What is art therapy?

The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as 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."

What can I expect from a session?

Every counseling and art therapy session is unique and caters to each individual or family and their specific goals. Therapy can be short-term, focusing on a specific issue or longer-term, addressing more complex issues or ongoing personal growth.  Based your preferences and needs both verbal and non-verbal opportunities for exploring issues will be offered.  Art therapy opportunities may include things like drawing, painting, or work with clay.  It is not important to have previous experience with art.  In fact not having preconceived ideas about art often allows participants to be more spontaneous.  Participants of art therapy are often pleasantly surprised by their creative expressions.  Children tend to experience art making as natural and enjoy the process of art therapy.  You will be given ideas for things you can do between sessions to help meet the goals of the therapeutic process to meet your goals.   You can expect to be supported in your own unique path to healing and growth.

What benefits can I expect from working with a counselor/art therapist?

Therapy can provide insight and new perspectives into life's challenges and can help open up new possibilities and options for approaching difficult situations.  Many people find that working with a therapist can enhance personal development, improve relationships and family dynamics, and can ease the challenges of daily life. Sometimes, just having someone there to listen is helpful. Overall, people in therapy tend to have lower levels of anxiety and stress, decreased conflict, and improved quality of life.

Some of the benefits available from art therapy include:

• Developing new skills for handling stress and anxiety
• Modifying unhealthy behavior and self-defeating patterns
• Attaining insight into personal patterns and behavior
• Increasing confidence, peace, vitality, and well-being
• Improving ways to manage anger, depression and moods
• Discovering new ways to solve problems
• Navigating life’s obstacles more effectively
• Improving listening and communication skills
• Experiencing creativity
• Enhancing the overall quality of life

 Do you accept insurance? How does insurance work?

To determine if you have mental health coverage, the first thing you should do is check with your insurance carrier. Check your coverage carefully and find the answers to the following questions:

• Do I have mental health benefits?
• What is my deductible and has it been met?
• How many sessions per calendar year does my plan cover?
• How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network provider?
• What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
• Is approval required from my primary care physician?

 Is therapy confidential?

In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communications between a client and a psychotherapist. Information is not disclosed without written permission. However, there are number of exceptions to this rule. Exceptions include:

• Suspected child abuse or dependant adult or elder abuse. The therapist is required by law to report this to the appropriate authorities immediately.
• If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. The therapist must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
• If a client intends to harm himself or herself. The therapist will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in insuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, further measures may be taken without their permission in order to ensure their safety.