Often the hands will solve a mystery

that the intellect has struggled with in vain.

                                                   ~ Carl Jung

What is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive Arts Therapy uses movement, art, music, writing, sound, and improvisation in a supportive setting to facilitate introspection, growth and healing.  It is a process of discovering ourselves through any art form that comes from the multi-layered levels of the self. By accessing the forms, symbols and information that emerge from the core of our individual experiences, the Expressive Arts provide space for the imagination and create dialogue between inner and outer realities.  These forms and symbols engage our capacity to make meaning, to heal, and to grow in a direction consistent with our authentic self.  The Expressive Arts touch the creative core and speed up internal processing, thus making it applicable to all forms of therapy and all issues.

Our purpose is to make art that is an expression of challenges, issues and conflicts of life; and to give voice to life’s joy and rewards as well.

My Purpose is to facilitate individual and group expression through art, music, drama, and dance/movement to clients of all ages with all levels of functioning. I provide creative opportunities that integrate education, mentoring and therapy. I offer resources, support, and introductory training in arts therapies to parents, faculty, and professionals in other institutions through seminars and workshops. I use integrated arts therapy to help people reach their fullest potential.

                       

   Dance / Movement Therapy promotes a heightened awareness of one's body in the environment. Specific techniques provide relief from excess pain, reduce stress, improve body image, strengthen parent-child relationships, and encourage greater understanding in social interactions.

  Drama Therapy explores ways to express events and personal needs and negotiate social interactions. Role-play, theatre games, creative storytelling, and participation in drama socialization groups are effective in treating social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, stress, and strengthening team building.

   Music Therapy interacts with the brain through such elements of music as rhythm and melody. It addresses neurological impairments  and fine and gross motor functioning.