Lyrah Wallace (they/them)

As LGBTQPIA+ individuals, our daily lives are often clouded with shame, fear, isolation, and trauma but it doesn’t have to be that way. Through self-expression and art making, we can find healing, empowerment, self-discovery, and community. When working with clients, my goal as a therapist is to make sure you are feeling heard, accepted, and supported on our therapeutic journey together. Through the lens of Trauma Informed Care, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aids us in working towards the goal of no longer letting our emotions, thoughts, and past trauma control and disrupt us in the present. Through developing effective coping skills and using art-based techniques, you can learn to overcome difficult thoughts and feelings, and become more connected to your present self. In addition, by engaging in the act of art making you're able to freely explore and express your self and work towards feeling more in control and capable of handling life's challenges.

As a queer and nonbinary individual, I am passionate about working with and advocating for gender and sexual minorities. I strive to provide my LGBTQ+ clients a safe and creative space to work through life’s challenges with a provider with whom they know has shared experiences. By being educated on topics such as intersectionality, systemic oppression, and the lasting negative impacts of colonization and capitalism, I make an effort to acknowledge my privilege and actively educate myself and others. I am an active member of the American Art Therapy Association and serve on the association’s Multicultural Committee, and frequently collaborate with my fellow queer and trans creative arts therapists. I am also a member of the American Counseling Association and the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities.