QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

DO I HAVE TO DO ART THERAPY?

Not at all! I’m both a counselor and an art therapist, which means we can incorporate art therapy as much (or as little) as you’d like. Some people love using art to process their emotions, while others prefer a more traditional talk-therapy approach. It’s entirely up to you! That said, even if we don’t use art directly, I tend to bring creativity into sessions through things like metaphor, storytelling, and experiential techniques. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we’ll find an approach that works best for you.

DO I HAVE TO BE AN ARTIST TO DO ART THERAPY?

Not at all! Art therapy isn’t about being “good” at art. It’s about the process, not just the product. You don’t need any experience with art to benefit from it. Together, we can experiment with different materials and mediums to find what feels right for you. That said, this isn’t an art class, and my role is as your therapist, not an art teacher. There’s no pressure to create something that looks a certain way. What matters is how the process helps you explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.

WHY "ATELIER?"

I had the opportunity to study abroad in Italy during my time in an undergrad Art Education program. We visited a school based on the Reggio Emilia approach (a student-centered and self-guided curriculum that uses experiential learning in relationship-driven environments. Based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and building community through exploration, discovery, and play). This school, like many Reggio Emilia schools, had an atelier (fancy word for art classroom) at the center of the building. All learning opportunities stemmed from the art room. This concept has stuck with me over the years as I've developed my teaching philosophy, counseling skills, and supervision models. I believe art-making and participation in creative and experiential learning to be central to my own development and wish to be able to offer it to others.

HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE ART INTO SUPERVISION?

Incorporating art into counselor supervision allows me to engage supervisees in a creative and reflective process. I use techniques like drawing, collage, and sculpting to help supervisees express their feelings, insights, and challenges in a tactile and. visual way. This approach can reveal unconscious thoughts and patterns, facilitate deeper self-awareness, and enhance problem-solving skills. Art activities provide a non-verbal outlet for emotions, promote relaxation, and can make the supervision process more engaging and meaningful. By integrating art, I encourage supervisees to explore different perspectives and develop their creativity, which can be beneficial in their counseling practice.

WHAT ARE YOUR SUPERVISION FEES?

Fees vary depending on participation in individual and group supervision sessions and can range from $45-$75 per hour. Health insurance cannot be applied toward supervision costs. Sliding scale is available to those with demonstrable needs.

WHAT IS SUPERVISION?

Clinical supervision is a professional and collaborative relationship between an individual entering the field and one of more senior status. This process allows the individual to begin working in the field while the supervisor ensures they are providing quality care, developing competency, and following all ethical guidelines. Supervision is important for all counselors to stay updated on current treatment options, enhance growth, increase skills, and adhere to all ethical standards.

WHAT ARE THE LETTERS BEHIND YOUR NAME?

Great question! The letters behind my name represent my education, licensure, and certifications in counseling and art therapy. Here’s what they mean:

MA – I have a Master of Arts degree in a mental health-related field.
LPC – I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, which means I have met all the educational, clinical, and ethical requirements to provide mental health counseling in Pennsylvania.
ACS – I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor, which allows me to provide supervision for counselors working toward licensure.
ATR-BC – I am a Board-Certified Art Therapist, meaning I have completed the required education, clinical training, and passed a national exam to practice art therapy at the highest credentialed level.
ATCS – I am an Art Therapy Certified Supervisor, which means I am trained and credentialed to provide supervision specifically for art therapists working toward board certification and advanced practice.

Essentially, these credentials reflect my training, expertise, and commitment to high standards in both counseling and art therapy, and they allow me to support clients and supervisees in the most ethical, informed, and creative ways possible! 😊