Art Therapy Trainings
Learn art therapy techniques for clinical and healthcare applications
Welcome! I'm so excited to teach you about art therapy.
Healthcare professionals from any background can use the arts to enhance patient care and outcomes. Before starting my private practice, I spent upwards of 11 years working on multidisciplinary teams alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, occupational therapists, social workers, nurses, physical therapists, and speech language pathologists. I have worked in inpatient psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, and outpatient settings.
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I have learned so much from my colleagues and I always look forward to giving back and sharing my knowledge and expertise in art therapy.
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I served on the Board of the Colorado Art Therapy Association from 2020 - 2024 as the Peer Consultation Chair and Vice President. Although art therapy is just one of the modalities I offer clients in my private practice, it is my primary area of expertise.​ I have worked with populations of all ages and specialize in working with teens and young adults.
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What is Art Therapy?
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In art therapy, the patient makes art in addition to talking. Like any form of psychotherapy, art therapy can be offered in individual sessions, family therapy, couples therapy, or group settings. Art therapy can also be modified
However, asking a patient to "paint your feelings" typically doesn't go far, especially with non-pediatric populations. My trainings are tailored to teach you directives for use with adolescents and adults.
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In these trainings you will learn and practice a straightforward prompt. My trainings are both experiential and based in demonstration.
I also welcome individual providers to contact me and set up a private one-to-one training. In a private training, I can often cover more than one directive in the same amount of time.
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use art materials to create something in response to that prompt, and whatever you make becomes the starting point for the conversation and the therapy. I love working with artists and creatives, but most art therapy clients are not artists and no prior art experience is necessary.
Many experiences cannot be adequately described with words, and I often recommend art therapy to clients who have difficulty talking about their experiences. Art is a visual language which helps clients externalize thoughts, memories, and emotions that have been held inside for too long. Like EMDR, this form of therapy bypasses verbal language so you can work on a deeper, more sensory level.
I treat adolescents and young adults ages 12 - 35. I also offer parent-child sessions when requested by an established teenage or young adult client. I welcome clients of all sexual orientations and genders, and I am trans and non-binary affirming.
MASK MAKING
I play an active role in therapy, meaning I will challenge you to carefully examine patterns in your thoughts and behaviors that are holding you back. Together, we will work toward clearly defined goals to help you get relief from your symptoms as soon as possible.
Therapy doesn't end after your session ends. I often give my clients reading recommendations and specific exercises/techniques to use between sessions. For the tech-savvy, I will recommend apps to help you address insomnia, track and stabilize mood, and learn mindfulness techniques.​ I also provide referrals to mental health professionals and wellness practitioners who can support your healing outside of sessions. These include medication management, support groups and group therapy, yoga, equine therapy, acupuncture, nutrition services, couples therapy, and ongoing family therapy. I only refer clients to providers who I know and trust.
SEEING THE SELF
EMDR stands for "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing." It is widely regarded as one of the most effective forms of treatment for unresolved trauma and Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This form of therapy works by stimulating the right and left hemispheres of the brain through back-and-forth movement while you recall details of your trauma. It is hard work, but many clients experience profound relief by working with the body and brain in tandem. I also use techniques from EMDR to treat other common conditions, including anxiety and panic.
I'VE LEARNED
In an art therapy session, the client makes art in addition to talking. I won't ask you to simply "paint your feelings." Typically, you will be given a straightforward prompt, use art materials to create something in response to that prompt, and whatever you make becomes the starting point for the conversation and the therapy. I love working with artists and creatives, but most art therapy clients are not artists and no prior art experience is necessary.
Many experiences cannot be adequately described with words, and I often recommend art therapy to clients who have difficulty talking about their experiences. Art is a visual language which helps clients externalize thoughts, memories, and emotions that have been held inside for too long. Like EMDR, this form of therapy bypasses verbal language so you can work on a deeper, more sensory level.
Have questions before you're ready to talk?
Check out the FAQ page or send me a message.