As adults, we all have an inner child within us.
The inner child can be described as the essence of our childhood self that we carry with us throughout our lives.
As a licensed art therapist and licensed mental health counselor, I focus my work on helping adults heal past wounds, reconstruct trauma narratives, and foster emotional well-being through the gentle and loving practice of art therapy.
art therapy for healing trauma and anxiety
Art therapy provides a gentle and nurturing approach to healing your inner child as an adult. Through creative expression and art therapy prompts, adults can access and process deep-seated emotions and memories that may be difficult to articulate verbally!
This therapeutic method fosters self-discovery, healing, and integration of past experiences, promoting inner peace and emotional well-being.
Art therapy encompasses a wide range of artistic expression, including but not limited to drawing, painting, collage-making, sculpture, journaling, storytelling, poetry, and letter-writing.
Together we choose art forms that align with your therapeutic goals and preferences.
understanding your “inner child”
Your inner child embodies innocence, creativity, and emotional sensitivity from your childhood. This part of you hold onto the memories, beliefs, and experiences from your early years, shaping how you perceive and interact with the world today.
Taking care of your inner child is vital for holistic well-being. By acknowledging and healing the wounds of the past, you can cultivate self-compassion, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of true authenticity. Engaging with your inner child allows for profound personal growth and the rediscovery of joy and creativity that we sometimes miss out on in our adulthood.
Art therapy is a space where emotions transcend verbal constraints, and the canvas serves as a gateway to healing, transformation, and contemplation. This practice is not centered on artistic skill, but rather on using colors, shapes, and creative exploration to navigate the intricate landscape of your emotions.
In our art therapy sessions, we embark on a creative journey using colors, shapes, and textures to navigate the canvas of your emotions. We can paint, draw, journal, write, sculpt, collage, create music, dance, or even use digital media.
Importantly, no artistic skills are required- just an open heart and an open mind. Consider it a guided adventure, an opportunity to express yourself in a way that words might not always capture!
Whether our sessions take place in person, outside, or virtually, each encounter is a safe and friendly exploration of the therapeutic world of art. The emphasis is on creating a space where you can freely explore and communicate your emotions, fostering personal growth and well-being through the unique language of artistic expression.
As an art therapist, I wake up each day feeling profoundly grateful for the opportunity to connect with individuals through the transformative power of art. It's a privilege to witness the journey of self-discovery and healing as we create together. Guiding others to uncover their resilience, teaching tools for living authentically, and nurturing the joy found in artistic expression, journaling, and embracing a life that resonates with their inner child fills me with immense fulfillment.
I believe in the profound healing potential of art therapy and am honored to be a part of each client's path towards personal growth and emotional well-being.
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We will meet in person—either outdoors, in my cozy office, or virtually. This flexibility allows us to create a comfortable and supportive environment that suits your needs.
In our sessions, we begin by creating a comfortable atmosphere where you can express yourself freely and securely. Together, we establish trust and rapport, forming the foundation for our therapeutic work.
We'll engage in various art activities—like drawing, painting, or collage-making—designed to help you connect with and heal your inner child. No prior art experience is needed; this is all about your personal expression and healing journey.
As you create, we’ll explore the images, symbols, and themes that arise! These elements often offer valuable insights into your emotions and experiences related to your inner child. We’ll discuss these insights, using your artwork as a springboard for deeper reflection and understanding.
Towards the end of our time together, we’ll integrate our discoveries and how they relate to your ongoing healing process. I may suggest activities or reflections for you to explore outside of our sessions, supporting your growth and self-discovery.
My goal is to guide you through a transformative experience, helping you reconnect with and nurture your inner child, fostering healing, self-compassion, and personal growth.
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Absolutely not! You don’t need to be an artist to participate in art therapy at Labyrinth Art and Wellness. This journey is all about the joy of creating and expressing yourself, not about the final product. It’s a beautiful form of self-expression that goes beyond artistic skills.
I’m here to guide you through a variety of art activities tailored to your unique needs, helping you explore and communicate your thoughts and feelings in a warm, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
The focus is on the healing power of the creative process, nurturing self-discovery and emotional well-being. In our space, art-making is a way to awaken your creativity and reconnect with your inner child, bringing joy and love into the experience.
Remember, your creations are deeply personal and meaningful, no matter how you perceive your artistic ability. What matters most is the love and expression behind your work!
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Art therapy is delivered by licensed and registered art therapists who have completed graduate-level training in art therapy and are certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB). These professionals may hold designations such as ATR-P, ATR, and ATR-BC.
