Human diversity IS neurodiversity. Neurodivergence is a term that describes differences, or divergences, in human brains.
Art Therapy of MN is a neurodivergent-affirming and neurodiversity-competent practice, and most of our therapists identify as being a part of the neurodivergent community themselves.
Our therapists utilize a trauma-informed, inclusive, affirming lens of care.
Being neurodivergent or within any marginalized group in our society can be chronically distressing, stigmatizing, discriminatory and traumatizing.
Brains can be different, but they are not less.
Art therapy involves the creation and the process of art-making in order to increase awareness of self and others, and is another form of communication and expression. Art therapy is a neurodiverse-affirming form of care, as it allows someone to process, communicate or express feelings in an alternate way. Anyone can be creative and use art materials, and our art therapists help facilitate therapeutic interventions to help process trauma and emotions.
Early experiences matter, and familial, cultural and societal messaging can be traumatic. We utilize trauma-focused art interventions that affirm the experiences an individual has had due to their brain, body, gender, sexuality or cultural identification. BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ neurodivergent experiences are additionally unique due to intersecting identities, and we are committed to holding ourselves accountable for continuing to challenge our own beliefs, biases, and knowledge to provide affirming and validating care.
Therapy is a relationship, and a positive therapeutic connection is what creates true success in therapy. A client should feel heard, supported, accepted, validated, challenged, and listened to, while being given honest, playful feedback without any worry about judgement.
All art therapists at Art Therapy of MN are specially trained in and utilize art therapy, in addition to traditional talk therapy. All hold or are in the process of earning a master’s degree in Art Therapy and Counseling.
In art therapy, there is no place for judgment of one’s self or of one’s art, as all art-making is taken seriously, and is valid and valuable.
We believe in neuroplasticity, which is the ability to change, rewire, or adapt one’s brain and neural pathways. Art is known to help in the rewiring of the brain’s neural pathways, which helps us form new thoughts, behaviors and feelings.
We do not support or agree with the way ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) is used in therapy. We understand that only using behavior modification techniques does not work, and in fact can be quite harmful and stigmatizing to those in the autistic community.
Types of neurodivergent neurotypes/diagnoses that art therapy works well with include (but are not limited to):
*Image from Emerge Pediatric Therapy
Art Therapy of MN 