Getting things started

To start things off, I'd like to share a little about myself and my reason for writing this blog.  I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience in working primarily with children, adolescents, and families.  I studied Art Therapy and Marriage and Family Therapy at Loyola Marymount University, receiving my master's degree in 2007.  I have gained experience in a variety of settings, including schools, community mental health, foster care group homes, and the juvenile probation system.  I currently work in a community mental health clinic in Los Angeles County, providing treatment for children and families with a wide variety of needs, including trauma and abuse, acting out behavior, depression, anxiety, and substance use.  I have also worked as a therapist in Austin, TX.  As a therapist, I strive to be compassionate, strength-based, and creative in my interventions.  I strive to be constantly growing as a therapist, learning new techniques and training in evidence-based practices.  I believe that it is important to have many options and tools to draw from so that I can best address the individual needs and preferences of each client in order to encourage their growth and healing.

I am writing this creative therapy blog in order to explore and share about creative modalities and interventions within psychotherapy.  Healing can come in many forms, whether through traditional talk therapy, the creative arts, or simple play.  Not only can exploring new and creative techniques therapy expand our options to promote healing within our clients, I have found that it can keep us invigorated and excited as therapists.  Through this blog, I will explore ideas within the creative arts therapies, as well as interesting interventions and techniques for therapy.

Who I am writing this blog for:

I hope to me able to share information and ideas with other therapists, counselors, and students.  In addition, I hope that this information will be of interest to anyone who would like to know more about different approaches to therapy, like Art Therapy.  This blog is not intended to replace formal training in psychotherapy or counseling.  Techniques or interventions discussed on this blog should only be used by professionals with the proper training.  Information on this blog is not intended to provide treatment, diagnose a condition, or replace professional mental health services.

Carolyn Mehlomakulu, LMFT, ATR is a psychotherapist in Austin, Texas who works with children, adolescents, and families.  For more information about individual therapy, child counseling, family therapy, and art therapy services, please visit www.therapywithcarolyn.com.