In Maryland, therapists must be licensed as LGPAT (Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist) or LCPAT (Licensed Certified Professional Art Therapist) to offer art therapy to clients.
Art therapists come from diverse backgrounds, often in psychology, counseling, and art, and they specialize in using creative expression as a therapeutic tool to support individuals on their healing journey.
Additionally, some mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and social workers, may incorporate elements of "therapeutic arts" into their practice if they have received specialized training or certification in this area. It’s important to recognize that therapeutic arts and art therapy are distinct practices.
When choosing a therapist, ensure they have the appropriate qualifications and experience in art therapy to effectively meet your needs.
As a licensed art therapist (LCPAT and ATR-BC), I integrate various approaches into my practice to best support my clients. This includes utilizing art therapy, art as therapy, therapeutic arts, art for coping skills, art for trauma processing, and developing artistic skills. By combining these methods, I create a holistic and personalized approach to therapy that fosters healing, self-expression, and personal growth for each individual I work with!
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Sketchbooks or Journals
Pens, Pencils, and Markers
Oil Pastels
Watercolor Paints and Watercolor Paper
Glue and Scissors
Magazines and Junk Mail for collage techniques
Clay and Sculpting Tools
Stickers, Tape
Found Objects
Yarn and Weaving Tools
Stamps and ink
You’re welcome to use these materials as we explore your creative expression together. I am always adding to my toolbox!
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The beauty of art therapy is its flexibility and adaptability to your preferences and needs. While specific recommendations may vary depending on your therapeutic goals, here are some general suggestions to get you started:
Sketchbook or JournalPens/Pencils/Markers
Oil Pastels
Watercolor Paint and Watercolor Paper
Glue + Scissors
Magazines/Junk Mail: These can be a source for images and words if you decide to explore collage techniques.
Remember, there's no need to worry if you don't have specific art supplies. The focus is on self-expression, not on creating a masterpiece.
Feel free to use whatever materials you have available and comfortable working with. The most important aspect is your personal engagement and the therapeutic process.
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In art therapy, your comfort and preferences are of utmost importance. If you're not inclined to create art during a session, that's perfectly okay!
Art is just one tool in our metaphorical therapy toolbox, available for use when and if it feels right for you. The therapeutic process is highly individualized, and we can explore various methods to support your journey, whether or not art-making is part of it.
Not every client makes art in every session; some may engage in art-making consistently, while others may choose not to at all. The primary goal is to create a safe and flexible space for your self-expression and personal exploration.
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Yes, art therapy can be adapted to suit different settings based on your preferences and needs:
Virtual Sessions: I offer art therapy sessions online via HIPAA compliant video calls. This allows you to participate from the comfort of your own home or any private space where you feel at ease.
In-Person Sessions: You can also join me in my office, where I've created a peaceful and confidential environment conducive to creative exploration and emotional healing. Located in Towson, Maryland.
Outdoor Settings: For those who find inspiration in nature, I occasionally offer art therapy sessions outdoors. These sessions take place in serene natural settings like parks or gardens, providing a refreshing backdrop for therapeutic work.
Whether virtual, in-person, or outdoors, my goal remains the same: to provide a supportive space where you can express yourself creatively, explore emotions, and nurture your inner child.
Together, we'll embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery that meets you where you are most comfortable!
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Head on over to my FAQs and fees page to learn more!
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Choosing art therapy is a beautiful step toward healing and self-discovery. Here are some gentle signs that it may be the right fit for you or your child:
Desire for Expression: If you or your child feel a strong need to express emotions that are difficult to put into words, art therapy offers a safe space to explore those feelings creatively.
Exploring Emotions: If there are feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress that need attention, art therapy can help uncover and process these emotions in a nurturing way.
Interest in Creativity: If you or your child enjoy art or creative activities, even if it’s just for fun, art therapy can deepen that connection and provide therapeutic benefits.
Feeling Stuck: If you or your child feel stuck in thoughts or experiences, art therapy can be a pathway to movement and growth, helping to unlock new perspectives.
Supportive Environment: Art therapy provides a non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere where self-exploration is encouraged, allowing for personal insight and healing.
Holistic Approach: If you’re seeking a holistic approach to therapy that integrates mind, body, and spirit, art therapy can beautifully align with those values.
Curiosity About Self-Discovery: If there’s a willingness to explore inner thoughts and feelings in a creative way, art therapy can facilitate that journey of self-discovery.
If you’re still unsure, consider scheduling a consultation. We can discuss your specific needs and explore how art therapy might support your unique journey. Remember, this process is all about finding the right fit for you or your child in a loving and compassionate way.