Stephen Ausherman

Above all I offer my full presence, care, and determination to work with you toward achieving your goals. Art therapy is optional. I highly encourage it because art combined with therapy allows you to be more fully seen and heard, illuminating what makes you unique and amplifying the strengths you possess. I also offer an array of tools--including guided meditation, mindfulness practices, psycho-education--that you can use to overcome life's challenges. You may find some more effective than others, and you are always free to choose whether or not to keep them with you.

My beliefs and world views have been shaped through my work experiences in public health in Africa and the Middle East, teaching in Asia, and wilderness guidance in New Mexico. The shift toward Art Therapy began over a decade ago when I was working in a variety of community arts programs, bringing creative projects to populations ranging from at-risk youth to sheltered seniors. After nearly a decade of surprise and delight with the positive changes I witnessed in the participants, I realized that art-making is therapeutic and soon pursued further studies in Art Therapy and Counseling at Southwestern College in Santa Fe. The years of practice that have followed so far continue to show that personal creative expression can foster profound transformation; and for those who can't seem to find their voice, art can be both healing and empowering.