Expressive Art therapy to Create to Feel, Heal, and Grow
Expressive Arts Therapy combines visual art, music, movement, writing, and drama to help clients access emotions, resolve trauma, and build self-understanding. It promotes psychological healing through the process—not the product—of creative expression.
What Is Expressive Arts Therapy and How Does It Work?
Expressive Arts Therapy integrates multiple creative modalities to help clients access feelings that may be difficult to verbalize. This non-linear, intuitive approach promotes healing by engaging imagination, metaphor, and sensory experience.
Key Benefits
Bypasses Verbal Defenses
Creative processes allow unconscious or hard-to-express emotions to surface safely.
Enhances Emotional Regulation
Movement, sound, and imagery help release emotional tension and restore calm.
Fosters Self-Discovery
Expressive mediums support exploration of identity, grief, and trauma.
Accessible to All Ages and Abilities
No art training required—just openness to the process.
Treatment Goals
Support Emotional Processing Without Pressure
Provide nonverbal options for expressing grief, fear, anger, or joy.
Strengthen Mind-Body Connection
Use movement and sensory experience to reconnect with the body after stress or trauma.
Encourage Creative Problem Solving
Shift fixed mental patterns by engaging with metaphor, color, and sound.
Build Confidence in Self-Expression
Help clients develop trust in their internal world and expressive voice.
Expressive Arts Therapy for Trauma, Identity, and Emotional Flow
Expressive Arts Therapy is a multimodal approach that encourages healing through creation. Rooted in humanistic and psychodynamic traditions, it helps clients engage the imagination to safely explore emotional material that talk therapy may not access.
The Process
The Process
The Process
1
1
Establish Safety and Creative Comfort
Introduce clients to art materials and creative forms in a nonjudgmental setting.
2
2
Choose Modalities Based on Present Emotion
Clients may paint, draw, sculpt, write, move, or play instruments depending on what feels natural.
3
3
Create Without Censorship
Focus on expression, not skill—allowing emotional truth to emerge through shape, sound, or story.
4
4
Reflect with the Therapist
Explore what was created and how it relates to the client’s inner experience.
5
5
Integrate Insights Across Sessions
Recognize emotional shifts and link creative symbols to real-life healing and goals.
Techniques Used
Scientific Background
Historical Development
Techniques Used
Multimodal Expressive Sequencing
Combine art, writing, and movement within a single session to access different emotional layers.
Active Imagination and Guided Imagery
Use inner visualization to deepen symbolic connection.
Music and Sound Expression
Drumming, vocal tones, or rhythm-based release for somatic-emotional integration.
Spontaneous Drawing and Collage
Explore unconscious imagery through abstract form or symbolic arrangement.
Techniques Used
Scientific Background
Historical Development
Techniques Used
Multimodal Expressive Sequencing
Combine art, writing, and movement within a single session to access different emotional layers.
Active Imagination and Guided Imagery
Use inner visualization to deepen symbolic connection.
Music and Sound Expression
Drumming, vocal tones, or rhythm-based release for somatic-emotional integration.
Spontaneous Drawing and Collage
Explore unconscious imagery through abstract form or symbolic arrangement.
Techniques Used
Scientific Background
History
Techniques Used
Multimodal Expressive Sequencing
Combine art, writing, and movement within a single session to access different emotional layers.
Active Imagination and Guided Imagery
Use inner visualization to deepen symbolic connection.
Music and Sound Expression
Drumming, vocal tones, or rhythm-based release for somatic-emotional integration.
Spontaneous Drawing and Collage
Explore unconscious imagery through abstract form or symbolic arrangement.
Typical Exercises
Typical Exercises
Paint Your Mood
Use abstract painting to express current internal states visually.
Movement Journaling
Dance or gesture followed by written reflection to access body-based emotions.
Sound and Silence Dialogues
Alternate music-making with silence to regulate the nervous system.
Art-and-Story Sequence
Create a symbolic image and write a short narrative that brings meaning to it.
Select your insurance company
to see your coverage
Don't see your plan?
Give us a call: 818.821.6012
Cigna
Aetna
Beacon
Optum
L.A. Care
United Health
Other
Your copay could
be as low as
$0
Average Cigna member copay
per session
$15*
Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call
at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.
What your coverage may include
Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.
Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!
Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.
*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.
Select your insurance company
to see your coverage
Don't see your plan?
Give us a call: 818.821.6012
Cigna
Aetna
Beacon
Optum
L.A. Care
United Health
Other
Your copay could
be as low as
$0
Average Cigna member copay
per session
$15*
Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.
What your coverage may include
Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.
Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!
Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.
*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.
Select your insurance company
to see your coverage
Don't see your plan?
Give us a call: 818.821.6012
Cigna
Aetna
Beacon
Optum
L.A. Care
United Health
Other
Your copay could
be as low as
$0
Average Cigna member copay
per session
$15*
Want to know your exact copay and coverage? Give us a call at (818)-821-6012 we'll verify your insurance in minutes.
What your coverage may include
Cigna members often enjoy reduced copays and extensive mental health benefits.
Get started quickly - most Cigna members begin therapy within the same week!
Choose your preferred method: in-person style video sessions, phone therapy, or text-based support based on what works best for your lifestyle.
