I’m Lauren (she/her) and I am a trained art therapist with nine years of experience working in mental health settings. I recently received my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, concentrating in Transpersonal Art Therapy. Art therapy doesn’t require you to be experienced or “good” at making art. Working with an art therapist involves using art materials to access the subconscious and help you find meaning in your creative choices that relate to your life. It can also serve as a regulating tool when discussing challenging material. Overall, art therapy can help you understand yourself in a way that differs from traditional talk therapies.
We can use art therapy in our time together, or not! It’s up to you! I primarily use a Client-Centered approach, which is grounded in the idea that you own your potential for healing and the importance of co-collaboration between the therapist and client. In other words, you have a voice in your therapeutic journey, and I am here to support you without judgment.
My own artist identity allows me to be curious and creative in developing an integral individualized approach structured for you based on your own goals and strengths while anchored in relevant research. I also believe in cultivating long-term coping strategies to last beyond your time in therapy. Due to my contemplative education, I am also trained in meditation; this helps me stay present with you and integrate mindfulness-based approaches into our work together. In addition, somatic and expressive therapies guide me in assessing and incorporating movement into my therapeutic practices. If you are a creative individual who is open to trying something different, I’m your gal.
My experience includes residential and inpatient treatment settings, community-based work, clinical research, non-profits, and school settings. I am passionate about working with creative individuals and can work with children, adolescents, and adults who struggle with sensory processing challenges, disordered eating, adjustment challenges, and childhood trauma. I am social justice-oriented, LGBTQIA+ allied, and value cultural humility.
If it feels like a good fit for you, I am so excited to get to know you and support you on your journey!