I believe in the power of the art making process as an effective tool in promoting one’s mental health. Art Therapy with me looks like active art-making, the creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.
Art Therapy can sometimes be hard to understand, yet no technical skill is required to do Art Therapy. Through an integrative and holistic approach, the work I do engages the body, mind, and spirit in ways other than “traditional talk therapy.” Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience and Client’s find that they feel more empowered through this process.
When I am not in the art room, I use a holistic, skill-based approach drawing from CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Theory. I meet the Client where they are and try to shape therapy around their needs.
Come as you are, you are welcome here.
I have practiced as a Counselor and Art Therapist for over 10 years. Over the past ten years, I have worked in a variety of settings, with a wide range of clients with diverse backgrounds. I have interests in but not limited to, Anxiety, Grief Management, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Women’s Issues, Depression, Stress Management, Body-Image and Eating Disorders. My work draws on training in Behavior Modification, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Art Therapy, Play Therapy, CBT, and Mindfulness.
In my downtime: I love to watch TV and movies with my family. I also love to be creative - any chance I get to paint or craft, I take it!
My favorite color is: Periwinkle
I have two sister cats at home named Peeka and Boo
Board Certified, Registered Art Therapist. ATR-BC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
BS in Art & Psychology from University of Wisconsin – River Falls
MS in Art Therapy with an emphasis in Community Counseling from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI.
Anxiety Disorder
Attachment Issues
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Bipolar Disorder
Compulsive Disorders
Depression
Grief Management
Identity & Body Image
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Partum Depression
Relationship Issues
Sexual Abuse
Stress Management
Women’s Issues
Children
Teen/Adolescents
Adults
Minnetonka, MN
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Art Therapy
Behavioral Modification
Child Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Psychotherapy
Motivational Interviewing
Our clinical team is diverse and in keeping with our vision this allows for choice. We merge personal background and experience, education, creativity, and passion into a professional vision: commitment to diversity in both theory and practice. We make every effort to assign clinicians with respect to a client’s and/or family’s therapeutic and cultural needs.
Think of us as your cheerleaders on the sidelines. You've seen it, the smile, the simple nod of the head. Small gestures that say: we understand, we are listening and we are here for you. That's who we are.