Nicole Pomroy MA, LPCC
Art Therapist
As an art therapist and sex therapist in training, I see our work together as sacred, deeply rooted in trust and respect. The therapy I offer is creative arts-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, feminist-relational, and sex-positive. My role as a therapist is not to provide you with answers, rather, I will walk alongside you as you carve your path of healing, explore your truths, and deepen your relationship with self and others.
Art therapy is the creative process of healing psychological wounds by engaging in expressive techniques that provide an emotional outlet and serve as a mirror, reflecting our otherwise hidden patterns. In honor of the inherent vulnerability of creative emotional expression, I strive to provide a therapeutic space founded on unconditional empathy and care, within which, the constellation of your human experience is witnessed and respected. Together, we will design a unique treatment plan in support of your therapeutic goals, utilizing your creativity in whatever capacity feels most nourishing for you.
No experience with art or art materials is needed.
“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~Pablo Picasso
- Depression
- Anxiety,
- LGBTQIA+ Affirming
- Sex Therapy
- Trauma-informed
- Narcissistic Abuse
- Art Therapy
- Therapy Abuse Neglect
- Individuals 5yrs and up
- Self esteem
We Care About Your Past, Present and Future!
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy, as defined by the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), is a mental health profession that utilizes the creative process of art making to enhance the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of individuals. Art therapy uniquely promotes the ability to unlock emotional expression by facilitating non-verbal as well as verbal communication. It integrates psychotherapeutic techniques with the artistic process to address various clinical and developmental goals. Art therapists, guided by ethical standards, work with clients to explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through artistic means. This therapeutic approach aims to promote self-awareness, foster personal growth, and facilitate positive change within a therapeutic relationship.
What Art Therapy is Not:
Art therapy is not solely about creating aesthetically pleasing artwork or achieving technical proficiency in artistic skills. It is not an art class or a critique of artistic abilities. Unlike traditional art making, the focus in art therapy is on the therapeutic process rather than the final product. It is not intended to judge or interpret the artistic creations in a conventional sense. Art therapy does not replace verbal communication; instead, it complements traditional talk therapy by providing an alternative and expressive means of communication. It is not a recreational activity, but a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to address psychological, emotional, and relational aspects of an individual's experience. Notably, participation in art therapy does not require any previous art experience or inherent artistic skill, enabling individuals to engage in creative expression free from judgment.
What To Expect in an Art Therapy Session:
In art therapy sessions, clients experience a structured, yet flexible format guided by the therapist. The session begins with a creative check-in, allowing emotional expression. Clients engage in various art directives based on preferences and therapeutic goals, prioritizing the creative process. Post-art creation, the art therapist facilitates discussion, fostering self-reflection. Sessions conclude with a tailored closing activity. Confidentiality ensures a judgment-free space. The therapist maintains a supportive, non-directive approach, encouraging clients to lean into their creative process with guidance.
Brief History of Art Therapy
Art therapy emerged in the early 20th century when psychiatrists such as Adrian Hill recognized the therapeutic potential of artistic expression in mental health recovery. Post-World War II, the formalization of art therapy as a distinct discipline gained momentum, with influential figures like Margaret Naumburg and Edith Kramer incorporating art into psychotherapy. Theoretical foundations were deepened by psychologists like Rudolf Arnheim, and a significant milestone was reached in 1969 with the establishment of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA). The subsequent decades witnessed the expansion of art therapy's applications, supported by research, solidifying its status as a recognized and evidence-based treatment in the field of mental health.