Mariane Coelho
Hello! I’m Mari (she/her). I am a resident therapist in counseling and art therapy offering psychotherapy, art therapy, and play therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults experiencing a range of challenges. My approach to therapy is client-centered, rooted in collaboration, empathy, and empowerment.
I integrate trauma-informed, diversity-affirming care with mindfulness and somatic practices, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other therapy modalities, often blending these approaches with creative art interventions. I am a parent in a multicultural family and have a special interest in perinatal mental health, acculturation, grief, and other major life transitions.
I am passionate about my work and would be honored to support you. I offer sessions in English and Portuguese. Sessions in nature are also an option.
About Mari
I specialize in art therapy and have a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from The George Washington University, where I was trained both as an art therapist and counselor. My transition into the mental health field was a purposeful and rewarding journey that allowed me to gain experience working with diverse populations across the lifespan in a variety of settings. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a lawyer in Brazil, started my own business teaching cooking classes for children and families in various settings in the DC area, and worked as a gallery educator at the National Portrait Gallery.
My clinical training was completed at Goodwin House Alexandria, a non-profit residential community providing all levels of care for older adults, and at the GW Art Therapy Clinic, a student training clinic providing individual and group therapy and community workshops in the DMV area. In my last year in graduate school, I completed a study abroad placement working with groups of elementary school children with various needs in Chennai, India. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity changes, neurodiversity, medical diagnoses, trauma, grief, substance misuse, disordered eating, and relationship issues.
As an immigrant mother in a multicultural family, I have developed a special interest in perinatal mental health, families, acculturation, grief, and other major life transitions. In my spare time, I enjoy engaging my senses through live music, yoga, viewing and making art, cooking, and spending time in nature with family and friends.
I believe that we learn, heal and grow in relationship and in community with others and with the natural environment. My goal is to provide a non-judgmental, safe and affirming therapeutic space for healing and growth that supports wellness in the mind and body, while tailoring the therapeutic treatment to your unique needs and goals. I would be honored to support you in your therapeutic journey.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is like talk therapy with the additional powerful tool of art making! You don't have to make art, and no artistic skills or experience are required, but making art in session is always an option.
In art therapy, the focus is on the process of creative expression, not the product! We utilize the healing power of the creative process to facilitate self-expression, support emotional regulation, and to gain deeper insight into your life and internal experiences.
I offer a variety of art materials and might suggest specific materials suitable to your needs and preferences. Art-making can be entirely unstructured or structured, with my guidance and a prompt as a starting point.
For more detailed information about art therapy and who can practice it, visit the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) website.
Contact
Please reach out to see how I might be able to help at this time. I look forward to hearing from you and connecting.
301-941-7086