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.
I like incorporating art, music, and writing into therapy in the ways that my clients enjoy.
— Lyndsey Upton, Associate Professional CounselorFurther, I often use the expressive arts in my practice with clients particularly bibliotherapy. Clients have also found the use of sand play to be helpful at understanding patterns and increasing resiliency. I value authenticity, integrity, and transparency. You are invited to show up as your full self, authentically, unapologetically, and without hesitation. We ground in mutual practices of affirmation. I expect integrity and offer that to you without reservation. The only way to grow is by
— Dr. L.A. McCrae, Addictions Counselor in Bel Air, MDCertified 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, CAI 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, ORI am trained in expressive art therapy, a creative therapeutic approach that uses various art forms, such as drawing, painting, and movement, to explore emotions and promote healing. This modality helps clients express feelings that are difficult to put into words, fostering self-discovery and emotional release. Expressive art therapy is particularly effective for individuals working through trauma, grief, or anxiety, allowing them to process experiences in a safe, non-verbal manner.
— Heather Fisher, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Fort Collins, COOver 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, NCWhile 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, CAHaving performed nationally on stage, radio, and television, I am a spoken word artist and community organizer of an open mic series in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. I have utilized elements of expressive art therapy with youth, adults, and families. With the understanding that wellness is holistic and the arts are healing, I believe in the therapeutic elements of self-expression for personal growth and greater social change.
— Eddy Gana, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Monterey Park, CAWhile 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, CAI utilize Expressive Arts Therapy to aid clients in identity exploration, emotional processing, and creativity building. Incorporating drawing, painting, sculpture, and writing into the therapeutic process can help folks discuss things they may not have the words to express.
— Lauren Appelson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Candidate in Chicago, ILAs 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, CAArt 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, TXWith a deep understanding of how creative expression can heal, I specialize in expressive art therapy to help clients tap into their emotions through art. Whether you struggle with trauma, anxiety, or self-expression, art can provide a powerful, non-verbal way to explore your inner world. My approach encourages you to create freely, guiding you through the process of self-discovery and healing. Together, we'll use art to unlock insight, foster emotional growth, and build resilience.
— Joanna Said, Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in Englewood, COMy training in the practice of mental health counseling is through the lens of the Expressive Arts Therapies. My degree is in the use of Expressive Arts Therapies in the practice of Mental Health Counseling. This is the foundation of how I interact with clients and the work we do together, and it is my belief that the arts offer powerful tools that can help us crystalize and communicate our thoughts and feelings.
— Rachel LMHC, Licensed Clinical Mental Health CounselorI 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, CTDBT and ACT can feel like a lot of science. I believe in balancing both science and art. Emotional processing is done in many different ways, and healing looks different for everyone. I encourage the clients I work with to find creative outlets to engage in while in therapy and beyond. This could include: creative writing, painting, drawing, sculpture, graphic design, improv, etc. If you have found art to be a creative outlet please let me know so we can utilize this as a part of your process.
— Julie Woehler, Clinical Social WorkerI integrate art, writing, movement, music, psychodrama, and therapeutic role-playing to foster self-discovery and emotional expression. This creative approach engages your imagination, uncovering deeper insights and promoting meaningful healing.
— Eric Hulsing, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Collins, COAs written above, I attended Lesley University for my master's degree in Expressive Arts Therapy. Expressive Arts includes all art forms from writing, visual art, performance, dance, drama, music, and play. I have experience and training in each of these modalities and often combine them to help a client process the intervention. My favorite modality is play and drama therapy. Expressive Therapies can be a great compliment to talk therapy, especially if a topic is too painful to talk about.
— Laura Samalya, Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia Beach, VAI received my masters in counseling psychology from California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), where I concentrated in expressive arts therapy. I find ways to gently and accessibly invite clients across all experience and comfort levels to engage with creativity, if they desire.
— Ella Mamanta Davidson, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA