*Is it a good fit?

*Needs

*Experience

*Scheduling

*Pricing and Payment

*Questions

*Introductions

*Answer set questions about current situation and personal history

*Begin to discuss expectations

*As part of getting to know you and identifying needs, one of several art therapy assessments will be used at the beginning of treatment.

*Based on the initial consultation, information gathering, and the art-based assessment...

we will discuss what areas of focus are important for you to work toward your goals.

This is the heart and soul of treatment... the week to week or alternating week sessions in which your journey happens. It involves an openness to new experience, recognizing unhealthy patterns, having patience with yourself and the process, and making a dedicated effort of working toward your goals.

Creating various forms of expressive art (visual arts, creative writing etc.) in sessions can also be rewarding, exciting, relaxing, centering and fun! Processing your creations with support and guidance from your therapist is a unique opportunity for growth.

This is the time that makes it all worthwhile... when you begin to see progress and change by recognizing your personal growth. It becomes evident in how you feel and interact with others, as well as how they respond to you. Growth is reflected in and fostered by the art.

Following positive breakthroughs and periods of maintenance, goals are reviewed. *For some new goals are set to continue ​the work together. *For others this may be as far as they wish to proceed and termination will be initiated.

*No absolute right time to make this decision *Some reasons that termination of individual sessions might be best: --achieving goals --changes in circumstance --choice to attend group or open studio instead (all are permitted simultaneously but sometimes group work can target specific goals better) *A final session is almost always required and may happen quickly if necessary. *Ideally, termination will involve planned cutting back of frequency over a period of time- to provide opportunity for processing and integration of success, needs and closure.