Nishima Kaplan

In 2024, I earned my master’s degree in counseling and art therapy, and I am currently practicing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). I specialize in working with individuals navigating complex mental health challenges such as OCD, complex trauma (CPTSD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and identity-related concerns.

Many of my clients experience intrusive thoughts, dissociation, intense emotions, difficulty with relationships, or feeling stuck in patterns rooted in early developmental experiences. I provide a supportive, creative, and nonjudgmental space where clients can safely explore these experiences and begin meaningful healing.

I grew up in San Antonio before attending the University of Pennsylvania, where I earned degrees from both the Wharton School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences. My path later led me to the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, where I studied for three years before working as an artist and small business owner while raising my children.

I use art therapy as a powerful, evidence-based intervention to support healing, emotional regulation, and deeper self-understanding. By incorporating art materials, creativity, and emergent imagery, I help clients access bottom-up processing, which allows them to work through trauma, anxiety, and emotional distress in ways that go beyond traditional talk therapy. This approach can help bypass defenses, rebuild neural pathways, and address disrupted developmental experiences more effectively.

Art therapy can also increase distress tolerance by allowing clients to safely experience emotions while using creative expression as a grounding and regulating tool. I integrate creativity with mindfulness, self-compassion, and trauma-informed care to help clients process difficult experiences, reduce emotional overwhelm, and develop healthier coping strategies. My approach is collaborative, gentle, and tailored to each client’s unique needs and pace.

In our first session, we will focus on getting to know one another and understanding what brings you to therapy. You may be experiencing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, emotional overwhelm, dissociation, trauma-related symptoms, or difficulty navigating relationships and identity. Together, we will explore your goals and begin identifying how art therapy and counseling can support your healing process.

You do not need to be “good at art” to benefit from art therapy. My goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, build insight, and develop new ways of coping. I will meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you move toward greater self-understanding, emotional balance, and meaningful growth.