Expressive Arts Practice & Approach
Creative engagement for emotional awareness, present-moment focus, and self-expression.
After a lifetime immersed in the arts—including visual art, music, and composition—and several years successfully working in creative roles, I began practicing professionally in Behavioral Health in 2014. Since then, I have facilitated therapeutic expressive arts groups and individual sessions, while also designing curriculum and creative programming tailored to diverse populations and settings.
My work is grounded in evidence-based practice and emphasizes mindful creative engagement as a pathway to self-discovery, emotional regulation, and personal insight. I design structured yet flexible curricula that support therapeutic goals while allowing space for individual expression and emergent process.
Through visual art and music, participants often develop self-soothing and mindfulness skills organically. This may include visual practices such as drawing, painting, or mark-making, as well as music, where the disciplined practice of maintaining a steady pulse gradually evolves into layered rhythm and original melody. Over time, participants commonly demonstrate increased emotional awareness, improved regulation skills, strengthened attention and present-moment focus, greater confidence in self-expression, and a growing sense of agency within both creative and everyday contexts.
How Expressive Arts are Uniquely Effective:
Enhanced Cognitive Function:
Engaging in creative activities stimulates cognitive functions, including problem-solving, memory, and critical thinking. It can also lead to significant improvements in concentration and focus.
Attention Deficit Disorders:
Expressive Arts has proven to be particularly effective in managing the symptoms of attention deficit disorders like ADD and ADHD. This effectiveness stems from engaging the prefrontal cortex, where these disorders predominantly manifest.
Stress Reduction:
Engaging in creative activities can help reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and redirecting focus. Creating art can serve as a form of mindfulness, allowing individuals to be more greatly aware of the moment.
Emotional Expression and Release:
Expressive arts provide a safe and non-verbal outlet for individuals to express complex emotions and experiences that may be challenging to articulate verbally. This can lead to emotional release and a sense of catharsis.
Self-Discovery and Insight:
Expressive arts facilitate self-exploration and self-discovery. Through the creative process, individuals may gain insights into their thoughts, feelings, and underlying issues, fostering personal growth and increased self-awareness.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem:
Successfully engaging in creative activities can boost confidence and self-esteem. Accomplishing artistic goals, whether small or large, contributes to a sense of achievement and competence.
Coping with Trauma and Grief:
Expressive arts practices are often used to help individuals cope with trauma, grief, and loss. The creative process can aid in processing difficult emotions, providing a therapeutic outlet for healing.
Social Connection:
Participating in group expressive arts activities fosters a sense of community and social connection. This can be particularly beneficial for those feeling isolated or struggling with social interactions.
Promoting Resilience:
The creative process encourages individuals to experiment, take risks, and adapt to unforeseen challenges. This fosters resilience and the ability to cope with uncertainties in life.
Mind-Body Connection:
Expressive arts activities involve the central nervous system and strengthen the connection between the mind and body. This integration contributes to overall well-being and a holistic approach to health.
Joy and Satisfaction:
Creating art, music, or engaging in other expressive activities can bring joy and a sense of satisfaction. The act of making something meaningful and unique is particularly satisfying.
Enhanced Communication:
For those who struggle with verbal communication, expressive arts provide alternative ways to convey thoughts and emotions. This is particularly beneficial in therapeutic settings, where individuals may find it easier to express themselves through art, music, or other creative practices.
Why Work Independently:
(private-pay)
Unfortunately, very few agencies and insurance policies provide concentrated and personalized expressive art programs. When the programming is provided, it rarely includes adequate supplies and environments to be as beneficial as could be.
Working independently of insurance and agencies allows for individualized sessions of modalities and mediums preferred by the participant. In addition, the supplies provided are of higher quality and for the participants to keep.
Client Examples
Two-Dimensional
While creating beauty, two-dimensional works convey emotions, tell stories, and depict time and place in a manner that words often cannot. The processes involved have the ability to leave participants mindful, introspective, and ripe for self-expression.
Zentangles
In addition to being particularly successful when addressing symptoms of ADHD and concentration challenges, I’ve found Zentangles to be effective for establishing fundamental elements of mindfulness for those new to the concepts.
Three-Dimensional
This sculpture is a clay self-portrait created by a client in her early teens. As the piece suggests, historical trauma had led her to be largely non-verbal. Through her work, she gained confidence which became great improvements in communication and socialization.