Expressive Arts-Based Therapy

Creative Healing for Emotional Growth, Self-Discovery, and Self-Expression
Available: In-person and Telehealth (varies by service type and clinician)

For Community Partners & Referral Sources

Pillars of Wellness partners with schools, medical providers, residential programs, and community organizations to offer expressive arts-based therapy as an alternative or adjunct to traditional talk therapy.

We provide:

• Credentialed clinicians (ATR-BC, MT-BC, R-DMT, Expressive Arts Certification) with experience in visual arts, music, and movement
• On-site expressive arts workshops for groups or staff
• Referrals for clients who would benefit from non-verbal processing modalities
• Trainings for educators, clinicians, or caregivers on the therapeutic use of art and movement

📩 To explore bringing expressive arts-based therapy to your organization, contact us at info@pillarsinspires.com or 219-323-3311.

Interested in Working for Pillars in This Program?

Are you an art therapist, music therapist, dance/movement therapist, or clinician who integrates creativity into your work? Join a growing team committed to whole-person care through expressive modalities.

As a member of our expressive arts team, you’ll:

• Collaborate with a creative, credentialed network of therapists
• Offer individual or group sessions tailored to diverse populations
• Receive clinical support to integrate expressive methods ethically and effectively
  ✨ [Apply here to join our Expressive Arts-Based Therapy Program]

Who This Program Is For

Expressive arts-based therapy may be helpful for individuals who:

• Feel stuck or limited by traditional talk therapy
• Have difficulty verbalizing emotions or traumatic experiences
• Are seeking new ways to understand themselves and their mental health
• Enjoy or are curious about visual art, music, movement, or creative expression
• Are navigating life transitions, emotional distress, or relationship challenges

This program is open to adults, teens, and children based on clinician availability.

What Is Expressive Arts-Based Therapy?

Expressive arts-based therapy is a creative and holistic approach that uses various art forms—such as painting, music, writing, or movement—as tools for exploration, insight, and healing. It is not about artistic skill, but about engaging with creativity in a way that supports emotional growth and expression.

At Pillars of Wellness, our clinicians include:

• Board-Certified Music Therapists (MT-BC)
• Registered Dance/Movement Therapists (R-DMT)
• Clinicians trained in visual art-based interventions through ATR-BC–facilitated programs
• Expressive Art Certification

This integrative approach is especially effective when words alone don’t feel sufficient to express what you’re going through.

Our Services

🧠 Creative Exploration Sessions

• Use painting, drawing, or collage to explore emotions and patterns
• Promote insight, mindfulness, and stress relief

💬 Non-Verbal Processing for Trauma and Anxiety

• Gentle, client-paced support for painful experiences
• Tools to regulate the nervous system using rhythm, movement, or sound

🤝 Group or Family Expressive Therapy (by availability)

• Shared art-based exploration of identity, grief, or communication
• May be offered seasonally or through community partnerships

🎶 Music or Movement Integration

• Incorporate rhythmic and bodily expression into therapy
• Build emotional awareness and self-regulation through somatic tools

How Expressive Arts-Based Therapy Can Help

This therapeutic approach can support individuals experiencing:

• Depression and sadness
• Anxiety and racing thoughts
• Grief and loss
• Life transitions (e.g., job change, moving, relationship loss)
• Trauma and painful memories
• Emotional regulation or anger management challenges
• Body image concerns and weight-related stress
• Difficulty concentrating or staying present
• Low self-esteem or shame
• Relationship conflict and communication breakdowns

The creative process can bring clarity, connection, and peace—without requiring you to explain everything in words.

Resources

Recommended readings for clients and caregivers:

• Bearing the Unbearable – Joanne Cacciatore, PhD
• The Creative Connection – Natalie Rogers
• Trauma and Expressive Arts Therapy – Cathy Malchiodi
• The Art Therapy Sourcebook – Cathy Malchiodi

Getting Started

📞 If you’re interested in expressive arts-based therapy, our administrative team can help match you with the right clinician and format. We’ll walk you through available services, answer your questions, and help determine the best next steps for care or collaboration.