Kristy Schmidt Whildes

Typically, clients I work with are seeking therapy for help with anxiety, depression, self-harm, and/or suicidal ideation, among other difficult things. Often (though not always), clients are part of the LGBTQ+ community and are interested in figuring out how their experience of gender identity and/or sexuality fits into their mental health and lives. First, we get to know you better while we find ways to cope with symptoms. When you’re ready, we will take a deep dive together into what’s causing life to feel hard, unmanageable, or even unlivable. My primary way of providing support is through Art Therapy. Images and creative processes allow us to access parts of ourselves that words just can’t on their own. Letting yourself create art and use your imagination allows the opportunity for deep healing that may seem to defy logic. You do not need to have any art experience to benefit from Art Therapy! To each session, I bring a caring, non-judgmental presence, a willingness to go with you into the dark places, and curiosity about what is important and healing to you. I strongly believe in resilience and hold unending hope that you will find relief. Specialties: I support clients in getting to know their experiences on a deeper level through art. With this new understanding, clients have the opportunity to increase their self-acceptance and ability to cope with a full range of emotions. Self-harming is often a way of coping with or expressing intense pain or rage. Creating art can fill this same role reducing a person's need to self-harm. Credentials & Experience: I have received Master's level training and qualifications in Art Therapy. My Certification is through the Art Therapy Credentials Board.

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