Meet Beth
I have witnessed and experienced artmaking's power in articulating expression and supporting the healing process. The wisdom I gained led me toward the decision to pursue a career in art therapy. I want to share this potential with others by utilizing psychoeducation and creativity to spark curiosity and self-discovery. My objective is to use psychological principles and artmaking to meet you where you are, access your needs, develop goals, and identify resources and strategies to improve your quality of life.
I look forward to being your guide to see where your creativity takes you.
she/her/hers
“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us.”
-David Richo
My Journey
Art therapy is my third career, but one I considered pursuing upon graduating from Albion College in Michigan 30+ years ago. Instead, an opportunity arose which led me to become a civil servant working as a graphic and forensic artist for many years.
My second career was as a security specialist for a non-profit organization helping individuals with differing abilities find employment with the federal government.
In between jobs, my organizing hobby led me to assist others in creating physical and mental space to heal.
After several decades of contemplating becoming an art therapist, I finally heeded the call and pursued a Master's degree, allowing me to share my passions of art and healing with others.
I am a George Washington University art therapy graduate and an ATR-P #22-030 and a Resident in Counseling in the state of VA #0704014659 and a member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and the Potomac Art Therapy Association (PATA).
As a resident I am supervised by Jackie Sargent, a board-certified art therapist LCPAT #ATC 150, LPC #0701006837, ATR-BC #13-179. Address: 3925 Old Lee Highway, Unit 52-B, Fairfax VA 22030. Phone number: 571-418-1714.
Values
I believe that life is challenging, and the ruptures we experience can leave us feeling physically, mentally, and spiritually disjointed.
I believe that being curious and kind to oneself is essential in navigating the healing process. We live our best lives and experience wholeness by identifying and caring for our needs as they arise.
I believe that sometimes it is difficult to heal on our own and that we may need the help of others.
I believe in creating opportunities and connections with all individuals. It is through these relationships that we become a more robust society.
I believe in finding meaning in life's challenges.
I believe in neuroscience and that the body holds answers we seek for healing.
I am confident that each individual possesses the expertise to bring about the healing that is ideal for themself. My job is to hold a space for you to experience, discover and process your story safely and help you move toward integration and wholeness.
Approach
My approach to therapy is meeting you where you are. By utilizing integrative art and psychotherapy methods, we will explore your challenges, strengths, and a path toward achieving your goals.
My practice is trauma-, multicultural-, and neuroscience-informed. I work with all individuals but specialize in autism, gender issues, trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, senior adults, and compassion fatigue.
Mind Body Soul Art Therapy offers an online Telehealth service working with clients of all ages and demographics. Together we will explore areas of concern such as trauma, family life, stress, illness, transitions, anxiety, or job burnout.
Utilizing psycho-education and art directives, we will address your needs, develop goals, and identify resources and strategies to improve your quality of life.
Art therapy process
Art therapy uses paper, crayons, pencils, markers, chalk, paint, and other items such as containers, wood, wire, clay, textiles, sand tray, beads, and objects from nature to help create a dialogue and a space for expression.
Art can take on many forms, and you do not need to be an artist to benefit from making art. Art therapy aims not to create fine art; instead, it is about the process of how artmaking helps with communicating our thoughts and feelings, making connections, and finding meaning.
