Expressive Arts and Play Therapy
For all Ages
Great for:
Children and Adults
Highly Sensitive Folks
Creative Blocks, Cognitive Flexibility
Deeper, Somatic, Felt sense processing
Person-Centered Play Therapy
Expressive Arts Therapy
Sand Play and Sand Tray work
Music Therapy and Dance/Movement
“Before words, before sensations, and even before thought, the body’s first language is one of symbols…” - Toko Pa Turner
Expressive Arts Therapy
Expressive arts therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses creative expression—such as painting, drawing, music, dance, writing, drama, and poetry—as a means for individuals to explore and process emotions, memories, and experiences. Rooted in the belief that creativity is an innate human capacity, it allows people to communicate thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally. By engaging with various forms of expressions, metaphors and symbols, individuals can access deeper layers of their psyche, foster self-awareness, and achieve emotional healing.
This modality is often integrative, drawing on elements of psychology, somatic therapy, and mindfulness to connect emotional and cognitive processes with the physical body.
Expressive arts therapy can be used with both children and adults, adapting to their developmental needs and unique challenges.
For children, it provides a safe, non-threatening way to express difficult emotions, as they may not yet have the verbal skills to articulate their feelings. Through play, drawing, or storytelling, children can process trauma, stress, and social difficulties in a supportive environment.
For adults, expressive arts therapy can unlock creativity and address issues such as trauma, anxiety, and depression. Adults may find that creative expression helps them gain insights into their experiences, release suppressed emotions, and foster personal growth.
No previous art experience required!
“Expressive and Play-based approaches access a place in us where attachment is most authentically recognized, integrated and appreciated” - Cathy Malchiodi, PhD
Child Therapy
“Play is the child’s natural medium of self-expression. It is essential for healing because it allows children to externalize their inner world in a way that feels safe and manageable” (Crenshaw, 2010)
Children often struggle to put their feelings into words, especially when dealing with big emotions like fear, sadness, or anger. That’s where play therapy comes in—it gives kids a natural and comfortable way to express themselves, process their experiences, and build emotional resilience. Research shows that play therapy helps children improve their self-esteem, emotional regulation, and social skills, all while feeling safe and supported (Ray et al., 2021).
Play Therapy creates a secure space where children can process difficult emotions, build trust, and develop coping skills without the pressure of verbal communication. By engaging in symbolic play, children can work through their fears and struggles at their own pace, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.
I provide a safe environment in which the psyche can unfold, support and join the child, inner child, or young-at-heart parts to connect and express, give name and find new ways to
In addition, I support parents and caregivers to support their children through co-regulation and offer parenting skills when needed.