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Art Therapy Houston | Healing Through Art
Creative Art Therapy Services in Houston for Trauma, Stress Relief, and Emotional Wellness
Hi, I'm Marian, a Houston-based licensed art therapist and clinical social worker.
I help high achievers navigate the challenges of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-esteem through a combination of art therapy counseling and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I assist clients in making the distinction between healthy striving and challenging unrealistic expectations with self-compassion.
If you're ready to start healing through art, schedule a complimentary consultation call with me today.
What is Art Therapy?
Art therapy is a unique form of creative arts counseling that combines traditional talk therapy with the creative process of art making. Curious if art therapy may be for you? Ask the following questions to yourself:
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Do you ever feel overwhelmed by anxiety?
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Does your inner critic constantly push you to do more and be more with no relief in sight?
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Is the constant pursuit of perfection more exhausting than fulfilling?
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Do you ever feel like no matter how much you give, it's never enough?
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Even when you achieve a goal, do you still regret what you could have done better?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I understand, and I'm here to help.
Ready to embark on a transformative journey towards healing and personal growth? I invite you to schedule a free phone consultation to learn more. Together, we can harness the power of art therapy to help you overcome anxiety, navigate perfectionism, and create a more balanced self-image.
My Approach As a Licensed Art Therapist
In our art therapy sessions, I provide a non-judgmental and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Together, through guided art directives and warm-ups, we can explore your perspectives, experiences, and insights surrounding meanings and messages within your artwork.
Here are some ways working with a licensed art therapist can help you:
1. Anxiety Reduction: Art therapy provides a safe space for you to express and process anxious thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to put into words. Through the use of different art techniques such as drawing, collage, and painting, we can explore the root causes of your anxiety and develop coping strategies.
2. Perfectionism Exploration: Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword that drives you to strive for excellence but also causes stress and self-criticism. Through creative exercises, you can learn to embrace your imperfections, celebrate progress, and cultivate self-compassion.
3. Emotional Expression: Through the use of different art materials, we can explore and process your emotions, and give them a tangible form that can be examined and understood from a new perspective.
4. Self-Exploration: Engaging in art-making can provide insights into your thoughts, beliefs, and patterns of behavior. This self-exploration can also lead to the development of healthier coping strategies.
5. Stress Relief and Relaxation: By immersing yourself in the creative process, you can find respite from the demands of everyday life. Art-making can also serve as a form of self-care and a valuable outlet for releasing tension and creating a sense of well-being.
Art Therapy Houston FAQs
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How do I know if I have low self-esteem?Low self-esteem can show up in many ways, including constant self-doubt, negative self-talk, constant need for external validation, self-criticism, fear of failure, difficulty accepting compliments, and feeling unworthy or not good enough. It can also lead to feelings of inadequacy, anxiety, and unhappiness. If you often criticize yourself, struggle with confidence, or feel like you don’t measure up, therapy can help you build a healthier self-image.
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How long does it take to build healthy self-esteem?Everyone’s journey is different, but many people start noticing positive changes within a few months of therapy. The key is consistency and practice—developing self-worth takes time, but with the right support, you can break free from self-doubt and embrace a more confident, fulfilling life.
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What’s the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence?Self-esteem is your overall sense of self-worth, while self-confidence is your belief in your abilities. You can be confident in certain skills but still struggle with self-esteem. Therapy helps strengthen both by addressing negative self-perceptions and building resilience.
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Can therapy really help improve my self-esteem?Yes! Therapy can help you gain perspective by learning how to cultivate self-compassion, challenge negative self-talk, develop healthy boundaries, and build self-worth from within. In therapy, we will hone in on your strengths and identify specific activities that give you a confidence boost.
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How can therapy help with anxiety?Therapy can create a safe and non-judgmental space to identify triggers, learn coping techniques, challenge negative thoughts, build resilience, and provide support and accountability. Don't let anxiety hold you back!
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What is anxiety?Anxiety is a natural response to stress that signals to our brain and body that something might be going on that requires our attention. Anxiety often involves excessive worry, fear, and a sense of impending danger.
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Can art therapy help me?Art therapy is a form of counseling that combines traditional talk therapy with the creative process. Art therapy can help you gain insights into your thoughts and emotions, promote personal growth, and increase your self-awareness. Art therapy is also beneficial to people who find it challenging to express themselves verbally or who prefer alternative methods of communication.
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I'm feeling nervous about starting art therapy sessions. Is it natural to feel this way?Feeling nervous or anxious about starting therapy no matter in what format, is entirely normal and natural. You have the freedom to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with during our sessions. Remember, art therapy is a collaborative journey, and you set the pace.
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Do I need to have artistic skills or prior experience in art to benefit from art therapy exercises?Absolutely not! No artistic talent or experience is required. Art therapy is about engaging in the process of making art rather than creating a masterpiece. Art therapy is accessible and beneficial for people of all ages and artistic backgrounds.
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How will therapy help me manage perfectionism?Therapy will assist you in exploring the root causes of your perfectionism and teach you how to challenge all-or-nothing thinking, develop self-compassion, set realistic expectations, and cultivate self-worth beyond achievements. Perfectionism therapy helps high-achievers break free from the pressure of unrealistic standards, fear of failure, and constant self-criticism. While ambition and drive are valuable, perfectionism can lead to burnout, anxiety, and dissatisfaction—even when you’re succeeding. Therapy provides strategies to help you maintain excellence without sacrificing mental well-being.
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Having high standards has helped me to advance in my life. Why would I want to change this?There is nothing wrong with wanting to do well and having goals for yourself. However, people who struggle with perfectionism set unrealistically high standards for themself and sometimes others, and when they are not successful their sense of worth and even self-esteem can plummet. It’s important to make sure you are setting realistic options for yourself. The goal isn’t to stop striving for success—it’s to help you achieve it in a way that doesn’t come at the cost of your happiness. Therapy helps you embrace progress over perfection, recover from setbacks with resilience, and find fulfillment in both your personal and professional life.
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Is perfectionism a form of anxiety?Perfectionism is often closely linked to anxiety. Many high-achievers experience perfectionism-driven anxiety, where the fear of making mistakes or not meeting high expectations leads to chronic stress, procrastination, and burnout. Perfectionism therapy helps you manage this anxiety by reframing negative thought patterns, reducing self-criticism, and developing a healthier relationship with success and failure. If you feel trapped by high standards, therapy can provide the tools to break free and thrive.
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How do I know if my perfectionism is holding me back?If you find yourself procrastinating out of fear that your work won’t be “good enough,” feeling anxious despite your achievements, or struggling to delegate because you don’t trust others to meet your standards, perfectionism may be negatively impacting you. Therapy can help you create a healthier balance between success and self-care.
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