Hey There!
I'm Elissa, a wild and free artist, art therapist and process painting facilitator passionate about using the elements of creativity to help support and enliven your every day.
I believe you already have everything you need to lead a full, satisfying and deeply meaningful life. As a guide and nurturer of your creative spirit, we work together to reclaim, discover and uncover aspects of self that you lost touch with or weren't even aware you had. It's one of the greatest adventures and one that I am honored to journey alongside you.
Ultimately, my purpose is for you to feel complete acceptance for who you are. I do my best work with self-doubting women who are exhausted by their inner critic, constantly judging themselves, feel disconnected from their true selves, are in transition, stressed, anxious, or feel lonely. I have seen countless positive shifts in women once they find a space where they feel heard, validated, and understood. Through our work together you will feel empowered to discover a new space within, filled with respect, acceptance, and compassion and as a result embody a life that feels authentic to who you are.
Education + Credentials
BFA in Graphic Design from The University of Michigan, 1999
MA in Art Therapy from New York University, 2003
Registered, Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC) ATR-BC # 04-173
Licensed Professional Art Therapist (LPAT - NJ)
NJ State Licensure (LPAT) #16LP00001300
Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT - NY)
NY State Licensure (LCAT) #000134
Art Therapy Credentialed Supervisor (ATCS)
Zencare Vetted Therapist visit Zencare
Psychology Today Vetted Therapist visit Psychology Today
Organizations
Professional and active member of the American Art Therapy and NJ/NY Art Therapy Associations.
Sit on the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) for NJ Art Therapy Association.
Resources
New Jersey Art Therapy Association, New York Art Therapy Association, American Art Therapy Association, Art Therapy Credentials Board, Zencare, Psychology Today
For more information on Process Painting check out The Painting Experience and be sure to purchase this nightstand staple: Life, Paint and Passion: Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous Expression.
On a personal note…
I maintain my lifelong love of process arts and the belief that exploring my creativity heals, by regularly creating REALLY BIG paintings filled with ALOT of emotion. I too am a student of this work. I LOVE to hike, camp, travel, adventure, take risks and explore new places. I find deep satisfaction in navigating challenging situations. I'm a sensitive, introvert who spent the early years masking my true self and the last decade celebrating the very things I was trying to mask, while also learning how to turn on my inner extrovert in order to share these gifts! I’m a health nut and you can find me moving my body most days before the sunrises. I love intimate connections with all people. The ONE thing I do best is hold really nourishing space for YOU, however you show up.