Jenny Cartmell, LCAT, ATR-BC, MPS

My approach to therapy is humanistic, collaborative, and creative. I work alongside my clients to help them explore relationship patterns (with self and others), examine complicated feelings, and build self-confidence. My role is to facilitate my clients' movement towards change, and to help them reach their individual goals. I'm an engaged listener. I allow space for reflection and empathy while bringing focus on my clients' strengths. I combine traditional talk therapy with art making to help my clients gain a greater understanding of themselves. I believe creativity and self-expression are keys to growth that lead to insight. Creativity allows for self-expression, and helps to externalize inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I work with adolescents and adults who are experiencing anxiety, self-esteem issues, and relationship issues. I'm passionate about adoption and attachment-related issues. I love working with adoptees of all ages who are interested in exploring their personal experiences.

You *do not* need a background in visual arts to engage in art therapy! I offer art-making as a creative way to explore feelings, issues, and past experiences that lead to a deeper understanding of oneself. I usually begin with talk therapy, and encourage my clients to try art-making when they feel ready. Art therapy can be helpful when dealing with issues that are difficult to talk about – it can help create some distance between the client and difficult feelings. I navigate the artwork alongside my client, and reveal important insights through their imagery and symbols.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or just stuck, psychotherapy can help you work through those feelings. It can move you into a direction of wellness and mindfulness. Your therapist will help you identify thought and behavior patterns that might be keeping you from living your fullest, most productive life. You can also learn how to cope with tough feelings, and find ways to enhance your relationships with yourself and others. Art psychotherapy is a great way to access the unconscious, and explore feelings that you might not be able to express in the traditional, verbal way. It's an opportunity to be creative - your own imagery offers insight into self-exploration, and in doing so can lead to your most authentic life.