Psychotherapy
I offer individual psychotherapy sessions for adults from an integrative mind-body perspective. Rooted in a trauma-informed approach, I incorporate art therapy, breath work, EMDR, hypnotherapy, mindfulness, and somatic-based practices. I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life changes, relational difficulties, and trauma.
I provide an accepting, creative and supportive space for clients to safely process challenges, build on strengths and learn new skills to empower personal growth.
Psychotherapy is a collaborative process between client and therapist that exists within a safe, trusting relationship. Through creative exploration, practices to enhance the mind-body connection, and verbal processing we will work together to see beyond diagnosis and explore your unique experiences and perspectives. We will focus on accepting the full range of emotions as a vital part of the human experience, and increasing overall wellbeing by deepening your understanding of self-limiting beliefs and behaviors to move toward authentic self-expression
Through the modalities that best suit your needs and interests, I will support you to explore your internal dialogue, behavioral and emotional patterns, and somatic responses to deepen your understanding of self and heal past traumas. I will work with you to meet you where you are, beginning with an initial intake session, and then focusing on building a therapeutic connection that is the foundation of the psychotherapy work.
Art Therapy
As with any of the modalities I offer, Art therapy is an option for you. Art therapy practices vary depending on the needs of the client and the setting. The basic principle focuses on combining therapeutic techniques and theories with creative expression and exploration. Art therapy is a tool to explore unconscious thoughts and emotions.
Engaging in art therapy does not require a specific artistic talent or skill set, only an openness and willingness to try art materials and processes for self-expression, understanding, and exploration. I often encourage the use of art materials through a mindful, embodied, & curious approach. Creative expression offers the opportunity to regulate emotions effectively through metaphor & abstraction.
My goal is to help you gain insight, tools, and strategies to deepen your sense of agency, build adaptive coping, and increase self-love.
Art therapy can be utilized as a tool to further explore unconscious thoughts and emotions, it isn't necessary to have a background in art making, just the desire to explore your psyche.
Mental Health Coordination
FOR LIVE PERFORMANCES DEALING WITH TRAUMATIC THEMESI believe that art in all forms has the power to heal.
As noted by trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk, MD, author of the renowned book on trauma The Body Keeps the Score, theater is a powerful tool for trauma recovery. Live performance and theater, when created within a team of creatives that value emotional safety and mental health, provide unique experiences for working with trauma.
I provide mental health support for live performances that deal with traumatic themes. I am currently working on The Survivors’ Way, “a visually poetic and aurally rich journey through an inner world of someone balancing the hardest and most preciously rare moments that life has to offer.”
In my role on the production team, I am providing trauma-informed mental health support and resiliency based art-making and mindfulness practices for the show’s production team, audiences and community members.
If this service is something your production would benefit from, please reach out to me.
Survivor’s Way containment boxes
Curatorial Collaboration
FOR GALLERIES AND MUSEUMS SEEKING TO ENRICH EXHIBIT EXPERIENCESI love museums and gallery spaces. I welcome opportunities to collaborate with museum professionals to think outside the box to create exhibitions and programming that include art therapy-informed perspectives.
I have overseen the creation and installation of many exhibits in various settings. Most recently, I contributed curatorial consultation and mindfulness prompts for an exhibit at the Figge Museum in Davenport, IA.
The Sculpture Garden exhibit focused on creating a relaxing experience for viewers and encouraging museum-goers to slow down and engage in the artwork in a more contemplative, mindful way. The prompts I created encouraged visitors to respond to the sculptures with art making and movement.
Contact me to start a conversation about a curatorial or programming collaboration in a gallery, museum, medical facility, or any space open to the magic of art.
Installation image, Sculpture Garden, Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa, April 13 - June 23, 2024.
Workshops
FOR GROUPS OF ALL KINDS
I offer art therapy workshops that integrate the art making process and mindfulness practices to cultivate calm, connection and wellbeing in a fun, creative way. Workshops are customized to meet the needs and goals of each group.
I created Chill & Create, an ongoing, series of art therapy-informed mindfulness workshops at the Stanley Museum in Iowa City.
Chill & Create at the Stanley Museum
“Every time I come, I think I should be doing something else. I have so much to do. And then once I get into it, I forget about everything else.”
-Chill & Create participant