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What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the process of art making to support you in both understanding yourself better as well as managing your most challenging symptoms so you can find a better quality of life. Making art allows you to release your thoughts and emotions in a healthy way. Once released, the art piece and process can be used to explore thoughts, behavior and patterns and help you find ways to change, cope, and recover.

 

No experience with art materials is

necessary to participate in art therapy. 

It is the job of the art therapist to assist

you with finding materials that are both

comfortable to work with and also help you get to your desired goal.

 

How do I know if art therapy is right for me?

 

  • Is it hard to describe what you are feeling or experiencing?

  • Are you looking for ways to better manage your mood, symptoms and impulses and feel more in control?

  • Do you find it helps you feel better when you are able to get creative?

  • Do you feel ready to dive deeper into the underlying roots to your thoughts and patterns?

  • Do you want to learn strategies that you can use daily outside of our sessions? 

 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, art therapy may be the best fit for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am not an artist?

 

There is no need to have any experience with art materials.  Art is used simply because of how effectively it can transfer information, emotion and thought.  You will get used to us saying that there is no right or wrong way to create.  We will focus on the process and meaning in the image rather than judging it.

 

What is a session like?

 

During your initial session, we will talk about what results you want to see from therapy, you will fill out some paperwork (or take it home to fill out and return) and we will share with you some strategies that you can start using immediately to work towards your goal. 

 

Following sessions typically include a check-in, which will be followed by a directive (to include art or narrative or both).  At the end of the session, we will talk about what it was like to complete the artwork and extract meaning from the process to inform how to move forward. Sessions are typically 1 hour to 1.5 hours and we discuss this ahead of time so that you know what to expect.

 

How often will we meet?

 

We can discuss how often we meet during your consultation as we have several options to meet your individual needs.

 

What are the benefits of art therapy versus other options?

 

Art therapy is unique in its ability to access all parts of the brain and the full spectrum of emotions through the art process.  As a registered and board certified art therapist, I am trained to support you in expressing yourself in a deep and meaningful way.  Art is a vehicle into emotion and a container to hold it.  

 

Do you work with insurance and how do I pay for sessions?

 

Insurance

We do not accept insurance simply because insurance companies do not reimburse art therapy services in the state of Virginia.  However, we are happy to provide an invoice if you would like to attempt to submit it to your insurance on your own or claim it on your taxes.  We are also happy to call your insurance to find out your deductable.  Some clients choose our services after learning that they would be required to pay out of pocket either way due to having a large deductable.

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Other Options

We are a listed CSA provider, meaning we can request to work with your social worker (if you or your child has one) to inquire about getting our services covered.

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Benefits of paying out of pocket are: 

  • Your treatment plan can be centered on your needs and goals.

  • You can decide how many sessions you want or need.

  • We can provide an extra layer of privacy in that we do not need to report on your participation or progress in therapy.

 

Payment

We accept cash, checks & credit/debit cards for payment.

 

Do you provide supervision to art therapists pursuing their ATR?

 

Yes, Laura provides individual and group supervision at a reduced rate to art therapists seeking supervision.

 

 

 

 

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