*Actual costs may be lower than expected. Verify your specific benefits as coverage varies by plan.
Testimonials
100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating
Justin M.
It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!
Cielo P.
I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.
Ricky M.
I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.
Jessa R.
Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍
Quinton H.
My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.
Chris M
Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!
Cal B.
I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.
Anne B.
Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.
Rebecca H.
FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.
Jessica S.
My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!
Aileen D.
Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.
Yesenia G.
I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support
Testimonials
100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating
Justin M.
It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!
Cielo P.
I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.
Ricky M.
I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.
Jessa R.
Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍
Quinton H.
My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.
Chris M
Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!
Cal B.
I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.
Anne B.
Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.
Rebecca H.
FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.
Jessica S.
My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!
Aileen D.
Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.
Yesenia G.
I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support
Testimonials
100+ Google reviews with an average 4.8★ rating
Justin M.
It’s been a life-changing expierence since I started my therapy with Michelle at this center. All the time I am warmly welcomed by the staff members, but most importantly I see the difference in my life finding all those new ways to heal. Highly recommend!
Cielo P.
I love Family Centers, my individual therapist has been helping me a lot, i love the flexibility they have in case i have an emergency they give me options to either reschedule or have my appointment in a call or videocall.
Ricky M.
I have seen many therapist over the years and I have never been so impressed with such emotional intelligence that both inspires and challenges me. Huge thanks to Karen at FamilyTime Centers for connecting me with her. It is an invaluable boost to my quality of life.
Jessa R.
Good place to be start the healing! Very nice ladies in the office! So very sweet with every interaction we had! Started therapy over a year ago & have improved so much! It's great to put myself first & I recommend FTC! ✨👍
Quinton H.
My experience with family time centers has been amazing. I was always told that men don’t need therapy, we just need to tough it out lol… I went to the family time center and they welcomed me with open arms.
Chris M
Very happy with the therapist I was matched with. He has a background in helping people through trauma, which is exactly what I was looking for. The staff has been very helpful. Highly recommended!
Cal B.
I'm truly grateful for Family Time Centers. I've been working with a fantastic therapist here for around 6 months, during which time I have made some large discoveries about myself, and some great strides in my personal evolution.
Anne B.
Even after years of therapy, my specific work with IFS allowed me to go much deeper, healing at another level, all while feeling manageable; recommended for beginner to advanced to get to joy.
Rebecca H.
FamilyTime Center has been nothing but friendly and helpful through out my experience. They even give you a call after a few weeks of service to check in and make sure everything is going well. I would recommend then to anyone.
Jessica S.
My child sees Kimberly, and she is absolutely great! My child looks forward to each session and opens up to her effortlessly!
Aileen D.
Such a great experience with FamilyTime Center. Definitely recommend, if you are considering this is your sign! Staff was amazing and accommodating throughout my entire time here, they truly care for us all.
Yesenia G.
I want to thank FamilyTime Centers for promptly giving me an appointment when I needed it the most. I recommend them they are fast and kind. Thank you for your support
Insights & Guidance for a Healthier Mind
Explore expert advice, therapy tips, and mental wellness strategies to support your journey to a balanced life.
Insights & Guidance for a Healthier Mind
Explore expert advice, therapy tips, and mental wellness strategies to support your journey to a balanced life.
Insights & Guidance for a Healthier Mind
Explore expert advice, therapy tips, and mental wellness strategies to support your journey to a balanced life.
Common Questions
Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.
Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?
What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?
What types of therapy services do you offer?
How flexible are your scheduling options?
Common Questions
Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.
Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?
What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?
What types of therapy services do you offer?
How flexible are your scheduling options?
Common Questions
Have more questions? Visit our comprehensive FAQ page for detailed answers about insurance coverage, payment options, and getting started with therapy.
Who are the therapists at FamilyTime Centers, and what are their qualifications?
What does therapy at FamilyTime Centers cost?
What types of therapy services do you offer?
How flexible are your scheduling options?
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12501 Chandler Blvd, Suite 102
Valley Village, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 821-6012
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–14:00
✉️ Email | 📞 Call Now | 📍 View on Google Maps
© 2025 Copyright FamilyTime Center. All rights reserved.
Join FamilyTime's newsletter
Receive expert advice, coping strategies, and mental wellness resources from our licensed California therapists - delivered weekly.
By submitting your email, you are consenting to receive emails from FamilyTime Center and accepting the terms.
Find care
By conditon
Types of care
Our approaches
By region
Legal pages
12501 Chandler Blvd, Suite 102
Valley Village, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 821-6012
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–14:00
✉️ Email | 📞 Call Now | 📍 View on Google Maps
© 2025 Copyright FamilyTime Center. All rights reserved.
Join FamilyTime's newsletter
Receive expert advice, coping strategies, and mental wellness resources from our licensed California therapists - delivered weekly.
By submitting your email, you are consenting to receive emails from FamilyTime Center and accepting the terms.
Find care
By conditon
Types of care
Our approaches
By region
Legal pages
12501 Chandler Blvd, Suite 102
Valley Village, CA 91607
Phone: (818) 821-6012
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00, Sat 10:00–14:00
✉️ Email | 📞 Call Now | 📍 View on Google Maps
© 2025 Copyright FamilyTime Center. All rights reserved.