Creative Arts Therapy 

The power of creativity...

I initially chose to pursue art therapy because I wanted to work creatively to help others heal. I sometimes incorporate art therapy into my verbal treatment with patients of all ages, when it appears to aide in someone expressing themselves. I will always discuss this possibility first, as this would only work if someone is interested in making art in sessions. But there is no need for experience with art-making in order to use art therapy, and it sometimes can help patients who have struggled with more traditional treatment.

Although art therapy can be illuminating to individuals who do not pursue a creative profession, I find that my background in this area can be particulary useful in my work with artists, even if we never create art together. I have a deep respect for the arts and understand what it takes of oneself to create art for others, as well as what it can potentially bring back in return. Creativity can be very powerful and healing; it can be connected to life, to resiliency, imagination, passion... However, choosing to pursue a creative profession can also bring up tremendous pressure, to the point of paralyzing or blocking the very pleasure of creating. This can leave artists feeling stuck and highly self-critical. 

I have experience in working with artists or individuals in creative professions (actors, dancers, writers, musicians, directors) around issues of feeling creatively blocked or struggling with performance anxiety. Therapy can be a useful tool for artists to explore their true authentic self so they can be more openly and deeply expressive and ultimately more successful in their work.