(603) 575-9159
How I Can Help
I understand at some point we all experience uncomfortable emotions in our lives. In an Art Therapy session, I offer strategies that can help people face their fears and anxieties, address symptoms of depression, increase mindfulness, learn relaxation strategies, process grief and loss, and boost self-esteem. These are just a few areas where Art therapy can be useful. Through the creative process , and with occasional homework assignments, one can recover motivation, gain new perspectives, and rekindle feelings of joy. I personally enjoy the benefits of art making, and know how to combine the process of creating to address stress, or conflicts. To learn if you might benefit from Art Therapy, please connect with me by email at susan@capitalarttherapy.com, (603) 575-9159, or click below. I offer a free 15 minutes consultation.
Education and Credentials
Hello! My name is Susan Riedl, MA, LPC, LCMHC, ATR and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in NH and Maine, and a Registered Art Therapist. As a psychology, counseling, and art major, I completed an Art Therapy Masters Program at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Indiana in 2016. I proudly concluded my Post Graduate requirements in the beautiful state of New Hampshire. The combined efforts of my graduate practicum, internship and post-graduate experience has totaled 7 years experience which has lead me to achieve my dream of becoming a Registered Art Therapist in 2019. I truly enjoy working with people and sharing my knowledge of Art Therapy with children, adolescents, and families. Additionally, I hold a current NH certification as an Art Educator grades K-12 with over 10 years of experience. I am passionate about my profession as an Art Therapist and volunteer on the New England Art Therapy Association Chapter (NEATA) as Co-Legislative Chair representing New Hampshire to advance the profession. In my spare time, I enjoy making my own art, cooking, hiking, running, spending time at the ocean, and enjoying the company of my friends and family.
Philosophy
My philosophy and approach to Art Therapy embraces the creative process in all forms of media with an open heart, a focus on safety, importance on building trust in the relationship, and patience. I believe that the human spirit is inspired and rejuvenated by nature. Within the Art Therapy approach, the act of creating combined with intentional reflection will yield self-discovery, enrichment, and personal growth. Art Therapy can be trans-formative for individuals, and for relationships. It is well known that people of all ages need and deserve a therapeutic approach that is designed to meet their own individuality. Sometimes, traditional approaches to wellness fall short of the intended goals, and adding a supplemental approach like Dance, Music, and Art Therapy can help one achieve their goals.
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Areas of Focus
As a registered Art Therapist (ATR) and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) my areas of focus include: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Low Self-Esteem, Social Skills, and ADHD. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I incorporate evidenced based practices such as TF-CBT, and CBT, however, my approach to healing and wellness is deeply rooted in Art Therapy . Therefore, my sessions are emphasized with Art Therapy techniques, directives, and assessments as they are my preferred modality of treatment.
Capital Art Therapy LLC (603) 575-9159
What is Art Therapy?
Art Therapy is a human service profession in which clients, facilitated by an art therapist, use the creative process and the resulting artwork to explore their feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behavior, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self-esteem. Art Therapy practice is grounded in the knowledge of human development, psychological theories, and counseling techniques. To become an Art Therapist one must attend an art therapy Master’s programs, and graduates must complete a significant number of post-graduate supervised clinical hours as an intern in order to become fully credentialed. For a more in depth description of what Art Therapy is see the ATCB definition by clicking here: https://www.atcb.org/Public/WhatIsArtTherapy
Who Can Provide Art Therapy?
Educational and professional standards for the profession are established by the Art Therapy Credentials Board Inc., (ATCB), the American Art Therapy Association, Inc. (AATA), and individual state Professional Licensing Boards. Practitioners must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in Art Therapy, be a member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), and also be Registered, with a good-standing, with the Art Therapy credential through the Art Therapy Credentials Board Inc., (ATCB). Each state has unique requirements to practice in the professional field, and these should be considered when choosing a graduate school in order to fully understand the state specific requirements to practice. There are additional credentials an ATR can achieve such as; becoming Board Certified (ATR-BC) or offering supervision by completing requirements to become an Art Therapy Certified Supervisor (ATCS) . As a client it is important to know the qualifications of anyone offering Art Therapy.
In New Hampshire: To practice as an Art Therapist, an individual must be Registered with AATA and maintain the ATR credential through the ATCB. On July 5th 2018, Governor Chris Sununu signed the Bill SB 535 offering title and practice protection for the Art Therapy Profession. To find a credentialed Art Therapist near you or in your state use this link below: https://www.atcb.org/Home/FindACredentialedArtTherapist
Who Benefits from Art Therapy?
Art Therapists promote a creative experience, and integrate mental health and human services to support children, adolescents, adults, families and communities with applied psychological theories. This approach allows verbal and nonverbal communication through the creative work. Sessions facilitated by a professional Art Therapist can address different mental health needs, and also include benefits for improving self-esteem, managing chronic illness, and increasing self- awareness. Below are some examples of how Art Therapy can be useful.
Anxiety- The act of creating with a variety of art forms and materials can support the reduction of anxiety. Additional discussion in sessions can include types of creative activities specific to individual abilities, and lifestyle. Homework can include mapping the anxiety with creative approaches.
Stress- Different art approaches may include Kinesthetic movements with clay, cognitive considerations through collage work, or emotional awareness in body mapping and portraiture. With the help of an art therapist, one can gain more insight about their stress, and help define boundaries for themselves to manage the stress and feel more comfortable.
Depression- Integrating mindfulness skills into specific guided art directives, the Art Therapist can also incorporate thought and behavior models that will assist an individual in finding their own new perspectives and thinking styles to alleviate depressive symptoms.
Read More about how Art Therapy can be therapeutic for a variety of Mental Health Diagnosis.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)- Online information about the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) in Bethesda Maryland assisting Veterans of the US Military.
https://www.wrnmmc.capmed.mil/NICoE/media/news/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=67
Depression- A Blog on using art therapy to address depression symptoms. https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/using-art-therapy-to-create-freedom-from-depression/
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)- An online article about how Art Therapy is a collaborative approach to managing symptoms of ADHD. https://www.additudemag.com/art-therapy-for-adhd/
COVID-19
UPDATE TO SERVICES. I am currently accepting clients for TELEhealth services and limited face-to-face sessions due to the recommendations made by the CDC to help prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus. I can accept some insurance, and I do offer a sliding scale to those who qualify. Art Therapy is a valuable use of treatment especially during these difficult times of isolation.
RESOURCES-Things I can do
This is a list of resources that are helpful:
Quarantine Family Tool Kit
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-UyjyRJm3ifZe44St-tiAf9jIf7XrpAJ/view
Art From Anxiety Therapist
https://artfromanxiety.com/about
Music Therapy Online Services for all ages
https://www.thesonatinacenter.com/
How to Stay Creative at Home with Kids
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus-education-homeschooling-teaching-creativity/
Free Online Photography lessons April 2020
Free Online Guitar and Ukele Lessons Fender