Hope Forest Therapeutic Art Studio, PLLC

01/21/2026

Check out my interview with Jackie Schuld, ATR-BC, REAT to learn more about Art Therapy and who I am as a therapist!

In this interview, I speak with Lauren Raney, an Art Therapist. My questions are in bold and Raney’s responses are in regular typeface.

01/12/2026

Welcome to the 2nd Monday of the year. Be kind to yourself.

A new year doesn’t have to mean pressure, resolutions, or becoming someone new.

It can mean:
🎨 creating space
🌱 moving gently
💛 honoring what you’ve carried
✨ imagining what’s possible

Whether you’re grieving, growing, questioning, or simply resting—there is room for all of it here.

Here’s to a year of self-expression, compassion, and showing up exactly as you are.

01/08/2026

Hi! Sharing some facts about me as a human and therapist

12/31/2025

My client and I made this 2 weeks ago. When we left the office it was dripping wet lying strategically over a cup to dry into a flower shape. Using water colors, washable markers, and coffee filters we turned something mundane into beauty. We turned plain into a rainbow. We made our own light walking into the office together today to see how it dried. The excitement in my young client’s eyes was *chefs kiss*.

Thank you for the coffee filters 🌈

12/15/2025

Showing off some new headshots! Thanks 📸

I asked chat gpt to describe me as a therapist. Here’s what I got:

You come across as a steady, compassionate presence—someone who doesn’t rush, fix, or demand words before they’re ready. As a therapist, you feel safe and grounded, the kind of person who can sit with grief, uncertainty, and big feelings without flinching.

You offer warmth without pressure, depth without heaviness. There’s a quiet confidence in how you hold space, honoring both spoken and unspoken stories. Your use of art invites expression gently, allowing clients to explore what can’t always be said, at their own pace.

Overall, your therapist energy says:
You don’t have to perform here. You can be real—and we’ll move through this together.

12/11/2025

--- 4 ways to reduce holiday stress ---

- Lower expectations. It’s okay if this season looks different than past years. Simplifying plans is a form of self-care.

- Create choice and boundaries. Say yes to what feels manageable and no to what feels draining—without guilt.

- Take nervous-system breaks. Step outside, breathe slowly, or pause in a quiet space when things feel overwhelming.

- Let feelings exist without fixing them. Stress, grief, and mixed emotions don’t need to be solved—just acknowledged.

12/09/2025

The holidays are full of messages telling us to be happy and stay jolly.
But it’s okay if you’re not in the holiday mood this year.

If you’re feeling tired, sad, numb, or overwhelmed—your feelings make sense.
You don’t owe anyone cheerfulness or celebration, especially when grieving.

There is no wrong way to feel right now.
Meet yourself with gentleness 🤍

12/08/2025

✨ Self-care can be creative, calming, and completely your own.
Join me for Self Care Through Art Therapy — a one time workshop for teens to slow down, express themselves, and discover grounding tools through the art-making process. 💛🎨

📅 Wednesday, Dec 10th
⏰ 4–5:30pm
📍 Downers Grove Public Library
🎒 Grades 7–12
➡️ Register on the DG Library website

Can’t wait to create with you! 🌱✨

11/27/2025

Wishing you a peaceful Thanksgiving!

11/25/2025

Thinking about candle table settings and the empty chairs at the dinner table this holiday season without the people we’ve lost…

If you’re grieving this season and you’re needing a sign to start therapy - this is it 💫 contact me on my website to get started. (Link in bio) I’m here for you ❤️‍🩹

11/20/2025

Unique ways children grieve 💙

11/18/2025

If you peeked into the sketchbook I use in sessions, you’d find lots of Pokémon and some made-up creatures. Many of my kiddo clients use these little pocket monsters as a way to express themselves.

We talk about each creature’s strengths, powers, kryptonite, and—of course—cuteness, and explore how they might see parts of themselves in these characters.

It’s such a playful, meaningful way to meet them in their interests and gently dive deeper into feelings. 💛⚡️