What is art therapy?

Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of art making to support emotional, physical, and mental well-being. For some people, creative expression offers another way to explore and work through experiences beyond talk therapy alone.

What credentials do art therapists have?

Licensed Creative Arts Therapists (LCATs) in New York are psychotherapists with specialized training in art therapy. I hold a master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology & Art Therapy from Naropa University, completed a 700-hour pre-graduate internship, and have fulfilled the 1,500 hours of post-graduate clinical experience required for licensure. I am also a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), the highest national distinction, awarded to those who pass the national board exam and demonstrate advanced competency in the field.

I thought art therapy was just for kids?

Not at all. Art therapy is for anyone, regardless of age, experience, or skill. You don’t need to have artistic talent—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new. For many adults, art therapy can offer a fresh way of working through challenges, especially when talking feels repetitive, overwhelming, or limited. The creative process can help uncover insight, shift old patterns, and support movement through feelings of “stuckness.”

What does an art therapy session look like?

Art therapy sessions often weave together talking and art-making, depending on your needs that day. You might explore a theme through discussion, then use a drawing, painting, or collage to deepen insight or express something that’s hard to put into words.

What if I just want to talk?

Art-making is always optional. I’m equally comfortable with traditional talk therapy and art therapy, and sessions may include either or both, depending on what feels most supportive. If I think it may be helpful, I might invite you to make art—but you always guide the session and can say no at any time. Some clients choose to engage in art-making during or between sessions as a creative way to support their healing, while others prefer to focus on talking.

Materials used

Art therapy can be done with simple supplies—paper, pens, crayons, markers, watercolor, collage materials, or even clay or pastels. In telehealth sessions, clients can work with any materials they have available to them.

Is online art therapy effective?

Yes. Online art therapy can be just as meaningful as in-person work. Clients create with materials they have on hand, and we explore the artwork together while discussing thoughts, emotions, and insights that arise. Many clients find that online art therapy adds comfort, flexibility, and privacy while still offering the depth and connection of creative therapeutic work.