Welcome
Annapolis Art Therapy:
- No art experience is necessary (art therapy often works better with no prior art experience)
- Art therapy works with all age groups: children, adolescents, adults and the elderly
- Individual, Shared and Group Therapy
- Short-term solution-focused therapy or long-term therapy available
- Adjunctive or primary therapy
Finding a therapist
There are many reasons why people come to psychotherapy. For some it is dealing with a mental illness. For others life may seem overwhelming due to circumstances and they come to therapy for support and to learn coping mechanisms. Even others may feel a sense of unease and emptiness and seek a sense of meaning. Some people feel anxious or depressed and want relief. Others suffer interpersonal issues and wish to change those dynamics. Perhaps there are dependency issues regarding substances, gambling or food. Some people feel an emptiness or yearning in their lives and need help in finding a positive direction.
Searching for a psychotherapist can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are in the midst of a crisis or major life change. There are psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, art therapists, expressive therapists and the list goes on. Some therapists are licensed and others are not. Some therapists specialize in treating certain illnesses or populations while others specialize in certain types of psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or psychoanalysis. Finding the right therapist certainly can seem overwhelming.
First thing - take a deep breath and try to relax. Research has shown, time and time again, that at the heart of successful psychotherapy is the therapeutic relationship that develops between the client and the therapist. In the absence of a good therapeutic alliance, the odds of a successful outcome in psychotherapy are greatly diminished. So despite a therapist's treatment methods or perspectives, the first thing you need to look for in finding a good therapist is simply someone with whom you can feel some degree of comfort and eventual trust. A good therapist is usually patient, does not judge you, and accepts you as you are. A good therapist will listen, ask the right questions, and help you reach your goals for therapy. A good therapist will also have professional credentials and experience.
I have over 15 years of experience serving in the public mental health system helping people to cope with a wide variety of problems. Now, in private practice, I continue to offer my services to help my clients surmount obstacles, contain overwhelming feelings, gather strength, find meaning, expand creativity, and to find a way to a more bearable and fulfilling life. You do not have to suffer alone, there is always hope, there is always help. I am here for you. I am licensed by the State of Maryland under the Counseling Stautes and Registered and Board Certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board, a National Organization.
I have tried to make this first step in finding a therapist as easy as possible. It may make you feel vulnerable or anxious to reach out and ask for help, that is only natural and it is a situation I understand. Simply contact me by email, text, or phone -whatever is easiest for you. There is no financial cost or obligation. The first meeting is free which allows us to determine if we are a right fit for each other. If not, perhaps I can refer you to someone who may be better suited to your needs. My job is helping people through their problems and aiding them to grow mentally, physically and spiritually. It is a job I enjoy.
Call, text or email today for a free initial consultation. The first step to having a better life is to merely reach out. It is that easy.