I'm located in Western Massachusetts in the Pioneer Valley, and my practice is fully virtual at this time.
Art therapy offers a creative way of working through complex and difficult thoughts and feelings. It’s a bit different from traditional “talk” therapy, in that Art Therapists are thoroughly trained in the use of creative modalities for healing. That means in our sessions, we get to be creative. You might paint, draw, color, work with clay or collage, write, and much more. How a session looks will depend on a few things, but it will always be guided by your personal interests and your individual therapy goals. I’ll work with you to create a plan that’s unique to you.
Yes!! Great news- You don’t need any experience with art making to benefit from art therapy. It can be a great fit for anyone, there is no skill level you need to start. Your Art therapist will develop a treatment plan with you collaboratively, taking into account your own personal therapy goals and creative interests and preferences.
No, only the artist knows that. What I can do is work with you to help you uncover your own meaning, if there is one. Art doesn't always have to have a meaning. Sometimes there are multiple meanings, sometimes it's just experimental, cathartic, etc.
You don't need to have anything to start. If you like, I can offer some suggestions for specific supplies after I get to know you and better understand your therapeutic goals. Generally speaking, some paper and something to draw/write/color with will be enough. Markers, chalk, oil pastels, colored pencils, crayons, all could work.
Some things that could be useful to have handy: Colored paper, glue, scissors, old magazines.