What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a mental health profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.

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Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.

Art Therapists focus on the process of art making not necessarily the product. The art work produced helps individuals have a tangible piece of evidence of their progress in sessions as well as a voice captured in their art.

Often words are not enough and alternative ways of helping individuals express their thoughts and concerns is invaluable. This is especially important for individuals who have difficulting with verbal expression or may be limited in their ability to communicate.

Clinical Qualifications of an

Art Therapist

Art Therapists are clinicians with master’s-level or higher degrees trained in art and therapy that serve diverse communities in different settings—from medical institutions and wellness centers, to schools and independent practices. Guided by ethical standards and scope of practice, their education and supervised training prepares them for culturally proficient work with diverse populations in a variety of settings. They are credentialed mental health care professionals who care deeply about the communities they support, helping to advance people’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Art Therapists in the State of Delaware have been Licensed as Professional Art Therapists (LPAT) or Associate Art Therapists (LAAT) by the State of Delaware, Division of Professional Regulation, Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Board since 2018.

Terri Willis Bio

I have been a practicing Art Therapist for the past 30 years. My masters degree in Art Therapy was obtained through George Washington University in Washington DC. I am a Registered Art Therapist (ATR), a Nationally Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) and a Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT) through the State of Delaware.

I have worked in many clinical settings including psychiatric inpatient & day treatment, community services, outpatient practices, and most recently in public schools as an Art Therapist for severe needs populations.

In my most recent work with individuals with Autism and other Cognitive Impairments I was struck by the lack of resources available in the community. I opened The Creativity Lab as a resource for those individuals who often do not have a voice and need alternative ways to communicate their thoughts and concerns.

Some of my areas of interest are: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cognitive Impairment, Conduct Disorder, Domestic Violence, Trauma, and other mental health concerns.

Contact Information

To schedule a free intake and/or session

Please call 302-229-1723

or email : thecreativitylab2022@gmail.com

The Creativity Lab, LLC and Terri Willis, LPAT are currently fee for service. A superbill can be provided for submission to insurers for out of network services.

A sliding scale is available based on need.

In person sessions are held at:

S Music Studio at the Barn Beyond Speech Therapy

121 W. Cochran Street 1673 S. State Street

Middletown, DE 19709 Dover, DE 19904

Teleheath appointments are available in Delaware. Appointments can be held in school as approved by school administration.

Consulting &

Clinical Supervision

Training for Teams/Staff

• Creative Expression for Better Health
  
• Stress Reduction Techniques
• Trauma Informed Approaches to Care
• Restorative Practices
• Using Art, Music, and Humor to Heal your Soul
  

Clinical Supervision is available for aspiring Art Therapist Candidates.