About Me and Art Therapy
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way, things I had no words for.” Georgia O’Keeffe
As an art teacher I intuitively felt something transpired between the art maker and art materials as they worked. Not knowing what that was I headed to Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, Ohio and completed a Masters Degree in Art Therapy. At graduate school I learned why art media and art making can profoundly affect the emotional well being of the art maker.
Since 1995, I have worked as a mastered level, Registered, Board Certified Art Therapist. My work with individuals is based on the belief that healing and health can occur while the artist is creating. The final product is secondary it is the process that holds the key to the work being done.
As an art therapist I have worked in a variety of medical settings as well as in private practice. My work has involved all ages children through adults. The issues that have been addressed have covered chronic illness, death and dying, memory making, sexual abuse, palliative care, coping, personal growth, stress, memory making, addictions, grief, codependency, life transitions, trauma, communication, spirituality or even just a desire to learn new skills.
My patients and clients work been exhibited with a yearly art therapy show in the local community. I have been able to share their work also at the state and national level through papers and workshops.
Art Therapy
For over thirty years I have worked as a registered Board Certified art therapist with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of medical settings as well as private practice. Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of the creative process to support and enhance an individual’s personal growth, healing and wellness. Creative techniques such as drawing, painting, collage, coloring, or sculpting are used to help an individual express themselves through art.
An individual art therapy session is determined by the issues that the individual desires to explore. It also may be a time where art materials are just used to be played with by taking time for yourself to learn new skills and gain personal satisfaction in learning something to help with self care.
In my art therapy practice, I have engaged with individuals dealing with a myriad of issues. Some of the psycho-social issues have been: self care, self esteem, coping, death and dying, abuse, addiction, depression, shame, and personal growth. Physical issues have included chronic pain, chronic illness, and cancer. I have also been involved with palliative care and hospice.
Some Art Therapy Sessions: (No skills necessary)
Creating Mandalas: A creative way to reduce stress and play
A scribble a day keeps the doctor away
I’m not creative…“Oh Yeah?”
Finding your animal totem
Beginning your journey into the creative process
Telling your story through art making
Creative Journaling