Introducing Adrienne: Art Therapy and Faith-Based Counseling for Children

If your child is struggling, you may have noticed that asking “What’s wrong?” does not always get an answer. Many children do not yet have the words to explain fear, sadness, or confusion. Some shut down when asked to talk about painful things. That does not mean they have nothing to say. Often, they need a different way to say it.

That is where art therapy can help. At Grace Christian Counseling, we are grateful to have Adrienne, a compassionate art therapist who brings together creative expression, clinical care, and Christian faith to support children on their path toward healing.

Meet Adrienne, our art therapist

Adrienne has dedicated her career to helping children work through mental health challenges using art. She understands the unique struggles young people face, and she creates a safe, welcoming space where children can express themselves freely and grow.

Drawing on her understanding of child development and psychological principles, Adrienne guides children through the art-making process. Along the way, she helps them process emotions, build coping skills, and gain insight into their experiences. Her approach is client-centered and collaborative, which means she works alongside each child at their own pace rather than pushing them.

You can learn more about Adrienne and the rest of our team on our Meet Our Counselors page.

What is art therapy?

The American Art Therapy Association describes art therapy as a mental health profession in which a trained art therapist uses art-making, the creative process, and psychological theory within a therapeutic relationship to support a person’s well-being. In other words, it is not an art class. The goal is not a beautiful finished product. The goal is what happens in your child while they create. You can read more on our Christian art therapy page.

Adrienne uses a variety of art materials, depending on what helps each child most:

Why art therapy can help children

Children often communicate more naturally through play and creativity than through conversation. Art gives them a non-verbal, non-threatening way to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Talking about a drawing can also feel easier than talking directly about something painful, which gives a child some helpful distance from a hard memory or feeling.

As children create, their therapist can notice themes, ask gentle questions, and help them make sense of what they are expressing. Over time, many children begin to find words for what they first could only show.

Concerns art therapy can help children work through

Adrienne’s personalized sessions are designed around each child’s specific needs and goals. Art therapy can support children facing concerns such as:

• Anxiety and worry
• Depression or persistent sadness
• Trauma and difficult experiences
• Grief and loss
• Behavioral challenges
• Low self-esteem

You do not need to know exactly what is going on with your child before reaching out. If you are unsure whether art therapy is the right fit, we can talk through your concerns and help you explore your options.

How faith is part of Adrienne’s approach

At Grace Christian Counseling, we believe spiritual well-being is an important part of the whole person. With each family’s input, Adrienne thoughtfully integrates faith into her sessions through prayer, Scripture, and Biblical principles. This helps children explore their faith and find comfort, strength, and hope as they heal.

For many children, art becomes a meaningful way to reflect on God’s love. A child might draw what peace feels like, create a picture of a Bible story that speaks to their fears, or simply be reminded that God made them with care and purpose.

What to expect from your child’s art therapy

Individual sessions

In one-on-one sessions, Adrienne focuses on building a safe and trusting relationship with your child. That trust is what allows children to express themselves freely through art. Sessions are tailored to your child’s needs, interests, and goals.

Group art therapy

Adrienne also leads group art therapy sessions, where children can connect with peers who are facing similar struggles. Groups can offer a sense of belonging and encouragement through shared experiences, and help children realize they are not alone.

How parents are involved

Parents play an important role in a child’s healing. Your child’s therapist will talk with you about goals and progress and share ways you can support your child at home, while also protecting the trust your child builds in sessions.

Questions parents often ask