka, Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix, AZ
 

Using art in therapy eases the pressure of talk therapy. It allows for some creativity and freedom.

— Patricia Bishop, Clinical Social Worker in Knoxville, TN

In addition to traditional art therapy, I also use other forms of expressive therapies including narrative, geek therapy, comic therapy, and use gamification to help clients achieve their goals.

— Alison Maples, Counselor in Troy, MI
 

While I work remotely I do a great deal of art therapy with clients who are interested. I send materials to clients homes, as well as do art therapy with material individuals have at home.

— Rachael Rosenberg, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los altos, CA

Artistry not required! I use active imagination to explore images, symbols, and dreams. These share a common thread in containing messages from the unconscious. Psyche communicates to us in the world of symbols and images. I have specialized training in Dream Analysis, Painting Therapy, Spontaneous Drawing, and am currently enrolled in a 2-year Sandplay training working with symbolic image creation. Let’s decipher the messages from your unconscious to realize your higher Self!

— Rebecca Spear, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CA
 

While I work remotely I do a great deal of art therapy with clients who are interested. I send materials to clients homes, as well as do art therapy with material individuals have at home.

— Rachael Rosenberg, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los altos, CA

I have formal training in Expressive Art Therapy from the American Play Therapy Association.

— Nicole Jenkins, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Brooklyn, NY
 

Whether it's through painting, drawing, music, or movement, children can explore and communicate their emotions in a safe space through an activity they enjoy. Expressive arts encourage self-expression and individuation while offering opportunities to improve self-awareness and self-esteem, regulate behaviors and advance social skills.

— Stacey Sampo, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA

I am trained in expressive arts techniques which provide people with opportunities to connect with themselves through different mediums and in more abstract ways. I use a technique called PeaceLove to help people safely create an understanding of what brings them peace of mind by reaching that state through artistic expressions.

— Kate St. Onge, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Burlington, CT
 

Certified in Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing: A Sensorimotor Art Therapy Approach to Bilateral Body Mapping by Dr. Cornelia Elbrecht’s Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (2019) Certified in Level 1 & 2 Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi’s Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2018-19)

— Aly Dearborn, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA