houston art therapist
art therapy houston

TOP-RATED ARt therapy in HOUSton, Texas

Unlock healing through creativity with art therapy in Houston, Texas

  • Process complex emotions through art when words aren't enough, guided by our board-certified art therapist

  • Experience therapy in a welcoming, judgment-free space that combines creativity with clinical expertise

  • Access a powerful blend of art therapy, EMDR, and traditional counseling methods tailored to your needs

  • Choose between convenient in-person sessions in Houston or online therapy anywhere in Texas

  • Work with a team that understands everyone's path is different and creates truly personalized treatment plans

  • Begin your journey supported by experienced professionals who prioritize your unique healing process

About Whitmire Counseling & Supervision

At Whitmire Counseling, we believe that true healing comes from within. Our private practice brings together dedicated professionals who share a common vision: helping clients move from surviving to thriving. We understand that each person's journey is unique, which is why we take a personalized, whole-person approach to mental health care. We'll take time to build a trusting therapeutic relationship and get to know your specific needs and goals.

What makes our practice special is our integration of traditional counseling with specialized approaches like art therapy. Through our board-certified art therapy services, we offer a powerful alternative for those seeking a more creative path to healing or finding traditional talk therapy challenging. Art therapy can unlock emotional expression and process trauma in ways that words alone sometimes cannot, providing new perspectives and pathways to growth.

Our practice serves children, teens, and adults across Houston and Texas through both in-person and online sessions. We specialize in helping those who feel stuck, are searching for deeper meaning, or find themselves questioning their current path. At Whitmire Counseling, you'll find more than just therapy – you'll discover a supportive partnership focused on helping you cultivate a life you don't need to escape from.

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Meet your Houston art therapist

Sarah Whitmire, LPC-S, ATR-BC

As a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), I bring a unique blend of traditional counseling and creative healing approaches to my practice. My passion for art therapy stems from a deep understanding that some experiences are better expressed through creative channels than words alone.

Drawing from my extensive training and experience, I help clients process trauma, reduce anxiety, and discover inner strength through both traditional therapy and artistic expression. I believe in treating the whole person, recognizing that true healing encompasses both mental and physical well-being.

Curious to see whether I'm the right fit for you? Reach out today to request your free consultation.

HOW TO START art therapy

Step 01

Request more information

Start by filling out this quick form to request more information about our practice.

Step 02

connect with a therapist

After making sure we're a good fit, we'll set up your first session.

Step 03

BEGIN THERAPY

Attend regular sessions and start your journey toward greater well-being.

Why choose Whitmire for art therapy in Houston?

  • We understand that expressing emotions through art requires trust and vulnerability. Our practice offers a judgment-free environment where you can explore your feelings freely through the creative process. Every brushstroke, color choice, and creation is welcomed as part of your unique healing journey.

  • We recognize that each person's relationship with art and therapy is different. Whether you're an experienced artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, we'll adapt our art therapy sessions to match your comfort level and pace.

  • Our therapy spaces are thoughtfully designed to nurture creativity and comfort. From our welcoming lobby to our well-equipped therapy rooms, every aspect of our environment is crafted to help you feel both inspired and at ease during your sessions.

  • We combine traditional art therapy techniques with contemporary therapeutic methods to provide comprehensive care. When beneficial, we collaborate with other mental health professionals and integrate various healing modalities to support your overall wellness journey. This ensures you receive the most effective combination of creative and traditional therapeutic approaches for your needs.

Common reasons why people seek art therapy

  • Processing complex emotions

    When words feel inadequate to express deep feelings or experiences, art therapy provides a powerful alternative. Many people find that creating art helps them understand and work through anxiety, depression, or overwhelming emotions in ways that traditional talk therapy alone cannot achieve.

  • Healing from trauma

    Art therapy offers a gentle yet effective approach to processing trauma. Through creative expression, you can safely explore difficult memories and experiences, building resilience and finding new perspectives without the pressure of having to verbalize your experiences immediately.

  • Managing social anxiety

    For those struggling with social anxiety or communication challenges, art therapy provides a natural bridge for self-expression. Creating art can help build confidence and develop new ways of connecting with others in a low-pressure, supportive environment.

  • Navigating life transitions

    According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), art therapy helps people regain a sense of control and stability during times of significant change or crisis. Whether facing career changes, relationship transitions, grief, or other life shifts, the visual arts offer a powerful way to process change and envision new possibilities.

  • Teen development and expression

    Adolescents often connect deeply with art therapy, as it provides a natural outlet for processing identity, peer relationships, and academic pressures. Through creative activities, teens can explore their emotions and challenges in an age-appropriate, engaging way.

When another practice may be a better fit for your needs

At Whitmire Counseling, we believe in transparent communication about our services to ensure you receive the most appropriate care for your situation. While we offer comprehensive art therapy and counseling services, there are certain circumstances where we may recommend seeking support elsewhere.

  • If you're experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis requiring immediate intervention, we recommend contacting emergency services or visiting your nearest emergency room, as we cannot provide crisis or emergency response services.

  • If you're located outside of Texas, we'll need to refer you to a provider licensed in your state, as we can only provide therapy services to Texas residents.

  • If you're seeking intensive outpatient programs or specialized eating disorder treatment, we can help connect you with local programs that offer these specific levels of care.

  • If you require medical treatment or psychiatric services, we can provide therapy in conjunction with your psychiatric care, but you'll need to establish care with a psychiatrist separately.

  • If you're specifically seeking group therapy or support groups, we can refer you to local behavioral health organizations that provide group-based programs.

If you're not sure whether our practice is the right fit for you, we encourage you to reach out to request more information.

FAQs about art therapy

  • Art therapy can be helpful for anyone seeking a creative approach to emotional healing and personal growth, regardless of artistic experience or ability. It's particularly effective for people who find traditional talk therapy challenging or limiting, struggle to put their emotions into words, or simply respond well to creative expression.

    We often recommend art therapy for children, teens, and adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or stress management. Don't worry about whether you're a "good" artist—our experienced, board-certified art therapist will guide you through the art-making process at your own pace and comfort level.

  • Art therapy should only be provided by credentialed art therapists who have specific training and certification in this specialized field.

    At Whitmire Counseling, your art therapy sessions are conducted by Sarah Whitmire, who has a master's degree in art therapy and holds both the Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) credential and is a Board-Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC). These credentials represent extensive training in both traditional counseling methods and specialized art therapy techniques, ensuring you receive care from a qualified professional who understands how to effectively integrate artistic expression with therapeutic practices.

    While many therapists might use art in sessions, true art therapy requires this specific level of training and certification to properly guide clients through the creative healing process.

  • Absolutely not! Art therapy is about the process of creative expression, not creating gallery-worthy pieces. Whether you consider yourself artistic or haven't picked up art supplies since elementary school, the focus is on using creative expression as a tool for healing and self-discovery.

    In our sessions, there's no judgment or evaluation of artistic skill—instead, we create a supportive environment where you can freely express your emotions and experiences through making art. The therapeutic value comes from the act of creating and what it reveals about your inner world, not the aesthetic quality of what you create.

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Get started today

Art therapy can be a powerful tool to foster deeper understanding and self-awareness. Whether you're dealing with anxiety or mood disorders, reeling from a traumatic experience or recent life change, or simply want to discover a new way to express yourself, art therapy can help.