Art in Counseling

05/10/2026

Mother’s Day can hold so many emotions.

For some, it’s joyful.
For some, it’s tender.
For some, it aches.

Today does not need to be productive or performative.

Maybe you make art.
Maybe you don’t.

Maybe you take a gentle walk and notice the way the trees move in the wind.
Maybe you sit by the ocean and listen.
Maybe you rest.
Maybe you cry.
Maybe you laugh with your children.
Maybe you grieve the ones you longed for, lost, or never fully had.

Whatever you do today, do it gently.

Notice the way your body carries you through each day.
Notice the breath that keeps arriving.
Notice the small moments of softness still available to you.

You are allowed to move slowly today.

05/01/2026

05/01/2026

Sooo last night I was feeling a little anxious about flying… but instead of spiraling on the plane, I pulled out my my travel sketchbook, took what I learned with + and just started drawing using Neurographic art

no plan, just lines, shapes, softening edges

and somewhere along the way my body caught up
My heart slowed down, my hands less shaky, but even better I breathed again and next thing ya know we were landing

self regulation ya’ll, can we make that please trend upward?

also pretty sure I just unlocked a new obsession! Def more to come…

04/29/2026

the other night at women’s circle with , we got vulnerable and made art around release. After Meditation with we started small, with a card, just making familiar shapes and simple marks something easy, non-threatening, letting our hands warm up a bit

then we moved into a larger circle, a kind of mandala. a container for whatever we’re holding… or whatever feels ready to leave

if you want to try it, start by writing down what’s been circling in your head. the thoughts, the stress, the things sitting in your body that don’t quite have a place to go

then begin to move it

color, circles, scribbles, layering — whatever comes up

don’t try to fix it
don’t try to make it pretty

just notice

what stays
what shifts
what softens
what shows up anyway

you don’t have to explain it
you don’t have to share it

just give it somewhere to go, to be held.

you don’t have to complete it either…
but if you feel pulled to keep going, add to it with whatever you have around you

if it feels like it needs something, a shift, a layer, a release follow that just gently, and safely

gentle note: deeper process work can bring up strong emotions. this is best supported with a licensed/registered art therapist if you have access to one

and if you end up making something… send it to me

04/15/2026

With all the new people here I figured I’d introduce myself in a very me way…

I’m Rachel—
a board-certified art therapist, trauma-informed LPC, and also a traveling photographer/thetpaist (because apparently I can’t just pick one path).

Since I was young, I’ve always had this pull to see the world…
to experience different cultures, different people, different ways of living and feeling and being.

And somehow art has always been right there showing me how to survive

I really believe art heals.
Not in a cliché way but in a real, messy, human way.
In the way it lets us express things we don’t have words for. In the way it connects us, even across completely different lives.

My own life hasn’t been easy or linear (whose is?)
but it’s what led me here and doing this work, sitting with people in their hardest moments, and also helping them find pieces of themselves again.

I’m always learning.
Like… constantly.
From my clients, from the world, from travel, from art, from just being human.

And honestly, I think the biggest thing I’ve learned is this
you don’t have to do life perfectly.

You’re allowed to make ugly art.
You’re allowed to change your mind.
You’re allowed to follow something that doesn’t make sense to anyone else.

Life is messy and hard and beautiful all at the same time…
and art has this way of helping us actually see that.

So yeah if you’re here, I’m really glad you found your way here. and hope to see you somewhere in the world at a retreat, maybe a workshop, or in session. See you soon and hope today is artful or healing in some way.

04/09/2026

I sat down to paint…
and immediately started comparing myself to someone far more experienced.

You know that feeling.

At some point, I turned off the tutorial.
I stopped trying to get it “right.”
I drew outside the lines. Added acrylic. Let it be messy.

And I notice something totally shifted.

I let go of fear.
I let go of judgment.
And I actually had fun. I got back to my “why”

It wasn’t about making something perfect, it was about trusting myself again.

Maybe that’s the point.

To create just because it feels good.
To let go a little more.

You don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it

Go make something today!!
not to be good at it,
just to enjoy it.

And if you do… I’d love to see what you create

04/01/2026

Two weeks of carving, printing, experimenting, laughing, and just being in it. Watching everyone take risks, trust their ideas, create something completely their own and leave with a little memory stamp from others…that’s the magic.

So grateful to for trusting me with another workshop and for creating a space where creativity and community can actually thrive in a safe and supportive space

To everyone who came: thank you for showing up, for trying something new, and for making this feel so special.

Printmaking for life 🖤
Now go make more!!!

07/06/2025

Our hearts are with Central Texas and all of the families impacted by this incredibly devastating tragedy. Thank you for creating this wonderful resource for families to be able to discuss with their children and clients who may have questions.

03/26/2025

Back from a long social media hiatus and sharing an important reminder of which to be aware.

11/28/2024

Wishing all a safe and loving Thanksgiving. Whether it is a day to connect with family and friends for you or to disconnect and protect yourself I wish you peace and the ability to slow down to take care of your heart and soul.