Expressive Art Therapy

I am trained in expressive arts techniques which provide people with opportunities to connect with themselves through different mediums and in more abstract ways. I use a technique called PeaceLove to help people safely create an understanding of what brings them peace of mind by reaching that state through artistic expressions.

I studied expressive arts therapy during my training, where I learned how diverse arts modalities can help individuals process emotions nonverbally. Talk therapy can be helpful for identifying the root cause of the suffering we experience, but processing emotions in the body is necessary for true healing to occur. Music, dance, writing, drawing, sculpting, drama, food, and other creative outlets are some ways we can access body based healing practices.

I have expertise in utilizing expressive arts therapy, with a specific focus on dance and movement. I understand the transformative power of movement and the profound impact it can have on emotional expression, self-discovery, and healing.

Over 20 years of practice developing and implementing expressive arts therapy programs and activities with children, adolescents, and adults. Systems aware and trauma-informed care that is scientifically proven to relieve feelings.

Using art in therapy eases the pressure of talk therapy. It allows for some creativity and freedom.

I was trained in expressive arts through my graduate program and enjoy using drawing, painting, sand tray, play therapy, and drama therapy to help support your growth. Let me know what your interests are and we\'ll find a way to incorporate it into your treatment plan!

I utilize sacred cultural storytelling to support BIPOC & Immigrant folks in giving voice to (or writing, or singing) narratives and stories of cultural & ancestral resilience, dignity, joy, worth, respect, laughter, solidarity, struggle, & empowerment. I use expressive art practices including: somatic embodied movement exercises, story telling, improv games, free association, dance, dreamwork, creative arts, parts work, sounding, and role play.

I held certification for Music Therapist from 2006-2021; I continue to bring my creative arts therapy background into my work through the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (Level II). I find this work personally profound, as music creates a container to explore our deepest, unconscious selves through imagery. I am happy to talk with you more, as this is a niche field.

I have formal training in Expressive Art Therapy from the American Play Therapy Association.

In addition to traditional art therapy, I also use other forms of expressive therapies including narrative, geek therapy, comic therapy, and use gamification to help clients achieve their goals.

I've experienced firsthand the power of creative expression to foster healing in my life, and I've seen the way it impacts others as well. With a certificate in expressive arts therapy, I am excited to explore any form of creative expression that lights you up, including visual art, music, writing, movement, singing, drama, and more.

Expressive arts therapy modalities include dance/movement/yoga, writing, poetry, music, sound, drama/enactment/role play, embodiment, art, dreamwork, metaphor and symbolism (often through nature or imagery), and more. My version of expressive arts therapy is inspired by nature, intuition, narrative, and curiosity. Why just talk?

I earned my master's degree in expressive arts therapy, and I'm working towards my license as a registered expressive arts therapist with the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (Ieata.org).

Having performed nationally on stage, radio, and television, I am a spoken word artist and community organizer of an open mic series in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles. I have utilized elements of expressive art therapy with youth, adults, and families. With the understanding that wellness is holistic and the arts are healing, I believe in the therapeutic elements of self-expression for personal growth and greater social change.

I am a certified expressive arts practitioner (CEAP) and I integrate this work both in person and in Telehealth settings in cases where it may be helpful for one to get out of their head to discover feelings that may be lingering. Expressive arts is used as an adjunct and is a multi-modal approach to healing. It may include; dance, drama, journaling, music, writing and more.

As a creative person, I enjoy incorporating expressive arts into my practice with interested clients; including drawing, doodling, collage, journaling, or writing exercises. As an eco-therapist, I encourage clients to observe and integrate natural materials and objects into their lives and use them in creative ways. As a trained MSBR provider, I may include mindfulness and visualization into creative sessions.

Expressive Art Therapy is a multi-modal approach to heal; it is an adjunct I use to more traditional methods. It may include music, writing, dance, art and more.

Think of me as your personal guide in finding your inner creative muse. We use the process of art makings and markings to explore and provide outlets for what gets trapped inside, smothered and stepped on. I want to help you tap into flexing, stretching, and growing these expressive muscles. You need no special skills to engage in this process, you have them already.

As an artist myself combined with my undergraduate concentration in the psychology of art and artists, I recognize art as being a powerful tool for positive mental health changes. I enjoy the process of exploring and discovering artistic voices and how to tell your story through expression.

Certified in Healing Trauma with Guided Drawing: A Sensorimotor Art Therapy Approach to Bilateral Body Mapping by Dr. Cornelia Elbrecht’s Institute for Sensorimotor Art Therapy (2019) Certified in Level 1 & 2 Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy with Dr. Cathy Malchiodi’s Trauma-Informed Practices & Expressive Arts Therapy Institute (2018-19)