Welcoming Art Therapy to River Grove Therapy!

At River Grove Therapy, we believe healing can take many forms. While traditional talk therapy can be incredibly effective, words do not always fully capture our experiences, emotions, and personal stories. That is why we are excited to welcome art therapy as a service at River Grove Therapy and to introduce the newest member of our team, Mariane Coelho, LPC-R, ATR-P!

Art therapy is a specialized form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression as a tool for communication, self-discovery, and healing. Through activities such as drawing, painting, sculpting, collage-making, and other forms of art, individuals can explore thoughts, emotions, and experiences that may be difficult to express with words alone. Mariane brings a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and clinical expertise to this work. She earned her Master of Arts in Art Therapy from George Washington University, where she was trained as both an art therapist and counselor. Her path into the mental health field reflects a rich and diverse professional journey, including previous work as a lawyer in Brazil, a business owner teaching cooking classes for children and families throughout the DC area, and a gallery educator at the National Portrait Gallery. These experiences have shaped her appreciation for creativity, connection, and the many ways people learn, grow, and express themselves.

One of the most common misconceptions about art therapy is that artistic talent is required. In reality, no artistic skill or experience is necessary to benefit from art therapy. The focus is not on creating a perfect piece of artwork. Instead, the emphasis is on the process of creating, exploring, and discovering meaning along the way. Art therapy can help individuals build self-awareness, process emotions, reduce stress, develop coping skills, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. For children and adolescents, creative expression can provide a developmentally appropriate way to communicate feelings and experiences that may be difficult to put into words. For adults, art therapy can offer a meaningful avenue for exploring emotions, navigating life transitions, and fostering personal growth.

This therapeutic approach can be beneficial for individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and difficulties with emotional expression. By combining creativity with evidence-based therapeutic techniques, art therapy offers a unique and engaging pathway toward healing and well-being.

At River Grove Therapy, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that meets clients where they are. We are thrilled to expand our services through the addition of art therapy and grateful to welcome Mariane's expertise to our team. Whether you are a lifelong artist or someone who has not picked up a paintbrush in years, art therapy offers an opportunity to explore, heal, and grow in a supportive therapeutic environment. We look forward to helping our clients discover the possibilities that creative expression can bring to the healing process.