Art Therapy
Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Through integrative methods, art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience, and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation. (AATA, 2017)
To learn more, please visit: https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/
Art Therapy Clinicians
click the clinician below to learn more about them.
Whitney Dahlberg
LGPAT
Whitney Dahlberg, LCPAT
Whitney is a Licensed Clinical Professional Art Therapist and Board Certified Art Therapist. As an art therapist, she is trained in traditional counseling techniques with a specialization in art modalities.Through art making and dialogue, she pays special attention to the experiences of our mind-body connection utilizing a holistic, process-oriented perspective and works from an individualized, strengths-based, trauma-informed lens. She seeks to provide a visual channel through meaning-making to safely express and navigate obstacles to healing. Engaging in the process of art itself can improve self-esteem, increase emotional self-efficacy, and facilitate an individual sense of identity.
Whitney is an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist who creates an environment of safety, trust, and respect for her clients. She specializes in working with teens and adults experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, medical diagnosis, and trauma. She is passionate about art as a tool for communication and the healing power of the creative process. Whitney is an EMDR trained and an EMDRIA Certified Therapist.
T 301.304.7108 x.809
Email: whitney@traumaspecialistsofmd.com
Lauren Javins
Clinical Intern
Lauren Javins, Clinical Intern
Lauren is currently completing her Master’s in Art Therapy at Notre Dame of Maryland University and is interning with Trauma Specialists of Maryland as she works toward becoming a licensed Art Therapist. She also holds a Master’s in Conflict Resolution from Georgetown University.
Her background includes working with individuals living with substance use disorders, co-occurring conditions, and supporting clients through motivational interviewing. She has also taught and mentored young adolescents and teens, while feeling equally comfortable working with adults.
Lauren’s approach is person-centered, culturally sensitive, and rooted in the belief that clients are the experts in their own lives. She works to create a trusting, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore their stories, set goals, and take steps toward lasting change. She often reminds clients, “You’re in the driver’s seat, and I’m the navigator.”
Her clinical interests include anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. She integrates art therapy, interpersonal connection, and a strengths-based approach to help clients move toward healing and growth, step by step.
Outside of the therapy room, Lauren enjoys embracing her inner nerd as a Star Trek fan, Lord of the Rings enthusiast, and lover of all things cats, books, and video games.
