Art Therapist in Pittsburgh, PA

No, my office is based in Philadelphia. I only offer online therapy sessions to individuals in Pittsburgh and all of PA.

Yes! Online therapy sessions are held over a HIPPA-client platform (Zoom) and can be accessed from any area in PA as long as the space is private. 

Yes. LGBTQ and gender affirming care is central to the work I do. As a queer therapist, I am passionate about helping queer and trans people find confidence and meaning in their lives.

Artistic background is not required to experience the benefits of art therapy. You don’t need to be “artsy” or think of yourself as a creative person.

There is no right or wrong way to make art in art therapy. The artistic process doesn’t need to lead to something you would display (though you can if you wanted to!)

You don’t need to make art that is pretty, perfect, or even understand what comes up. The most effective work comes from unexpected places.

You may be offered the chance to try different art materials, but no skill is required.

You will need to have basic art supplies for online art therapy sessions. You can work with whatever you have in your house, or I will supply a list of recommended art supplies. Basic drawing supplies like pencils, crayons and markers is all you need for art therapy sessions, but we can expand beyond that based on your needs. Art therapy sessions can involve collage making, painting, and clay.

Sessions are 60 minutes or 90 minutes long, depending on your goals. Sessions begin with an art prompt that we come up with together, or I can suggest one based on your needs.

For in person sessions, no. All supplies will be provided for you in session.

For online therapy, you will have to provide your own supplies. You only need basic drawing supplies like paper, pencils, crayons and markers.

Yes, especially queer and transgender individuals navigating identity struggles and coming out in the workplace. I understand that trans tech professionals might experience daily microaggressions and lack of support from their cisgender coworkers. Lack of representation in executive and leadership roles can cause trangender individuals to feel alienated. Lack of gender neutral bathrooms and protections on a HR level add more stress for trans professionals. I offer identify-affirming care where trans folks can be their full selves. Art therapy is an expansive modality that makes room for all aspects of queer and trans experiences. 

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression as a tool for healing and self-discovery. Unlike an art class, the focus isn't on technique, skill, or creating something aesthetically pleasing. Instead, I use the art-making process to help you explore emotions, uncover patterns, and access parts of your experience that might be difficult to put into words. The artwork becomes a starting point for deeper conversation and insight, not the end goal.

Yes. Many of the folks I work with are busy balancing classes, residency, and internships while trying to take care of themselves. I understand that expectations placed on medical students are beyond their control and they are doing their best to make it through the week. Attending therapy sessions is one way med students can carve out time for themselves and we focus on other ways to do that in their lives. 

Absolutely not. Art therapy has nothing to do with artistic talent or ability. You don't need any prior experience with art, and there's no "right" way to create in our sessions. Many of my clients haven't picked up a crayon since childhood, and that's completely fine. The value is in the process itself, not the product. If you can make a mark on paper, you can do art therapy.

I offer a variety of materials depending on what feels right for you and what we're exploring together. This might include drawing materials like markers, colored pencils, and pastels, as well as collage materials, paint, clay, or mixed media. Some clients gravitate toward one medium while others like to experiment. I'll introduce you to different options and we'll discover together what resonates with you and supports your therapeutic goals.

Absolutely. Art therapy helps you get out of your head and connect with what’s right in front of you. The creative process allows for you both to release anxiety while also staying grounded in the present. Research shows that art therapy is beneficial for stress reduction by lowering heart rate and regulating your nervous system. 

Art therapy offers a unique way to explore your relationship with your body, food, and self-image without relying solely on words. Many people find that eating disorders and body image struggles are connected to emotions and experiences that are hard to articulate. Through art-making, you can externalize these internal experiences, gain new perspectives, and process difficult feelings in a way that feels less confrontational than direct conversation. It can also help you reconnect with your body in a gentle, creative way.

Yes, and I often integrate art therapy with other modalities I offer, such as Internal Family Systems and psychodynamic therapy. The approach I take is always personalized based on what you need. Some sessions might be primarily art-based, while others might involve more talking, and many sessions blend both. We'll work together to find the balance that supports your healing journey most effectively.

Every session is different depending on where you are and what you're working through. Sometimes we might start with a specific art directive or prompt that relates to your goals. Other times, you might create spontaneously and we'll explore what emerges together. We always leave time to reflect on the process and discuss what came up for you. I create a relaxed, nonjudgmental space where you can explore at your own pace.