Words to describe working with me:
Trauma informed, person centered, adaptive, thought provoking, curious, individualized, theoretically underpinned, safe, somatic, cognitive, metaphorical, clinically informed, challenging, process based, present and empowering.
My Approach
When people ask about my clinical approach, Ill begin by sharing that when it comes to making art - I am a recovering perfectionist!
For years I made art on demand to please or get a high grade. This act drew attention to me and in turn gave me a sense of self esteem and confidence. Throughout my graduate training I was encouraged to create art which challenged me, from choice of material, to use of abstract, messy processes in public settings. These experiences pushed me further than I thought possible towards facing and processing my emotions and unconsciously exploring difficult experiences of trauma and grief.
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This is where I learned that the true power of Art Therapy lies in the process, whatever that might look like, not in the final creation.
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My approach draws from these personal experiences & integrates traditional art therapy techniques with clinically informed practices to provide a unique and individualized therapeutic experience.
I am passionate about helping individuals explore their thoughts, emotions, express themselves, and achieve personal growth and healing through the creative process.
I welcome you to join me on this transformative journey.
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Visit me on social media here
@kat_arttherapist
Areas of Focus:
Adults
Accountability
Anxiety
Interpersonal Relationships​​
Mental Health
Emotion Education
Trauma
Attachment
Complex Trauma
Personality Disorders
Addiction
Self Esteem​​​
Identity
Resourcing
Psychoeducation
Healthy Coping​
Insight building
Mindfulness
Internal dialog​​​​​​
Styles of Working
All sessions consist of a balance between directive and non-directive Art Therapy approaches. Occasionally, I may incorporate additional techniques based on your preferences and requirements. This flexible approach ensures that your therapeutic journey is both personalized and effective.
If you would like to learn more about these please ask
Expressive Arts Therapy
An Expressive Arts Therapy approach differs as it includes a variety of modalities within one session. These usually include Dance/movement, Art making, Role play, Poetry/story telling and Music. When this approach is utilized we will interchange modalities throughout our session.
Theoretical underpinnings and Journal Prompts
Art Therapy can be framed through various different lenses, including DBT, Internal Family Systems and CBT approaches, which allows a variety of psychoeducation and skills to be shared.
To further this, personalized journal prompts can also be incorporated to aid you in your healing.
Bilateral Drawing
Bilateral Drawing is a body based form of art making which focuses on regulating the nervous system, building resources and encouraging active responses to once overwhelming events. This approach is conducted using two hands simultaneously while focusing inwards onto somatic experiences.