Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a big deal. We want to make it as easy as possible. Here are answers to the questions we hear most — and if yours isn't here, we're just a message away.
Expressive arts therapy combines the visual arts, movement, drama, music, writing and other creative processes to help a person express and visualize emotions, and facilitate growth and healing. Unlike art education, where the focus is on the quality of the finished product, art therapy stresses the process---what the person learns about him or herself while creating the piece of art. The creator's explanation and discussion of what the art project represents is a key component of the therapy.
Expressive arts therapy integrates the fields of human development, expressive art, and the creative process with models of counseling and psychotherapy. Today, counseling centers, schools, hospitals and many other community agencies increasingly include expressive arts therapy programs along with traditional "talk therapies," because they recognize that the creative process of art making enhances recovery, health, and wellness.
Expressive arts therapists work with people of all ages in many different environments to address challenging mental, physical, and social issues. Expressive arts therapy is used to treat a wide range of issues and conditions, including family and relationship issues, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, social and emotional issues related to disability or cognitive loss, trauma, and psychosocial difficulties related to medical illnesses.
We serve clients of all backgrounds all across the state of Massachusetts, from individuals and parents, to kids, teens, and emerging adults, too.
Expressive arts therapy is a form of mental health counseling that integrates a diverse range of art forms including visual arts, movement, drama, creative writing, music, and play to assist clients in visualizing emotions, reduce stress, increase self awareness and improve social skills. Expressive arts therapy often succeeds when traditional talk therapy does not because we offer a hands-on approach that goes beyond words to treat underlying symptoms through both art making, and reflection on the process of its creation.
Expressive arts therapy recognizes that good mental health comes through practicing healthier patterns of thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Our trained and licensed psychotherapists help clients using a creative and interactive approach to visualize positive life change and achieve a greater sense of wellness. Individual and family expressive arts therapy sessions last between 45-60 minutes in length and are typically scheduled once a week or once every two weeks depending on the treatment plan.
More resources about art and expressive therapy can be found here: www.arttherapy.org • www.ieata.org
Not at all! Expressive arts therapy is for everyone. There is often a misconception about expressive arts therapists working exclusively with children however individuals of all ages can benefit from our work. Expressive arts therapists can work with people of all ages and our modality is used to treat a wide range of issues and conditions, including: family and relationship issues, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions, social and emotional issues related to disability or cognitive loss, trauma-related conditions, psychosocial difficulties related to medical illnesses, life transitions, stress management, and general health & wellness.
Often times when adults are seeking out our services it's because they have tried talk therapy and are looking for something more interactive. We are also a trauma-informed practice and most of our therapists are DBT trained and a few therapists are EMDR trained.
Like most therapy sessions it really depends upon the client’s treatment goals as well as the individual therapist’s clinical style however our team of therapists provide client-centered, strength-based and collaborative expressive arts counseling. We assist our clients to imagine a healthier and more fulfilling life through expressive arts therapy approaches.
There are 3 basic categories of expressive arts therapy:
Sensory/Kinesthetic - a hands-on immersion in the sensory experience of art making can include: deep breathing through mixing colors or painting Tearing paper or pounding clay for a structured physical outlet Receiving sensory input through slime-making, sand tray, musical sounds, or exploring new textures and colors.
Affective/Perceptual - using the creative process to build emotional intelligence by identifying and expressing feelings and emotions, providing an outlet for creative expression, and to promote curiosity, empathy and compassion in self and others.
Cognitive/Symbolic - A way of using the creative arts to practice problem solving, cognitive reframing and restructuring, visualization of past, present and future experiences as well as making meaning in one’s life narrative.
Taking the first step toward therapy is a big decision, and we’re here to make it feel a little easier.
At The Artful Life Counseling Center & Studio, we believe therapy is most effective when you feel understood, supported, and connected to your therapist. Whether you’re an adult seeking personal growth or a parent seeking support for your child, our goal is to help you find the right fit within our compassionate, creative, and highly skilled team.
If you are interested in counseling for yourself or for a loved one, the best way to get started is by filling out our new client form on the Become a Client Page. This will give us important information to get the process started for you. Once you fill out our form, you will be placed on our waitlist. Wait times depend on a variety of factors, including your available schedule, health insurance, and any special considerations/specialization. As soon as there is a spot open, our intake coordinator will reach out to you to with more information and information about scheduling your first session.
