Expressive therapies provide a powerful alternative to traditional therapeutic methods for adolescents who may not know how to talk about their feelings in therapy or for those who have been exposed to a lot of talk therapy. Through these modalities students are able to communicate emotions and experiences that have been difficult to reach, and help create a bridge to much needed healing. The variety of expressive therapies at La Europa deepen the therapeutic process, build self-awareness and increase confidence, even for students who do not consider themselves “artistic”.
We have an amazing Expressive Therapies Team…
La Europa is unique for its breadth and depth of expressive offerings and its investment in licensed and board certified practitioners that are accredited in their specialties. This level of expertise turns glitter, pom poms, hula hoops and an iTunes playlist into therapeutic progress.
Art Therapist: Malissa Morrell, LMFT, ATRBC
Malissa is a nationally board certified art therapist and a licensed marriage and family therapist. She loves to help teens and their families find creative solutions in difficult situations. As the director of the expressive team, she coordinates the clinical and expressive therapies.
Music Therapist: Ada Mae Crouse MA, MT-BC
Ada Mae is a State-certified and Board-certified music therapist with over 30 years of experience in clinical music therapy and a Masters degree in Psychology of Music. Her years of training included studying violin at Julliard School of Music. Her expertise breaks down walls, and allows students to push through their anxiety.
Dance/Body Movement Therapist: Paula Naatz MA, BC-DMT, RYT
Paula is a board certified dance movement therapist. She believes in developing whole body integration and awareness in a variety of ways. Her groups help students build a healthy relationship in their own body and will explore healthy boundaries in other relationships.
Recreation Therapist: Nikki North, MS, MTRS
Nikki has a Masters degree in therapeutic recreation and has been a recreational therapist for the last 10 years. She is also trained in sand tray therapy and integrates her training in DBT.
Expressive Therapies Groups Offered at La Europa
Groups are chosen carefully to cater to students’ strengths and push them out of their comfort zone to foster increased insight. Each week students will participate in 4 of the 13 expressive groups we have available totaling up to 6 hours. Groups are chosen carefully based on the student’s interests, and are intended to help students try new things that will push them out of their comfort zone fostering a new understanding of their own needs. Here are some examples of the types of expressive therapy groups available:
- Art Therapy
- Music Therapy
- Dance/Movement Therapy
- Creative Writing Therapy
- Psychodrama
- Singer/Songwriter Music Therapy
- Sand Tray Therapy
- Recreational Therapy