Art Therapy for Teens & Young Adults in Fairfax, VA
What Is Art Therapy? How Does It Help Teens & Young Adults in Northern VA?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression—drawing, painting, sculpting, collage, or other art forms—as a way to explore thoughts, feelings, and experiences. For teens especially, who may struggle to put emotions into words, art therapy offers a safe and engaging way to process feelings, reduce stress, and build self‑understanding.
Here is how it helps:
- A safe outlet for emotions when talking feels too hard.
- Stress relief and grounding through the calming process of creating.
- Improved self‑esteem as teens see their ideas and feelings take shape.
- Better communication skills by learning to express themselves in both creative and verbal ways.
- Connection and validation when their experiences are seen and respected without judgment.
How We Use Art Therapy to Support Teens & Young Adults
At Cabush, Paul & Associates, our therapists use art therapy to give teens and young adults more ways to show what’s going on inside, not just talk about it.
For many, art therapy feels less like “traditional therapy” and more like a creative outlet. Our bodies often know what we’re feeling before we can put it into words, and art provides a safe, direct way to express those emotions.
- Anxiety: The creative process helps regulate emotions, reduce stress, and bring focus to the present moment.
- Loneliness/Isolation: Sharing artwork and engaging in creative expression fosters connection, validation, and a sense of belonging.
- ADHD: Hands-on, sensory-rich activities channel energy, support focus, and encourage persistence through trial and error.
- Academic & Athletic Stress: Making art reframes “mistakes” as part of the process—building resilience, confidence, and self-compassion.
- Depression: Creating something meaningful can release endorphins, restore a sense of agency, and reconnect mind and body.
"At first I didn’t think art could help, but it gave me confidence. I could show what I was feeling without having to explain everything, and that made a huge difference.”
Art Therapy Details
Who is the Art Therapist at Cabush, Paul & Assoc?
Mindy Van Wart
What Mindy has To Say About Art Therapy?
“Art therapy gives us more ways to show—not just say—what’s going on inside. Sometimes creating something honest is all we need; other times the process helps us feel calmer, more focused, or opens the door to new self‑understanding.”
Mindy has worked with adults with disabilities, patients in psychiatric care, and now supports teens and adults facing challenges like bullying, anxiety, grief, ADHD, and relationship stress. In every session, clients are in the driver’s seat—choosing materials, topics, and pace. Mindy’s approach is gentle and collaborative: she respects a client’s “No” as much as their “Yes,” and believes growth happens when people are nurtured, not pushed.
Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation About Art Therapy
Call us at (703) 691-0036 or fill in our easy contact form.