“So, you’re ready to find a therapist, specifically an art therapist. You know it’s time to start your healing journey, and you know you want change in your life. You start the search and find that there are SO many therapy options. Indoor, outdoor, virtual, walk and talk, home-based… and we’re not even touching the countless therapeutic approaches yet! Maybe you assumed you’d meet an art therapist in an office, but now you’re not sure what you need. How are you supposed to choose?”

“Feeling overwhelmed? Stressed? Okay, let’s be here for a minute.”

“If you’re experiencing a loss in your life, therapy may be the best next step. If you’re feeling especially isolated and depressed in your grief, remember that you deserve to have support. You deserve to feel connected, heard, and understood.”

“Rather than setting resolutions, let’s set flexible goals with self-compassion. Why? We’re all human. We’re all imperfect. Oftentimes, setting resolutions includes a high expectation that is not always realistic for a human to complete. Instead, we should set realistic, loving goals that help us make our lives more fulfilling.”

“Grief oftentimes brings up feelings of loneliness and sadness. While it's important to give yourself space to feel those emotions, it's also valuable to get connected with the people around you.“

“When you hear the words “art therapy,” what do you imagine? Do you picture someone pointing to your drawing and telling you what it means (see myth #4)? Do you hear a therapist telling you that using the blue marker means that you’re sad? Do you think of children finger painting (see myth #2)? “

“It’s no surprise that the healthcare system, including mental health care, is flawed. It’s hard to find a provider that meets your needs, you can afford, and has availability. I’ve struggled with this process, and I know that so many others have as well.

As a therapist, I want to support you in accessing therapy services. My hope is that these tips make the process a little bit easier for you and take away some of the hurdles when it comes to connecting with a mental health care provider.”

“The reality is that most people are nervous about starting group therapy; that feeling is completely normal. Going to group is a vulnerable thing to do and it takes courage to share your thoughts and feelings with a group of people. “

“Rest is something that I’ve been exploring in my life over the past year. As a recovering perfectionist, I often find myself pushing to work more, accomplish more, and be busy. I have a hard time sitting still and slowing down to have fun.”

“This exercise focuses on developing self-acceptance through identifying and challenging beliefs.”

“Choosing the right therapist can take some time. Give yourself space to search for counselors in your area. If you’re open to meeting online, you can usually expand your search statewide. You have the right to ask questions about a therapist’s approach, experience, schedule, and cost. Remember, even if a therapist does not accept insurance, you may still be able to use your out-of-network benefits and get reimbursed from your insurance company.”

“Creative expression is a great way to engage in self-exploration or to encourage self-awareness with those you serve. “Draw the Emotion” is an example of an art making activity to deepen connection with emotions.”