Takeaway: Sometimes, words can’t capture the depth of our emotional experience. That’s where art therapy in NYC comes in.

You don’t have to be an artist to harness the power of creativity. Using new ways to express yourself can help you gain insight in ways you may never have considered before. 

Maybe you’re stuck in a rut or notice that unhelpful thought patterns are holding you back. Maybe you struggle with low self esteem, anxiety, or trauma. No matter your struggle, art therapy can help.

Creative arts therapy is a transformative experience for many people. The artistic process allows  you to get vulnerable and address your mental health in a different way. By giving yourself this experience, you open yourself up to new perspectives that can help you live a life with more purpose, meaning, and connection.

To learn more about creative arts therapy, schedule a free consultation. I’d be happy to support you in taking the next steps on your healing journey.

Everything you need to know about art therapy in NYC

For many people, art therapy is a whole new experience. When you think of traditional therapy, most people don’t think of using paint, fiber, or clay to heal. However, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful art making can be as a therapeutic intervention.

Many people feel intimidated by the concept of art therapy. You might worry if you’ll be “good” at it, or if you’re creative enough to give it a go. While these are common concerns, I believe that anyone can do (and enjoy) creative arts therapy. I encourage anyone who is considering it to try-you might be surprised with the results.

What is art therapy?

Art therapy is exactly what it sounds like: a combination of both creative arts and mental health treatment. Creative arts therapies come in many different forms and delivery methods, and each practitioner uses different approaches.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, creative arts therapy has tons of different applications, including:

• Improving learning and processing
• Growing self esteem and insight
• Building resilience
• Improving social skills
• Learning conflict resolution skills
• Reducing emotional distress
• Foster advocacy and social change

Keep in mind that your creative arts therapist will work with you on your specific needs. If you don’t see your mental health goals listed above, don’t worry-it’s not an exhaustive list. Art therapy can help with all kinds of different issues.

My approach as an art therapist in New York

My goal as a licensed creative arts therapist is to empower you-not tell you what to do. I’m a firm believer in the power of your own inner wisdom, and I trust that you know what’s best for you. I’m simply here to support you throughout the process, offering feedback and insight along the way.

I recognize that engaging in creative arts is outside of many people’s comfort zone. However, it’s meant to be fun! I bring a sense of humor and lightness into our shared therapy space to help you enjoy the artistic process and get curious about what it brings up for you.

During our time together, we may  use different forms of art like painting, collage, and sculpting to both explore and express. It might be hard to put your experience into words or even identify how you really feel. The creative process is a tool to help you reflect and gain insight when you’re looking for clarity.

It’s also possible you know exactly how you feel but don’t trust your inner wisdom to guide you to make choices that support your wellbeing. It can be hard to step out of the ruminating thought process. Art making is one way to break up cyclical thoughts and gain access to the present, thus giving you your life back.

As a creative arts therapist, I’m all about embracing the mess. Your art won’t be perfect, and neither will your life. However, art therapy can help you get in touch with those vulnerable parts of yourself that deserve love and compassion. You’ll leave feeling empowered, armed with a new outlook that can help you take steps toward a more fulfilled life.

Ready to see how art therapy can contribute to your personal growth and mental health? I’m ready, too. Schedule your free 20-minute consultation to get started.

FAQs about NY creative arts therapy

For many people, art therapy is an entirely new experience, so it’s natural to have questions. While these are some of the most common questions I get, I encourage you to reach out if you have more. We can speak directly about your interest in art therapy and whether it might be a good fit for your goals.

Who can become a creative arts therapist?

There are different licensing boards for art therapists. States have their own requirements, and there are also national credentials that art therapists can earn. Many of the requirements between the different organizations overlap, but all are distinct licenses.

In New York State, art therapists must meet several requirements in order to earn their license. For example, they must earn a master’s degree from an accredited program, complete 1,500 hours of supervised experience after graduation, and pass an exam.

The Art Therapy Credentials Board is one national organization that provides credentials for art therapists. There are several different types of credentials available, including Registered Art Therapist, Board-certified Registered Art Therapist, and Certified Art Therapy Supervisor.

When searching for creative arts therapists, make sure to ask about their credentials. Aside from important education and experience requirements, licensed creative arts therapists also have ethical guidelines that they must uphold. Having credentials is an important accountability measure for all mental health professionals.

What if I decide I don’t want to use art in session?

While I’ve seen the healing power of creative arts firsthand, I also totally understand if you’d rather not make art in every session. I view art as one of the many tools  in our mutual toolkit rather than the be-all, end-all of therapy.

You’re under no obligation to be constantly engaged in making art just because you choose to work with an art therapist. Your experience in therapy should be tailored to what you want and need-not what someone else wants for you (even a professional).

Creative arts are only one component of the services I provide as an art therapist in New York. Talk therapy is also a big part of my work with clients. Like art, conversation is a tool we can use to foster reflection, insight, and growth.

Therapy doesn’t have to be all or nothing. I love art therapy for the variety it offers. If you want to make art one day, that’s great. If you’d rather talk it out for most of your sessions, that’s perfectly fine, too. We can make the process whatever you need it to be to reach your goals.

New York creative arts therapists can help you connect with your curiosity and creativity

Whether you’re experiencing stress and anxiety from work or life transitions, want to improve your mental health and relationships, or are recovering from a traumatic experience, I’m here to help.

Art therapy in NYC can be a safe place for you to process your experience, express yourself, and forge a new road ahead without shame or judgment. I want to help you embrace all parts of yourself and make real change toward what feels most important to you.

If you’re interested in learning more about creative arts therapy or feel ready to dive in, contact me today. We can schedule a free 20-minute consultation to answer any lingering questions and get a sense of whether we might be a good fit for each other. I look forward to connecting with you!