Meredith Kahl, Licensed Creative Arts Therapist

Full disclosure, I really wanted to kick things off with a Kurt Vonnegut quote about how creating art can make your soul grow, but the suggestion for writing a therapist intro bio said stick to 3-5 sentences, and I'm already pushing it there, so I'll refrain.* To put things in my own, less literary words: I believe in the power of creative expression as an intuitive way we can explore our inner experiences, soothe distressing feelings, and enhance our understanding of ourselves. I also recognize “art” and “creativity” everywhere: in the activities and pastimes we choose, as well as the atmosphere and environment we surround ourselves with. Whether your creative calling is painting, drawing, sculpting, writing, music, reading, gaming, cooking, dance, gardening, organizing, or doing celebrity impressions, I am eager to help you identify how you can blend your personal creativity with therapeutic guidance, and in doing so, bring purpose and balance to your life for the better. Why choose me to for such guidance? I’m a licensed creative arts therapist who has been working professionally with youth, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in an outpatient setting over the last 8 years. I bring my own creative and eclectic approach to help my clients to address a varied mix of mental health and substance use needs. My educational training and clinical experience have made me proficient in not only art therapy, but evidence supported counseling techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, and dialectical-behavioral therapy skills, to name a few. I also consider a trusting and authentic alliance between client and therapist to be equally as powerful a tool in therapy as any technique I have learned in textbooks. I strive to provide a space for those I work with to be their true selves in order to tackle the challenges that are impacting their ability change, grow, heal, or thrive. I am comfortable working as part of a wellness team and am happy to collaborate with providers, schools, care managers, and other supports to help you find success on your journey. Ok, that's a bit about me... I want to hear about you! If any and/or all of the above resonates with you, (*or if you want to hear more about that Kurt Vonnegut quote), send me a message and let's talk! I offer free 15 minute consultations for potential clients to see if I might be the right support for you.