Services
This page provides information on the different types of therapy that we offer at our private practice. Choosing the type of therapy that best meets your needs is an ongoing collaborative process between you and your therapist.
Talk Therapy
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is the traditional and most familiar form of therapy. Talk therapy can be used for individuals, couples, families, and groups. It involves talking with your therapist either in the office or on video chat to work through life problems, understand complex emotions, and identify issues that cause emotional distress. Once these concerns are identified, the therapist and client work together to develop strategies to reduce symptoms and solve problems.
For some people, these complex issues may result in clinical mental health diagnoses, such as depression or anxiety. For others, talk therapy can be used as a safe place to talk about and work to resolve daily stressors.
In our practice, we draw from many well-known forms of talk therapy. Some (but not all) of these include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying, challenging, and restructuring negative thinking to change the way we feel and act;
Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on reducing unhealthy behaviors through reinforcement and behavior modification techniques,
Psychodynamic Therapy, which explores unconscious meanings and motivations of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors;
Existential Therapy, which focuses on finding meaning and purpose; and
Holistic or Integrative Therapy, which uses a combination of therapies and theories to meet the client's needs.
To learn more about our specific therapeutic trainings, certifications, and specialties, please click here.
It is important to remember that therapy is a process, and that work needs to continue outside of sessions for real change to happen. Therapists are there to guide and support you through this process to achieve your goals.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a treatment approach that combines psychotherapy with art-making. It is a technique that is rooted in the belief that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. Art gives us a voice when words are not enough. Art therapy uses the creative process to help people explore other forms of self-expression with a goal of gaining insight, exploring emotions, developing self-awareness, coping with stress, boosting self-esteem, and developing new coping skills. Techniques used in art therapy can include painting, drawing, photography, collage, sculpting, weaving, and working with clay, among others.
Art therapists are masters-level clinicians who are trained to use art techniques as a way to explore thoughts and feelings through visual art, paired with other psychotherapy techniques. Art therapists provide guidance during art-making and in the analysis that often follows the work. Clients can reflect on their work and how it makes them feel, and look for themes and conflicts that may be affecting their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Things to Consider
What's the difference between art psychotherapy, art as a therapeutic activity, and an art class?
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Art therapists are specially trained to use art techniques in psychotherapy. These include the use of art assessments to gather information about an individual or family, selecting art directives that match treatment needs, using appropriate art mediums that foster (rather than hinder) healing, and working with the client in processing their work. The therapeutic relationship, the safe containment provided by the art therapist and the art itself, and the healing process that occurs during art-making is what is most important.
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Art as a therapeutic activity is the act of creative expression while engaging in a relaxing activity. This is similar to taking a walk, watching a movie, or using a coloring book. The activity itself is relaxing and provides a distraction from daily stressors. There is no guided processing or analysis of your internal experiences.
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Art class focuses on teaching and learning fine art techniques with a goal of creating a product that follows the formal elements of art.
Do I need to be an artist to do art therapy?
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You do not need to have any experience in art-making to enjoy the benefits of art therapy. Art therapy focuses on your internal experience during the art-making process and in the reflection that follows, not on the art product.
Is art therapy just for kids?
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It is true that art therapy is highly beneficial for children because art provides an alternative means of self-expression while they are still developing their use of language. However, art therapy can also help adults who find talking about difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences too challenging.
Can I alternate between art therapy and talk therapy during sessions?
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Yes. We will always use the therapeutic method that best fits your need.
For more information on art therapy, visit the American Art Therapy Association website here.
Group Therapy
Group therapy typically includes 4-6 participants and runs for 90 minutes,
once per week, for about 8-12 weeks, depending on the group topic.
Below you will find a list of groups that are routinely available in our practice.
Groups are currently on hold. Please check back periodically for availability.
ART THERAPY:
EMOTION REGULATION
Ages 8 to 12 or Ages 13 to 17
The Emotion Regulation group uses a variety of art therapy activities to learn how to manage difficult thoughts and emotions.
SITTING STILL:
ART THERAPY AND MINDFULNESS
Ages 8 to 12 or Ages 13 to 17
Sitting Still uses a combination of mindfulness activities and art therapy to promote emotional regulation and healthy well-being.
ART THERAPY:
MY MOODS, MY CHOICES
Ages 8 to 12
Learn about emotions using art therapy and metaphors. Children bring home a feelings book with coping strategies at the end.
LEGO CLUB:
BRICK BY BRICK SKILL BUILDING
Ages 8 to 12
Lego Club is a program that uses Lego activities to support the development of a wide range of social skills in a group setting.
ART THERAPY:
TEEN IDENTITY EXPLORATION
Ages 13 to 17
Teens use art therapy to explore and develop positive self-identity, self-esteem, and acceptance.
ART THERAPY:
TEEN PROCESS PAINTING
Ages 13 to 17
Process Painting is the continuous creation of images using only one canvas/paint. Teens then develop a video journal of their work.
ART THERAPY:
ADULT PROCESS PAINTING
Ages 18+
Explore your inner thoughts through continuous painting on 1 canvas, with group verbal processing at the end of each session.