Welcome to the sunshine + scribbles blog!

Discover easy-to-implement ideas that can enhance your creative practice or use in your therapy sessions. Dive into various methods and insights that make art therapy so impactful. Get a glimpse into my experiences as a child art therapist and my work with inner child healing for adults.

I hope you find something here that resonates with you.

Kristy Leone Kristy Leone

How to Navigate and Recover from Contamination OCD

Contamination OCD can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, as intrusive thoughts about germs, dirt, or harmful substances take control. But recovery is possible. By taking small, manageable steps and focusing on your own readiness, you can gradually reduce the power of these fears. Whether through Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), or building self-compassion, there are effective strategies to help you move forward. The key is to approach treatment at your own pace and with kindness toward yourself. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can start your journey to recovery from contamination OCD, one step at a time.

Labyrinth Art and Wellness is a practice located in Maryland, and we are here to help you and your family overcome body-focused repetitive behaviors and OCD!

Read More
Kristy Leone Kristy Leone

Supporting Loved Ones with Nail-Biting, Hair-Pulling, or Skin- Picking Habits: What Parents and Partners Can Do to Help with Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) like nail-biting, hair-pulling, and skin-picking are more common than most people realize—but because they’re rarely talked about, many who struggle with them feel ashamed or alone. BFRBs aren’t just “bad habits” or forms of self-harm; they’re compulsive behaviors often linked to anxiety, sensory needs, or neurological patterns.

In this blog, I break down common myths about BFRBs, explore how they impact both children and adults, and discuss effective treatment options like Habit Reversal Training (HRT) and Art Therapy. Whether you experience a BFRB yourself or are a parent, partner, or friend of someone who does, understanding these behaviors can help break the cycle of shame and encourage healthier coping strategies.

If you or someone you love struggles with a BFRB, know this: you are not alone, and support is available. Read on to learn more about how to recognize, understand, and manage BFRBs with empathy and science-backed strategies. Labyrinth Art and Wellness is a practice located in Maryland, and we are here to help you and your family overcome body-focused repetitive behaviors!

Read More
Kristy Leone Kristy Leone

Expressing Identity Through Art: A Collage Workshop for Transgender Day of Visibility

Art has always been a tool for self-discovery, but when combined with therapy, it becomes a powerful pathway to healing and growth. In my practice as The Outdoor Art Therapist at Labyrinth Art and Wellness, I help individuals use creative expression to deepen self-awareness and foster mental wellness.

While much of my work is one-on-one, I believe community healing is just as vital—especially now. Art has the power to connect, empower, and create space for collective growth.

At Labyrinth Art and Wellness, my mission is to make art therapy accessible to more people in my local communities, demonstrating how creativity supports both mental and physical well-being. I collaborate across Maryland, including Towson, Harbor East, Lutherville, Roland Park, Baltimore, Columbia, Anne Arundel County, Clarksville, Catonsville, Bel Air, Phoenix, and Perry Hall, bringing therapeutic art experiences to those who need them most.

Read More
Kristy Leone Kristy Leone

Found Poetry Cards: A Creative Form for Self-Expression

Found Poetry is more than just a creative activity; it’s a therapeutic tool that encourages self-expression, emotional processing, and cognitive healing. Whether you're looking to explore your emotions, express complex thoughts, or create meaningful art, Found Poetry offers a unique way to connect with yourself and others. In this post, I’ll share how I incorporate Found Poetry into my art therapy sessions, offer tips on using everyday materials like magazines and junk mail, and explain how this practice can help you express feelings that may be difficult to verbalize. Join me as we dive into how Found Poetry can support emotional well-being and creative growth!

Read More
Kristy Leone Kristy Leone

Collage: A Powerful Tool in Art Therapy, Activism, and Personal Expression

Collage is more than just a fun artistic technique; it's a powerful therapeutic tool that promotes emotional healing, self-expression, and community connection. Whether you're looking to process trauma, explore your identity, or take part in collective activism, collage offers a safe space for non-verbal expression. In this post, I’ll share how I use collage in art therapy sessions with clients in Maryland, tips for collecting materials, and ways to tap into the power of both paper and digital collages. Join me as we explore how this creative practice can support emotional well-being and social justice! Labyrinth Art and Wellness is an art therapy practice dedicated to providing therapy for children and adults in Lutherville, Maryland.

Read More