What is Expressive Arts Therapy?
It’s pretty simple, actually. Expressive Arts Therapy is the use of drama, visual art, writing, music, movement, and ritual for the purpose of self-expression and healing. We may use one or more of these modalities in tandem. What this looks like in a given therapy session varies depending on you, your interests, and your comfort levels. As your therapistat my California-based therapy practice, I can help and support you through this process.
At its core, Expressive Arts Therapy isn't about making "good" art. It's about using creativity as another language.
Sometimes there are experiences, emotions, or parts of ourselves that don't quite fit into words. Creative expression can help us access those places with greater clarity, compassion, and curiosity.
As your therapist, I integrate expressive arts thoughtfully and collaboratively. Some clients incorporate creative practices into therapy regularly, while others only occasionally when they feel stuck or want to approach something from a different perspective. Others will work on creative projects outside of session and share them with me when meet. There's no right or wrong way to engage with expressive arts, and your therapy will always be tailored to your interests, comfort level, and goals.
Expressive Arts Therapy in Oakland and throughout California
What does an expressive arts therapy session look like?
It all depends. Every client's process is unique.
One session might include guided imagery to help you reconnect with a sense of safety during periods of anxiety.
Another might involve creating a collage that reflects your evolving identity in midlife.
You might write a letter to your younger self, explore recurring dreams through journaling, bring in song lyrics that capture what you've been feeling, or create a personal ritual to honor a significant life transition or loss.
Sometimes we simply use metaphors, symbols, or objects to deepen our conversations.
Other times, we may not use expressive arts at all.
Expressive Arts Therapy isn't a rigid formula or a series of art projects. It's one of many ways we can access insight, process emotions, and move toward healing when talking alone doesn't quite get us there.
Expressive Arts Therapy May Be Helpful If...
Expressive Arts Therapy can be especially meaningful if you:
Tend to overthink or intellectualize your emotions
Have difficulty finding words for what you're feeling
Feel disconnected from yourself or your creativity
Are navigating a major life transition
Struggle with perfectionism or a loud inner critic
Want therapy that engages both your mind and your imagination
Long to reconnect with joy, curiosity, or playfulness
Expressive arts can also be integrated into therapy for concerns such as:
Anxiety and chronic stress
Burnout
Grief and loss
Self-esteem and self-worth
Body image
Identity exploration
Perimenopause and midlife transitions
Late-diagnosed ADHD
Spiritual exploration
Religious trauma
Purpose and meaning
Trauma recovery
Creative Recovery for the Undercover Creatives - Expressive Arts Therapy in Oakland and throughout California
Many clients tell me they "aren't creative." But when we take the time to dig a little deeper we find that’s not the case at all. More often, they're what I like to call undercover creatives.
My clients are therapists, teachers, physicians, attorneys, nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and women who once loved to paint, write, dance, sing, sew, photograph the world around them, or simply make things because it brought them joy.
Then life became busy.
Careers expanded.
Families needed them.
Responsibilities multiplied.
And somewhere along the way, creativity quietly slipped to the bottom of the list.
Eventually, many women stopped thinking of themselves as creative altogether.
I don't see Expressive Arts Therapy as a way to help you become an artist.
I see it as an opportunity for creative recovery and reclamation of joy.
A chance to reconnect with imagination, intuition, curiosity, symbolism, and play. To rediscover parts of yourself that may have been buried beneath years of productivity, caregiving, perfectionism, or simply surviving.
Creative recovery isn't about creating beautiful artwork. It's about remembering that you're more than what you produce.
How Does Expressive Arts Therapy Work Online?
Many people wonder how creative therapy translates to telehealth.
The answer is: surprisingly well.
Some clients enjoy drawing, painting, journaling, or creating during our sessions together. Others prefer to work on something between sessions and bring their writing, artwork, photographs, dreams, or reflections to discuss.
You don't need an art studio or expensive supplies.
A notebook, printer paper, colored pencils, magazines for collage, or meaningful objects you've collected over time are often more than enough.
The creativity is in the willingness to explore.
Begin Expressive Arts Therapy in California
Healing doesn't always happen in a straight line, and it doesn't always happen through conversation alone.
Sometimes a poem says what you couldn't.
Sometimes an image captures something words have been circling for years.
Sometimes creativity helps you reconnect with the parts of yourself that have been waiting patiently beneath the demands of everyday life.
Whether you're navigating anxiety, burnout, grief, identity shifts, perfectionism, or simply longing to reconnect with yourself, Expressive Arts Therapy offers another pathway toward healing.
I provide Expressive Arts Therapy through secure telehealth for women throughout California. Together, we'll discover the creative practices that feel meaningful, supportive, and uniquely suited to you.
When you’re ready to get started, schedule your free consultation.
