
Therapy is hard work, and finding a therapist that relates to you can be even harder. I specialize in working with creatives, adolescents, parents, and couples and establishing space for everyone to express their true selves ٠ ࣪⭑

ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST
Hi! I'm Liz Smith (she/they), an Art Therapist and Certified Child Life Specialist dedicated to facilitating healing, growth, and connection through creativity.
With a Master's degree in Art Therapy and in-depth training in child development, I bring a blend of expertise to my practice, fostering change and emotional exploration for individuals, couples, and families.
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I have worked in school, hospital, and private practice settings, serving incredibly diverse demographics. My areas of expertise include child development, processing anxiety, depression, bereavement, religious trauma, and trauma. Outside of individual sessions, I also work with families to provide parents/caregivers with child development consultation and support groups. While originally trained in art therapy, I integrated attachment-based therapy and child development practices into the clinical process during my tenure in the hospital setting.
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My approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and creativity. I believe in the importance of providing clients with psychoeducation and utilize evidence based techniques and theory in treatment. Through utilizing art as a therapeutic medium, I help clients explore their emotions, navigate transitions, and tap into their inner creativity to facilitate healing and growth.
As an artist myself, I understand the stress of working in creative industries, and use the creative processing to support clients with emotional exploration, creative blocks, and self-discovery.
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• Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) - State of New York State
• Clinical Licensed Art Therapist (CLAT) - State of Connecticut
• Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC)
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS)
• Master of Arts in Art Therapy (MA)
Individual, Couples and Roommate
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Both art therapy and talk therapy provide valuable tools for self-exploration, personal growth, and emotional healing. Depending on individual preferences, needs, and goals, a combination of these therapies can offer a comprehensive approach to understanding and improving one's mental and emotional well-being.
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Couples therapy offers a structured and guided approach to improving relationships, enhancing communication, and addressing challenges in a healthy and productive manner. Therapists bring their expertise to guide couples toward positive change, allowing them to work together to create a stronger, more fulfilling partnership. Both art therapy and talk therapy bring unique benefits to couples therapy. Integrating these approaches can offer a comprehensive and multi-dimensional way for couples to work through challenges, communicate effectively, and strengthen their relationship. The combination of creative expression and open conversation can lead to deeper insights and more sustainable growth.
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Roommate mediation offers a helpful way for roommates to talk through conflicts, improve communication, and find solutions that work for everyone. The therapist helps guide the conversation, making it easier for roommates to express their concerns and come up with agreements that make living together smoother. By blending open conversation and creative problem-solving, mediation helps build understanding and cooperation, leading to a more peaceful and positive living situation.
Families, Parents, and Caregivers
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Art therapy and child life can play a crucial role in supporting children's emotional well-being and help families navigate challenging situations. Through education and interventions, one can build healthier communication, improved coping skills, and stronger family relationships.
Developmental Understanding/Behavioral Insights: I have a deep understanding of child development, enabling specially tailored interventions to a child's age, personality, and needs. Art therapists can gain insights into a child's behavioral patterns through their artwork, helping parents and caregivers better understand their child's needs.
Family Bonding: Engaging in art activities together can create opportunities for families to bond, communicate, and spend quality time together, strengthening their relationships.
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Grief and Loss Support: I provide guidance and support for families dealing with grief and loss, helping them navigate challenging conversations and emotions.
Consulting
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By booking a consultation, employers can create a more supportive, creative, and emotionally intelligent work environment for their employees.
Employee Wellbeing and Mental Health: Corporations may book sessions to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of their employees. Art therapy can provide a creative outlet for employees to express and manage their emotions, reducing stress and improving overall mental health.
Stress Reduction and Burnout Prevention: Art therapy can serve as a tool to alleviate workplace stress and prevent burnout. Engaging in artistic activities can help employees relax, unwind, and recharge, leading to increased productivity, employee engagement, and retention.
Change Management: During times of organizational change or restructuring, art therapy can help employees navigate uncertainty and express their feelings about the changes they are experiencing.
Professional Development and Training: Art therapy workshops can offer employees a unique form of professional development. Through artistic expression, employees can develop skills such as creative problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience.
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Consulting an art therapist in schools can offer students a valuable opportunity for emotional exploration, personal growth, and improved well-being, contributing to a more holistic and nurturing educational environment.
Elevating Academic Performance: Improved emotional well-being through art therapy can positively impact students' focus, motivation, and overall academic performance.
Parent-Teacher Collaboration: Art therapists can collaborate with teachers and parents to provide a holistic approach to a student's emotional and psychological well-being, ensuring a consistent support system.
Cultivating Empathy: Engaging in art-making encourages students to see the world from different perspectives, fostering empathy and a greater understanding of others.
Trauma Processing: Art therapy can be especially effective for students who have experienced trauma, as it provides a safe space to process and express their feelings without needing to verbalize them directly.

FAQs
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Please reach out via email or phone to discuss your needs.
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You can schedule a session in several ways:
Booking: Click the "Book Here" button to schedule a session through ZocDoc, or contact me directly via email or phone.
Consultation: Click the "Book a Consultation" button or reach out directly to schedule a free 15-minute call. This allows you to get to know me and my therapeutic style, share our goals for therapy, and ask any additional questions you may have.
If you decide to move forward with me, we will schedule a 50-minute session. I will also provide you with documentation on my practice policies and HIPAA compliance.
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I offer 50 minute weekly sessions. I meet clients on a weekly basis as it helps us establish and build trust and safety.
Scheduling and frequency of sessions can be reevaluated throughout our work together.
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The practice accepts Cigna insurance and private pay.
Sliding scale appointments are available on a limited basis, with rates determined by financial needs. This can be discussed during our consultation call. Feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.