Who is Art Therapy For?
Art Therapy at The 9 Within is for anyone who feels stuck in analysis, finds traditional talk therapy difficult, or needs a compassionate, non-judgmental space to process deep emotions and trauma.
It is for the person who feels...
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Emotionally Overwhelmed: You're navigating complex grief, anxiety, or transition and feel that talking about it only scratches the surface.
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Hitting the Wall of Burnout: You’re exhausted by the mental "grind" and need a way to recharge that doesn't involve another spreadsheet or a long to-do list.
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Stuck in Your Head: You understand your patterns logically (thanks Enneagram!), but you're still not experiencing a change, in your heart-body-mind, leaving you frustrated and exhausted.
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Uncertain How to Begin: You know you need change but feel blocked, craving a gentle, creative pathway to self-awareness that honours your pace.
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Nervous About Vulnerability: You need a process where you can explore difficult memories or emotions through metaphor and material, speaking only when you're ready to do so.
If any of these statements resonate with you, then you've found the right space. I'm ready to meet you exactly where you are. Read out FAQ's to discover why no artistic skill is required.
The unique process
Discover Creativity and Play
Initial Inquiry
Share what feels safe to share about your current emotional landscape. Your Art Therapist will collaborate with you to suggest an art-based practice.
Creative Play Time
It may be drawing, sculpting, collaging, painting etc. Set aside uninterrupted time to simply play with the materials and see what emerges. Effort is important.
Skill is not.
Process & Integrate
We gently explore your art. Your therapist acts as a guide experienced in working with the subconscious, helping you integrate what is holding you back from healing and growth.
Continue the Journey
Continue the journey and repeat this process for sustained emotional release and long-term self-awareness. Stay curious, be playful and get creative.
YOUR ART THERAPIST
- Curious, Compassionate, Accepting -
My commitment to your emotional safety is absolute.
I've worked with individuals navigating the most complex parts of the human experience, and I share this with you so you know, unequivocally: I can hold space for it all. There is nothing you bring, no emotion, no trauma, no fear - that will surprise, or shock me.
The magic of Art Therapy is that your creative expression does the heavy lifting. We don't need to chase details or force words. You don't even have to verbally recount the stories of your experiences. What is most important will gently surface in your artwork, and together, we will explore its meaning with curiosity and playfulness.
Services
Start Here!
THEN, TRY THIS!
to support long term HEALING
happy CLIENTS
Nick W, Software Eng. Manager
I found it genuinely valuable. Donna has a talent for creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore challenging topics without feeling forced or rushed. What stood out was her ability to gently guide the session while keeping it exploratory.
 Kindergarten Stationery |
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 Sunset Love |
 Artist in Studio |
 Colorful Circles |
 Lotus Flower |
 Pencils |
 Forest |
Art therapy:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your curiosity is welcome here.
01
What happens in the 9 Within intake session?
Your first 75-minute session is about creating a safe container and building a connection together. We'll discuss your emotional landscape and what you hope to gain. We will then collaborate to create your first gentle art practice, setting the stage for your personal healing journey.
02
Do I create art in an Art Therapy Session?
Sometimes. Usually I save the art making for you to do outside of our session time. I find that somatic expression is most powerful when you have spacious, private time to create without observation. I want to ensure you receive the maximum value from our session time together. The real work in Art in Therapy happens when you are processing and integrating the powerful insights that arise from your Art. I will suggest a short, creative practice for you to engage with independently between sessions. This ensures that our paid time together is spent entirely on decoding the messages from your heart and body and guiding you toward emotional clarity. Occasionally, we may engage in short, spontaneous creative exercises during a session if it seems valuable, but the primary expressive work is usually completed beforehand, and you bring it to our session.
03
What if I am not creative / artistic / talented?
This is the biggest myth about Art Therapy! No artistic skill is required or expected, and I will not be critiquing or judging your art. Our focus is on the process of play, and curiosity about the subconscious material and messages that arise in your artwork, not the product of the art making. Your heart and body will use the materials to communicate what your words cannot. There is zero expectation for you to create a masterpiece.
04
Do I need to commit to multiple sessions?
My recommendation for ongoing sessions with me will completely depend on what kind of change or growth you are seeking. Usually, client see me for several months, this commitment provides the necessary continuity and safe repetition to integrate insights and achieve deep, lasting emotional shifts.
05
What type of challenges or goals can Art Therapy help with?
Art Therapy is excellent for moving past anything that you can't think your way out of. It helps with managing anxiety, processing grief and loss, resolving internal conflict, and finding emotional release when words feel inadequate. It's a gentle path to deep self-awareness.
06
How do I prepare for an Art Therapy Session?
All you need to bring is your curiosity and an open heart. We will discuss materials and preparation during your intake session, but generally, we work with simple materials and a willingness to engage in creative play.
07
I Can't Decide Between Coaching or Art Therapy?
This is common! Coaching is systematic and goal-oriented (focused on action and where you're going). Art Therapy is gentle, process-oriented, and excellent for emotional release and unblocking stuck feelings (where you've been). The Initial Inquiry Session for Art Therapy can help clarify your best path forward. You can always email or call me to discuss.
08
Do you offer online Art Therapy Sessions?
Yes, I offer secure, confidential online Art Therapy sessions, allowing you to attend from the comfort of your own safe space. However, I prefer to do these once we have conducted an initial inquiry. If you are not located near me, then I am willing to discuss this with you, please send me an email.
