Do I need art experience to participate in art therapy?

No. No previous art experience is required. Art therapy is not about artistic skill or creating a finished artwork. The focus is on the process of expression. Using simple art materials such as pencils, colored pencils, markers, pastels, or other creative supplies, individuals are invited to express thoughts and emotions through shapes, forms, and colors. With the guidance of a trained art therapist, this creative process can help bring awareness to feelings and experiences that may be difficult to put into words.

Is art therapy only for people who consider themselves creative?

Not at all. Art therapy is not about being artistic or creating something aesthetically pleasing. The creative process is simply a way to express thoughts and emotions that may be difficult to communicate through words alone. Many people who initially feel hesitant about art materials discover that the process itself can be calming, reflective, and meaningful.

How often should I attend therapy?

The frequency of sessions can vary depending on individual needs and goals. Many people begin with weekly sessions, which helps establish consistency and build the therapeutic relationship. The frequency can be discussed and adjusted over time based on what feels most helpful for the therapeutic process.

What happens during an art therapy session?

Art therapy sessions may include both creative expression and talk therapy. The art-making process allows individuals to explore emotions, experiences, and personal themes in a safe and reflective way. With the support of a trained art therapist, the artwork and the discussion around it can help bring awareness to both conscious and unconscious processes. Reflecting on the images and the creative experience can support new insights, new meanings, and a deeper understanding of one’s emotional life.

How can art therapy help?

Art therapy offers a safe and supportive form of expression, especially when it is difficult to find words for what we are feeling. Through the creative process—using images, movement, writing, and imagination—individuals can explore inner experiences and emotional themes that may not yet be fully understood. This process can help bring new awareness and insight. Creative expression often reveals previously unknown aspects of ourselves, supporting personal growth, emotional understanding, and self-reflection within a safe therapeutic relationship.

Who can benefit from art therapy?

Art therapy can benefit individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. People may seek art therapy for many reasons, including anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, immigration experiences, self-esteem challenges, or interpersonal and relational difficulties. Art therapy can help individuals look inward, gain insight into their emotional experiences, and develop new ways of understanding themselves and their relationships.

How long is a session?

Individual therapy sessions typically last 50 minutes.

Do you accept insurance?

This practice operates on a self-pay basis. Payment can be made by cash, or card. A monthly statement (superbill) can be provided for clients who wish to seek possible reimbursement from their insurance company. Clients are encouraged to check with their insurance provider regarding out-of-network benefits and coverage for art therapy services.

Are sessions confidential?

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of ethical therapeutic practice. As a member of the American Art Therapy Association, confidentiality and professional ethics are central values in my work. Information shared during sessions is kept private and protected, except in situations where disclosure is required by law, such as risk of harm to oneself or others.

How do I get started?

You can contact the practice by email to schedule an initial consultation or appointment. Messages are typically returned within 24–48 hours.

If you are experiencing an emergency or require immediate support, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Why does the practice operate on a self-pay basis?

This practice operates on a self-pay basis in order to maintain flexibility and support a more personalized therapeutic process. When therapy is billed through insurance, providers are often required to include a mental health diagnosis and share certain clinical information with the insurance company as part of the reimbursement process. For some individuals, working outside of insurance can allow for greater privacy and discretion within the therapeutic relationship.

Additionally, insurance plans may have specific guidelines regarding the number or frequency of sessions they cover. In a self-pay setting, the pace and duration of therapy can be determined collaboratively between the therapist and client, based on individual needs and goals.

For clients who wish to seek reimbursement, a monthly statement (superbill) can be provided so they may check with their insurance provider about possible out-of-network benefits and coverage.