Frequently Asked Questions

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression as a way to explore emotions, process experiences, and support mental health. As a licensed creative arts therapist (LCAT), I guide you through art-making activities that help you express feelings that might be difficult to put into words. You don't need any artistic skill or experience—the focus is on the process, not the product. Through creating and reflecting on your artwork together, we can uncover insights, work through challenges, and support your healing journey. Art therapy is evidence-based and can be just as effective as traditional talk therapy, with the added benefit of engaging multiple parts of your brain and body in the healing process.

Not at all! This is one of the most common concerns I hear, and I want to reassure you: art therapy is for everyone, regardless of artistic ability. You don't need to be "good at art" or have any prior experience. The therapeutic value comes from the process of creating, not from making something beautiful or perfect. I'll guide you through accessible, low-pressure activities that feel manageable and meaningful. Many of my clients initially feel nervous about the art component but quickly discover it's a natural and comfortable way to express themselves. All you need is openness to trying something new.

Art therapy can support you with a wide range of mental health challenges and life experiences. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship difficulties, stress management, low self-esteem, and identity exploration. Art therapy is particularly helpful for processing difficult emotions, building coping skills, increasing self-awareness, and finding new perspectives on challenges you're facing. The creative process can access parts of your experience that traditional talk therapy might not reach, making it especially effective for trauma work and emotional regulation.

While art therapy includes conversation and verbal processing, it adds a creative, hands-on component that engages your brain and body in unique ways. Making art activates different neural pathways than talking alone, which can help you access emotions, memories, and insights that might be difficult to reach through words. Art therapy can be especially helpful if you find it hard to articulate your feelings, feel stuck in traditional therapy, or want a more embodied, experiential approach. The creative process also provides distance from difficult topics, making them feel more manageable to explore. And because you're actively creating something, you leave each session with a tangible reflection of your inner experience and growth.

Our virtual art therapy sessions happen through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. You'll join from wherever you feel comfortable, your home, office, or any private space. Before we start, I'll suggest some basic, accessible art materials to have on hand (things like paper, markers, colored pencils, or even magazines for collage), though you can also work with whatever you already have. During our session, I might invite you to create something in response to a prompt, and we'll process your experience and artwork together. Some clients share their work on camera, while others prefer to describe it. Virtual art therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions and offers the convenience of engaging in creative work from the comfort of your own space.

Yes, I accept insurance! I use Alma to manage insurance verification, billing, and bookings, which makes the process straightforward. Alma works with many major insurance providers in New York State. If you're an out-of-network client, I've partnered with Mentaya to help you submit for reimbursement from your insurance company, they handle the paperwork and make it easy to get money back. For specific rate information and to check whether your insurance is accepted, you can visit my Alma profile or reach out directly. I'm happy to discuss costs and payment options during our free 15-minute consultation call.

The length of therapy really depends on your unique needs, goals, and circumstances. Some clients come to therapy for short-term support around a specific issue or transition and may work with me for a few months. Others find long-term therapy helpful for deeper exploration and ongoing support, continuing for a year or more. We'll discuss your goals during our initial sessions and regularly check in about your progress. Therapy is collaborative, and you're always in control of how long you'd like to continue. There's no pressure or expectation, we'll work at a pace that feels right for you.

I work with adults (18+) across New York State who are navigating various mental health challenges and life experiences. Art therapy can be a good fit if you're looking for a creative, experiential approach to therapy, feel stuck in traditional talk therapy, have difficulty expressing emotions verbally, are dealing with trauma or complex feelings, want to build coping skills in an engaging way, or are simply curious about exploring therapy through creativity. If you're wondering whether art therapy is right for you, I'd love to chat during a free consultation call. We can discuss what you're looking for and whether my approach feels like a good match.

Getting started is simple! First, reach out through my contact page, Zencare profile, or Alma profile to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. During this call, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy, I'll answer any questions you have, and we'll see if we're a good fit. If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first full session (typically 50-60 minutes) and you'll complete some brief intake paperwork. Then we'll meet for your initial session, where we'll dive deeper into your goals and begin our work together. I look forward to connecting with you!