Tracy is passionate about the healing power of art and creativity, recognizing it as a timeless language that communicates beyond words and judgements. She believes that within a safe and empowering therapeutic space, both the process of creating art as well as the art product are conducive to growth, healing, and wellness. Tracy fosters a welcoming environment where no prior art experience is necessary, just a willingness to explore, to “play” with the materials, and to engage in a process that promotes strength building, meaning making, and personal growth. She is a Maryland native and has called Howard County home for the last 13 years. In her free time, Tracy can be found creating art or crafting, organizing her planner, coaching youth soccer, and spending time outside.

Training and Education

Tracy earned a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies from Towson University and a Masters of Arts in Art Therapy from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She is certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has additional training in trauma and expressive therapies. Having worked in psychiatric rehabilitation programs (PRP), community-based mental health clinics, and as a school-based clinician, Tracy has experience working with individuals across the lifespan with diverse backgrounds, cultures, family structures, and experiences. Her specializations include working with individuals ages 11 through adulthood experiencing anxiety, depression, adjustment stressors, grief and loss, and challenges with identity. Tracy’s thesis research focused on the implementation of art for wellness in corporate environments and she is passionate about addressing work-life balance struggles with adult populations.

Therapeutic Approach

Tracy practices art therapy while embracing a person-centered, humanistic approach with her clients. She recognizes that each individual's journey is unique and that each person’s circumstances, needs, and goals are deeply personal. Art therapy is a mental health practice that beautifully blends psychology with the creative arts. It provides a powerful avenue by which to gain insight, discover meaning, and engage in a healing journey through non-verbal communication, metaphor, and the therapeutic relationship between you, the art, and the therapist. Art therapy promotes self-regulation, can induce and deepen relaxation, and provides structure and containment for those who have experienced trauma or adverse experiences. The art can often feel safer than words. Art and art therapy have the potential to be anchoring or grounding, allowing one to experience focused awareness within the present moment while also promoting empowerment.

Working with Tracy requires no previous art experience, just an openness to explore. She will structure each session based on the needs of her clients, often allowing for client led creative exploration based on the client’s personal goals; however, Tracy can also provide a directed approach to establish and maintain comfort and to decrease the intimidation that working with art materials can sometimes bring. Her primary goals are to support her clients, meet them where they are, validate their feelings and experiences, and guide them toward their individual goals within a safe and comfortable space and relationship.

Memberships

Tracy is a member of the American Art Therapy Association (AATA) and Maryland Art Therapy Association (MATA).