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Expressive Therapies at SLBMI

Expressive Therapy is a non-threatening way for clients to access and communicate feelings, which may be difficult to convey verbally. Therapeutic activities typically involve the creative arts such as photography, writing, collage, mask-making, artwork or music. (No specific artistic or writing skills are needed to participate in this work.)

These techniques are particularly helpful for situations in which the person finds it difficult to express with language what he or she is experiencing. Adolescents may be good candidates for this manner of treatment although it is suitable for individual of all ages.

Clients may choose Expressive Therapy as the primary mode of therapy or in addition to verbal therapy.

Types of Expressive Therapy Available at SLBMI:

Art Therapy

Photo Therapy is a type of expressive therapy often involving viewing images from the past and/or taking new photographs. Client and therapist work together to explore the meaning of photographs and to gain perspective. This typically is done in combination with reflective writing therapy and is often used with grief work, body image and identity issues.

Writing Therapy is another form of expressive therapy in which clients may reflect through spontaneous journaling or therapist directed writing assignments. This may help develop one’s inner voice, gain perspective and clarify experiences, thought and feelings.

Our clinicians who provide this service are:

Cathy Lander-Goldberg, MSW, LCSW (West County)

Deborah Stutsman, ATR-BC, LPC (St. Louis City)