Therapeutic Approach

Going to therapy is hard, honest work.

And as an art therapist, I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative foundation we build together. Drawing from a strengths-based, person-centered approach, I work with clients to foster their confidence and find the tools they need to navigate our world and systems. My practice is informed by harm reduction and anti-oppressive, feminist frameworks, and I stand in solidarity with clients and activists working for racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equity. In sessions, I center my client’s values and support changes they wish to see, whether small or large, long-term or short term, within themselves or outside in the world around us.

My clinical experience to date includes both inpatient and community-based work with children and adults. Throughout my graduate education, I have gained experience working in settings such as a public elementary school, mental health care agency, and medical rehabilitation hospital. Prior to my art therapy career, I began my passion for community work at a small, non-profit visionary art museum in Philadelphia, and gained experience working as a studio assistant for contemporary visual artists. My background in fine arts and current experimental studio practice encourages me to explore new material opportunities for use in art therapy. Examples of this include:

• Coordinating a film screening of client artwork

• Collaborating with clients and site supervisor to fabricate adaptive equipment for mouthstick painting

• Initiating a multi-week screen printing group for clients to learn new printing techniques, arts-based professionalism, and opportunities for self-expression and activism

• Developing and co-facilitating a weekly, open drama and improvisation group

• Demonstrating safe use of basic hand woodworking tools for 5th and 6th grade students