Please be aware that, due to high demand, you may be put on our waitlist for services. We do our best to place you with a therapist as soon as possible.
Telehealth is a secure video conferencing method allowing practitioners and clients to visit remotely when circumstances prevent in person attendance. We currently use Google Meet for telehealth sessions which is a HIPAA compliant platform.
Telehealth allows your provider to offer more accessible and flexible appointments, and as well as provide a secure alternative when in-person therapy is not possible or available.
While there are many advantages to meeting in-person, remote expressive arts therapy is possible, and has also been shown to be effective! Our trained therapists have been working hard to learn and provide tele-play and tele-art therapy based on the latest technology and resources. Screen sharing and tandem art or movement-making can help promote connection and creativity.
Based on individual treatment goals, your therapist may provide you with a list of art materials, or may ask you to complete a therapeutic art activity during the week to review in session. With a little collaboration and out-of-the-box-thinking, we can bring the therapeutic power of the expressive arts into your home!
Your therapist uses a program that is simple and easy to use. You’ll receive an invitation and will click a link to join. Most people have little trouble, but if you do, your therapist will walk you through how to attend your session. We are all figuring this out together.
Find a quiet, private space with a good internet connection. Put your monitor/camera a couple of feet away from your face. It will make it feel less awkward. If you do not want to see your face, cover that portion of the screen with a small piece of paper.
We serve adults, teens, and children ages 3 and up! Learn more about the populations we serve.
We treat a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, autism spectrum, LGBTQ+ affirming care, self-esteem, parenting support, women's issues, bullying, and more.
Our therapists draw on Expressive Arts Therapy, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, and other evidence-based modalities.
Once you complete our New Client Inquiry Form, our Client Care team carefully reviews your information and matches you with a therapist whose clinical expertise and schedule best fit your needs. Because this process is intentional, it may take a little time to confirm a match but it’s worth the wait. This helps us ensure you’re paired with someone who can support your goals.
We ask all clients to commit to 3–5 sessions with their therapist before deciding whether to continue or request a transfer. It takes time to build comfort and trust, and most clients find that the connection deepens after a few sessions. If a transfer is requested, we do our best to accommodate one transfer to a new therapist within the practice. If the fit isn’t right after that, you’re always welcome to explore care outside of The Artful Life.
A thoughtful intake process that considers your goals, schedule, and preferences
Therapy for Adults & Teens
We offer compassionate, evidence-based and expressive-arts-informed therapy for adults navigating life transitions, relationships, stress, or trauma, and for teens building emotional regulation, identity, and communication skills. For adolescents, we balance confidentiality with brief parent check-ins as appropriate so caregivers stay supported. Sessions are available in person and via telehealth; we’re an LGBTQIA+ affirming, trauma-informed practice.
A Note for Parents of Children
For younger clients, sessions often focus on play, creativity, and trust-building; a child’s main form of communication and essential steps toward meaningful progress. If you’re seeking therapy for your child, know that early sessions often focus on building trust and safety. Progress may look different from adult therapy, but connection and consistency are key parts of growth.
Every client's journey is different. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals, timeline, and needs.
Yes. We partner with schools, after-school programs, businesses, healthcare organizations, and community organizations to design customized expressive arts and mental health programs for children, teens, and adults.
Our therapists facilitate workshops, consultation, professional development, and therapeutic groups tailored to your organization's goals. We also offer therapist-led on-site therapy groups that may be billable through participants' insurance, depending on the program and insurance eligibility.
Whether you're looking to support students, employees, caregivers, or your community, we'll work with you to create a program that fits your needs.
To learn more, contact our Director of Expressive Arts Programming, Natalie Blue, at natalie@artfullifecenter.org.
We accept a range of insurance plans for individual and family counseling. Note that not every therapist is on every plan — this is confirmed during your initial phone consult. We are currently in-network with: Aetna, Carelon, Tufts Health Plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare / Optum.
Please visit our insurance page for more information. For billing questions, contact info@artfullifecenter.org.
Yes! A few items to check first.
If you have another insurance that is not listed on our insurance page, check with your insurance carrier to see if your plan includes out-of-network benefits (OON).
We also offer out-of-pocket rates, and accept payment by cash, credit card or check. More info on our Documents & Policies page.
If you are unable or do not want to use insurance benefits, you have the right to a Good Faith Estimate. Contact our Intake Coordinator about the many options available: