Hello!

I’m Sharon Arbtin, my pronouns are she/her/hers.

I’m an art therapist and disability advocate. My work is LGBTQIA2S+ and Neurodiversity affirming. As a BIPOC ally, I practice cultural humility and anti-racism. I honor the autonomy of all clients and understand that they are the experts in their own lives.

I embrace intersectional identity and life history, along with relational, environmental, and systemic factors for a holistic picture of what’s going on for clients. I understand that the answer to ‘Why is this a challenge for me?’ helps you find the answer to ‘How do I move forward?’ 

I know that you are more than what has happened to you. You are not a diagnosis. You deserve a partner in your growth and healing who you feel seen, heard, and respected by.

My therapeutic approach integrates individualized, accessible arts-based processes with counseling that is resilience-focused, trauma-informed, and strengths-centered.

The Work I Love

I partner with individuals, ages 18-100 (and beyond) who are looking to improve their quality of life through authentic connection with themselves and others.

Through an Attachment lens, I understand how your early years and relationships contributed to how you view yourself, others, and the world, as well as how you respond to struggles and hardship (for better or for worse).

I know, firsthand, how deeply anxiety can root itself when you’re faced with loss, change in ability, and challenging environmental or relational experiences. When your interwoven physical, emotional, and cognitive systems feel the fog of overwhelm rising, and the path forward is clouded, it can be disorienting, frightening, and make you feel lost.

My role is to support you as you come home to yourself, make meaning from your experiences, connect with your own wisdom, and do the work of clearing the path towards a life that is not only sustainable, but fortifying.

  • Nurture self-compassion

  • Have grounded, embodied experiences that support your sense of well-being

Empowering you to:

  • Learn that old wounds may still need TLC, and how you can help them heal

  • Pave the way for authentic connection

My Background & Credentials

I’m a Registered Art Therapist (ATR) with a Masters degree from Mount Mary University in Art Therapy with an Emphasis in Counseling and a Trauma Certification.

In this capacity, I have worked with people of all ages. From little ones to folks in their advanced years, it has been an honor to partner with individuals and groups, supporting them as they navigate their early and final chapters. Providing services in both school-based systems along with memory care and assisted living communities, I had the opportunity to work with clients 1-on-1, in peer groups, and along with their loved ones. Fostering supportive connections, especially intergenerationally, and creating a safe environment for people to see each other and be seen in the here and now is an absolute joy.

While all my individual clients in private practice are adults, I wholeheartedly welcome community engagement opportunities and am available to provide workshops to groups of all ages.

Learn More About My Therapeutic Approach

  • Therapy is not a one-size-fits all endeavor. Together, we will craft a plan based on your unique goals, needs, and resources available to you.

  • No previous art experience is necessary to garner the benefits of creative exploration, simply curiosity and a willingness to engage with materials.

    I tailor materials and tools to the individual, based on their interests and needs. Problem-solving and navigating challenges are safely explored through the making process in service of building positive self-regard.

  • Identifying and owning your strengths (both those that you’ve obtained and those you intend to cultivate) are central to the work of connecting with your sense of worthiness that will help propel you forward.

    You have survived every single thing you’ve gone through. Together, we’ll tap into that power, bringing it closer to the surface so that it’s easier for you access when you need it.