Hey! I’m Katie.
Trauma
Professional Philosophy
Our earliest forms of communication are manifested through art and play. If we think back to our early childhood we might remember playing with dolls or action figures, creating games where a vivid fantasy world would evolve, and drawing our family or friends. These are all often done before we can fully articulate and express ourselves. From a young age we find meaning and understanding of the world surrounding us through art and play, so why should it be any different as we get older?
My goal is to help clients re-connect with their inner creativity, which can manifest new levels of meaning, fulfillment, and connection within their lives. Art therapy can offer a safe distance through which the client can begin to explore an extension of themselves. I assume the belief that you have all the potential needed to cultivate a sense of change in your life. My role is to help you harness that potential by offering you an outlet through which you can foster new insights and levels of self-awareness.
“Whether you succeed or not is irrelevant, there is no such thing. Making your unknown known is the important thing-and keeping the unknown always beyond you.”
― Georgia O’Keeffe
Personal Background
Art has always been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I would allow myself the space to experiment and be playful in my process. As I got older, I became overly critical of others’ perceptions of my work. This played a large role in influencing what I would allow myself to create. It wasn’t until my later years that I began to free myself of those expectations and allow myself to connect with my art in a more playful and warmhearted spirit.
Art has offered me the space to better understand myself, and to offer significant insights into some of my greatest obstacles. Working as an art therapist has brought so much meaning to my life, as there is something truly special about introducing someone to a newfound tool for self-discovery and exploration.
AREAS OF FOCUS
All of us here at START address the mental health areas of stress, trauma, and anxiety in our practice. We apply these three topics to unique, specific challenges that our clients are going through. I also offer specialized areas in the following areas:
Trauma
When someone experiences a traumatic event, it can be truly difficult to carry on within our everyday lives. These events can often create strong feelings of guilt or blame, generate ways of reliving the traumatic event, create challenges in our interpersonal relations, or alter perceptions of ourselves. The trauma that you experienced is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility and something that you owe to yourself. My goal is to help you feel empowered along this journey as you allow yourself to regain a sense of control within your life.