Because Talking Only Goes So Far.
Children
I work with children (5-12) who are experiencing big emotions such as worry, anger, sadness, fear, or grief. Common goals of art therapy with children include building communication skills and self-confidence, improving frustration tolerance and mastery, moving through diverse life changes and transitions, and increasing calm.
Children naturally express themselves through art and play, and through the process of creating alongside an art therapist, they’re able to work through things in a way that feels natural, comfortable, and engaging.
Tweens
The tween years (ages 9-12) are marked by the transition out of childhood and into adolescence. Challenges around emotions, independence, identity, self-esteem, fitting in, rebellion, and social pressures may create difficulties at home or in school for this age group.
Art therapy can help tweens tap into their creative side to freely express themselves, build their communication skills and confidence, and learn new tools and skills for navigating these ever-changing years.
Teenagers
Therapy with your preteen or teenager (12-19) will address the unique developmental stage of your adolescent as well as their strengths and current challenges. Teens may not want to open up or talk about what’s going on, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t feel things deeply or want to explore certain topics with time and trust.
I specialize in working with teens who are experiencing academic and social stress, tend to place high pressure on themselves, feel anxious or overwhelmed, or need objective support while navigating complex emotions, relationships, and experiences.
Through art, your teen will be better able to better see and appreciate their rich, nuanced emotional world and depths of feeling that words often can’t capture, and collaborate with a nonjudgmental, safe adult in the process.
Parent Support
Parenting involves many difficult moments. Art therapy can support parents in identifying strategies that can support them through difficult moments or months. I often work with the parents of children who are in art therapy to provide tools and strategies that support the whole family.
I also work with parents who want to process specific challenges and learn strategies. Parents often want to explore how their own childhood experiences may be influencing their parenting. Art therapy can help parents tap into deeper parts of themselves in order to create change and growth in their role as parents.
Specializations with Youth Include:
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Acute and Chronic Illness
An illness often has a significant impact on mental health. Frequent hospitalizations, treatment, and life disruption can create stress, conflict, or anxiety. Art therapy can help support children in coping and processing these experiences.
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Siblings of Sick Children
“Well children” or sometimes called “glass children”, siblings of sick children often have specific needs that may go unseen. Typically, they are well-behaved yet holding many emotions. Therapy can help siblings process and cope.
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Anxiety & Worry
Children and teens often communicate through behavior - not words - to express how they are feeling. Anxiety can present as stomachaches, tantrums, people pleasing, or new fears. Therapy can help your child gain effective tools.