What is therapy?
Therapy is a process of meeting with a therapist in a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore various feelings, beliefs, values, thoughts, perspectives, and behaviors.
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a specialized form of therapy, using the creative arts to help clients explore and process their feelings. Different art therapists practice from different theoretical orientations.
What theoretical orientation do you practice?
I take an eclectic approach, incorporating aspects from different theoretical orientations. Predominantly, I employ a psychodynamic approach, mixed with a client-centered focus, with some cognitive-behavioral work and bilateral stimulation thrown in. I also approach my clients with a trauma-informed lens.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive-behavioral therapy looks at thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and challenges thought distortions and maladaptive behaviors, while working on developing coping strategies.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) which occurs through a rhythmic right/left pattern. Unlike traditional therapy which takes a more top-down approach focusing on higher level processing, EMDR follows a bottom-up sequence, meaning you first experience the physiological effects (relaxation and decreased arousal), and then experience the mental effects (increased attentional flexibility so your thoughts become less stuck, a distanced feeling so the problem seems smaller and further away, and decreased worry).
What is Psychodynamic Therapy?
Psychodynamic therapy is based on the understanding that both the past and subconscious influence present thoughts and actions.
What is Client-Centered Therapy?
Client-centered therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, allows the client to determine the course of the session, as the therapist accepts the client with unconditional positive regard and empathy.
What is a Trauma-Informed approach?
A Trauma-Informed approach realizes the prevalence of trauma, recognizes how trauma impacts all people, and responds accordingly by taking into account how the trauma impacts emotions, regulation, and behavior.
Why should I go to therapy?
It is often helpful to meet with a therapist who will listen respectfully, support and challenge you, and potentially offer an outside perspective. There is a human need to communicate, be understood and listened to, and there is a catharsis through the spoken word.
Can I just talk to my friends?
You definitely benefit from having a strong support network of family and friends. However, unlike a friend, a trained and licensed therapist has a professional relationship with you. This includes a commitment to helping you, by listening and employing a combination of techniques learned in school and through years of experience along with an innate openness to your situation.
Should I be embarrassed that I need therapy?
Everyone can benefit from therapy. You can feel proud that you are taking charge of your life, making a commitment to yourself, and seeking extra support.
Why should I go to Art Therapy?
Most people enter therapy to help them work through various issues, obstacles, and challenges they are experiencing. Often we get stuck in certain patterns, and in order to break free of them, we need to think and act creatively. Art therapy by definition stretches you to be creative, and as it taps into a more subconscious part of you, it often allows you to unintentionally develop new ideas and solutions. Once you’ve done so, you can then actively choose how to apply those to your current situations.
Can I just make art on my own?
You absolutely will benefit from creating art, since the creative process is inherently life-affirming. However, just as journaling is not a substitute for therapy but is nonetheless encouraged, creating your own art is not a substitute for art therapy but is similarly encouraged. Some clients choose to bring in some of their art to process with their art therapist.
Are coloring books Art Therapy?
No, coloring books are not the same as art therapy. If you find coloring relaxing, then it’s a good outlet, but is not the same as art therapy which involves creating your own imagery and processing it with an art therapist.
What are different ideas of things I can do to relax on my own?
There are many things you might choose to engage in for relaxation: deep breathing, yoga, meditation, art, running, walking, dancing, journaling, using a fidget spinner, looking at a calm down jar, listening to music, reading, listening to podcasts, and drinking a cup of hot cocoa or tea.
How often will I have therapy?
Therapy requires consistency, so sessions occur weekly, at a scheduled time, for 50 minutes. After the first few months, biweekly sessions are sometimes sufficient. Some clients also choose to have “booster” sessions on an as-needed basis once they’ve completed therapy.
What will I work on in therapy?
The possibilities are endless, including becoming aware of what drives you, learning to avoid triggers, acquiring coping skills, reducing stress, enhancing self-esteem, reshaping destructive patterns (both behaviors and beliefs), overcoming obstacles, resolving conflicting or ambivalent feelings, improving communication, coping with interpersonal demands, dealing with external pressures, and general well-being.
What does a typical Art Therapy session look like?
Most sessions include a check-in about what is currently happening in your life, an art directive relevant to the issues you are raising, and processing all of that through talk.
Is what I discuss in therapy confidential?
Therapeutic relationships are considered confidential. There are just a few exceptions, in place for your protection: if the therapist senses that you or someone else is at risk and has safety concerns, then they need to break confidentiality, though they would discuss it with you first.
What is the fee for therapy?
Please contact me directly to discuss fees.
What forms of payment do you accept?
I accept cash, check, paypal, zelle, and venmo.
When is payment due?
Payment is due at the end of session. Unless previously discussed, there is a $10 fee for late payments.
What is your cancellation policy?
Since your session slot is reserved for you and cannot easily be offered to someone else at short notice, if you need to cancel, it must be done at least 48 hours in advance unless you provide a documented medical or other emergency. Without notification, you will be responsible for payment for the missed session, and it is expected to be paid in full before the next session.
Do you accept insurance?
All payments are paid out-of-pocket. I can provide you with a Superbill which some clients are able to submit to their insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. You will need to check directly with your insurance provider.
Do you provide a Good Faith Estimate?
I provide a Good Faith Estimate in compliance with the No Surprises Act. If you feel you need to initiate a dispute, you would do so through the Department of Health and Human Services.