Art Therapy in Somers Point, NJ
You know how sometimes words just aren't enough? You're trying to explain something deep, or you're wrestling with feelings that feel too big or too tangled to articulate? That's where art therapy comes in!
At GIA, our skilled art therapists, Rachael Mecholsky-Pelican, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, LPAT, and Jennifer Dolan, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, LPAT, use the creative process to help you express your thoughts and feelings and make sense of your experiences. Our art studios are safe, non-judgmental spaces, designed specifically with your creative journey in mind.
We offer an art studio for adults, where you can use drawing, painting, sculpting, collage — whatever feels right — to engage and express your inner world and rewrite your story.
For our younger clients, we have a studio perfectly sized for art therapy and play therapy. It’s an ideal spot for kids to feel comfortable and be themselves.
Our art therapy team is based in Somers Point, NJ
What Is Art Therapy?
At its core, art therapy is:
-
A form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression to help people explore emotions
-
Beneficial to all age groups from children to adults coping with stress or fostering self-awareness
-
A safe, nonverbal way to communicate thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to express in words
-
Led by trained therapists supporting emotional healing, personal growth, and mental health
Art therapy isn't just for those facing specific challenges; it's a tool for anyone seeking deeper self-understanding and emotional growth. Whether you're navigating complex feelings, exploring your identity, or simply looking for a new way to connect with yourself, art therapy provides a unique path forward.
While art therapy can be used as a standalone therapy, we also find value in integrating art into other therapeutic approaches. For instance, art can be a way to facilitate communication and connection in family therapy, allowing everyone to express themselves in a non-verbal way. It's also particularly effective when working with children, as art is a natural and comfortable language for them to explore their world and communicate their feelings.
Meet Our Art Therapists
Our art therapists blend their training in psychotherapy and visual arts, creating a supportive environment where art becomes a powerful tool for self-discovery, coping, and growth.
Jennifer leans on her training as a board-certified and state-licensed Art Therapist to create a safe space for individuals to explore and process their emotions. What truly sets Jennifer apart is her innate ability to connect with your inner world, allowing you to feel completely seen and heard. She offers direct guidance with a unique blend of clarity and warmth. As a senior clinician, she has expertise in working with children and families, as well as couples. Jennifer is also a clinical supervisor at GIA, guiding and supporting other therapists in developing their craft.
Rachael is a highly trained senior clinician specializing in helping teens and adults navigate life transitions and complex challenges. With advanced training in EMDR, DBT, play therapy, and sand tray therapy, she creatively blends approaches to meet each client's unique needs. Her expertise includes trauma and eating disorders, and she has a particular knack for working with teens. To learn a little more about Rachael, check out her podcast, Through Think And Thin: Discussions About Disordered Eating.
Between Jennifer, Rachael, and our entire team of therapists, we’re confident we can design a treatment plan that fits your family's unique needs and challenges. Our combined expertise allows us to provide meaningful, collaborative care and a supportive environment where art becomes a powerful tool for lasting change.
Who Can Benefit From Art Therapy?
Art therapy is especially effective if you're looking for an expressive outlet that isn't limited by what you can put into words, making it a great fit for certain groups or individuals.
Art Therapy for Kids
Kids often struggle to find words for big feelings or challenging experiences. Art therapy is a natural, playful, and profoundly effective therapy for kids to express themselves, work through behavioral challenges, or process difficult situations like trauma or family changes.
Art Therapy for Those Navigating Life Transitions or Stress
The act of creating can be incredibly calming and meditative, offering a gentle way to process change, reduce anxiety, and manage stress. It provides a creative outlet for emotional release and self-reflection.
Art Therapy for Those Exploring Self-Expression and Identity
Nonverbal expression offers a unique avenue for self-discovery. Art Therapy can help you uncover hidden strengths, clarify values, and build a stronger sense of self, even if you find verbalizing these insights challenging.
Art Therapy for Processing Trauma or Grief
When words feel inadequate, art can offer a powerful and non-threatening way to externalize and process difficult memories, emotions, or the profound experience of loss. It allows for a visual narrative, helping you gain a sense of control and gradually work through your experiences at your own pace.
Art Therapy as an Alternative Form of Therapy
If traditional talk therapy hasn't fully resonated with you, or you simply want to try something new, art therapy offers an alternative language for your inner world. It allows for powerful insights and healing to occur through creative engagement.
At GIA, we also support parents and families throughout this process, helping them understand art therapy and how to best support their loved one, both during and outside of sessions.
Ready To Try Art Therapy?
If you're in New Jersey and curious whether art therapy is the right fit for you or your child, weʼd love to hear from you.