Kristen Welling

As a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist I offer my clients a holistic and flexible approach to therapy with the option to integrate slower-paced and analog art practices that allow for deepening calm, focus, self-expression, and nervous system regulation.

I employ a holistic approach that prioritizes a mind-body-spirit awareness and balance. I encourage expression, reflection, and learning to better understand and navigate your thoughts and feelings while also cultivating practical skills for everyday coping, self care, or wellness. I pair directness with humor, warmth, and authenticity to push you forward while keeping you feeling supported. I strive to create a non-judgmental, compassionate, and open space for working together on your goals.

My identity as a neurodivergent, bisexual, cisgendered woman with a decade of experience in corporate America directly informs my work with clients.

I primarily work with adult women, artists, neurodiverse, and LGBTQ+ folks on a variety of areas of focus, including: anxiety, depression, burnout, creativity, identity, self-esteem, grief, trauma, and attachment patterns and wounds.

Education, Training, & Experience

I received my Masters degree in Creative Arts Therapy and Creativity Development from Pratt Institute. I went on to train and work in both private practice and inpatient psychiatry where I gained a breadth of experience supporting clients and patients with a variety of mental health struggles.

I am additionally trained in various energy healing modalities (e.g. reiki) and breathwork, both of which influence my clinical practice and allow me to offer a more alternative and holistic perspective on wellbeing.

What is Art Therapy?

Art Therapy invites the creative process into the therapeutic space. It allows subconscious thoughts and feelings to surface through imagery and metaphor, allowing for a more comprehensive processing of content than just cognitively through talking. Art Therapy prioritizes the process and the content, not the aesthetics of the end product (this work isn't going in the Met!).

Do we have to make art in session? No, we don't; if it's of interest to you or you are willing to try some various creative techniques in a safe space then that's great! But, I am always happy to offer talk-based therapy sessions, especially to start with as we get to know each other. Don't let the pressure of a blank canvas deter you from reaching out if you think we might otherwise be a good fit!

We will work together to identify and understand your current goals for therapy. Initially I will ask a lot of background questions to better get to know you and how I can best support you.

My work with clients is always tailored to each individual based on their needs and experiences. I strive to help you to leave each session feeling empowered to navigate the coming week; sometimes this means homework (practicing techniques outside of our sessions).

Whether you are a working professional experiencing burnout/anxiety/depression, or an artist/musician wanting a more creativity-based experience in therapy, or just someone needing some extra support and held space in your week, I am excited to work with you and support you on your healing journey.