Art Therapy Counseling

Art therapy is based on the belief that engaging in creative activities can promote healing and enhance mental well-being.  Art therapy is particularly beneficial for those who find it challenging to express their feelings verbally. Trained art therapists are adept at recognizing the nonverbal symbols and metaphors that emerge during the creative process, allowing individuals to uncover insights and experience the transformative effects of art therapy. 
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At Family Therapy Associates, art therapists harness the power of artistic expression to help individuals cope with difficult emotions and behaviors, alleviate stress, and boost self-awareness.  

From Art Therapy Credentials Board, Inc: 
What is Art Therapy? 
Art therapy uses art media, the creative process, and the resulting artwork as a therapeutic and healing process.  
Clients – young, old, and in-between – are able to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety and increase self-esteem. 

Art therapy is practiced in mental health, rehabilitation, medical, educational, and forensic settings – as well as in private practice, in workshops and small-group settings. Clients come from all walks of life, facing a full array of challenges. Individuals, couples, families, and groups can benefit from various art therapy formats. 
 
Art therapy is an effective treatment for persons experiencing developmental, medical, educational, social or psychological impairment. A key goal in art therapy is to improve or restore the client’s functioning and his/her sense of personal wellbeing. 
 
Art therapists are trained in both art and therapy. The process isn’t an art lesson – it is grounded in the knowledge of human development, psychological theories, and counseling techniques. 
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A master’s degree is required for entry-level practice in art therapy. Minimum educational and professional standards are established by the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA), a membership and advocacy organization. 
 
Art therapy is growing and the professional, academic, and research foundation is expanding. The Art Therapy Credentials Board (ATCB) continues to invest in art therapy’s professional standards and ethics and is the only nationally recognized credentialing organization for art therapists in the United States. We recognize that everyone's journey is different, and our goal is to create an environment where you feel understood and supported as you work through your experiences. Let us assist you in finding the right therapist to guide you on your path to healing. ​

Meet Our Art Therapists

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 Jaydn Alexander, MA, LPC, ATR - BC
Area of Focus: Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Women Across the Lifespan & Trauma ​ 
 
I am experienced in supporting children, adolescents, young adults and women through emotional regulation, coping skill development, feeling identification, trauma processing and social skill development. I trust in the power of art-making to guide the therapeutic process based on the needs of individuals. 

I am skilled in providing an adaptable space that meets the client where they are at and provides an opportunity for growth through creative exploration. 

I value the ability of art and other expressive therapies to reveal the inherent wisdom, strength and resilience within all of us. I work to help clients discover the positive attributes within themselves. My hope is that by providing an accepting space for free expression, clients can learn to trust themselves and discover their strengths through the art making process.
 

Jaydn Alexander, MA, LPC, ATR - BC
Area of Focus: Children, Adolescents, Young Adults, Women Across the Lifespan, & Trauma 

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Leah Nightingale, MS, LPC, ATR   
Areas of Focus: Adolescents & Adults   
  
Artmaking can offer people the opportunity to express emotions without having to use their words. Often times words fail us and the creative process of making art offers an outlet for appropriate reflection and expression of emotions or experiences. I teach clients skills of self-regulation, mindfulness, positive coping skills, and feeling identification through the use of artistic media.   
 
I have experience working with adolescents and adults coping with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. With the use of a humanistic and client-centered approach, I assist clients to uncover their emotions and give them resources on how to express themselves in a safe and healthy way. I strive to meet clients where they are at and help build a safe space for each client to grow toward the life they want to live. Utilizing artmaking can help guide the therapeutic process based on the needs of each client 
 
I am under the supervision of Jennifer Elkin, MS, LPC. ​

Leah Nightingale, MS, LPC, ATR 
Areas of Focus: Adolescents & Adults   

We are here to help...
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Call (715) 246-4840

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