What will therapy be like?
People often come to therapy when they are feeling low, stuck, unable to resolve an issue on their own, or they may be visited by past experiences that need resolution. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by a feeling, have repetitive thoughts that are blocking you, feel that you just don’t fit in, or are having trouble in a relationship, we will work together to better understand your response to your situation, and figure out ways to take steps to go in a different direction. As your feelings move from instinctive reactions into your conscious awareness, you will be in better control of your responses and be able to take positive steps. Therapy can be very exciting, and it can also be a challenging process. There may be sessions where you feel light and insightful and others in which you feel unsettled or anxious. You won’t be judged in my office–you’ll be accepted with whatever you bring on a particular day. And we will be partners in this process, as we address the issues for which you came in.
Do I need to be a talented artist?
No. All I would ask is that you be open to trying something different, and to be motivated and flexible to go where this process takes you. To be a “talented” artist or to have technical artistic skills is absolutely not necessary to engage in art therapy.
My approach is flexible: during the session we might talk as well as use art materials or photography to work with whatever emotions or issues might be going on with you. I understand that art-making can be daunting; I encourage you to do artwork, but we will decide together how to work in a way in which you are comfortable.
What is art therapy?
The American Art Therapy Association describes it this way: “Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight.”
For more information see www.arttherapy.org.
What is phototherapy?
PhotoTherapy techniques are therapy practices that use people’s personal snapshots, family albums, and pictures taken by others (and the feelings, thoughts, memories, and associations these photos evoke) as catalysts to deepen insight and enhance communication during their therapy or counseling sessions (conducted by trained mental health professionals), in ways not possible using words alone.”
From Judy Weiser, R.Psych., A.T.R.
For more information see www.phototherapy-centre.com.
Do you offer supervision services?
Yes, please contact me if you are looking for art therapy or professional counseling supervision.
Fees
Therapy does cost money, but it can be thought of as a gift to yourself. If you thought about all the time, energy, resources and mental space that you have given to worrying, being down, or stumbling over other things that have gone unaddressed, maybe you’ll consider that now’s the time to improve your quality of life. I charge $130 for a 50 minute session. I take a limited number of sliding scale cases, so let me know if cost is hindering you starting treatment.
I have recently begun taking insurance. The panels I am on include Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente, United Healthcare, and a few others.
Location
My office is located in Longmont, Colorado.
