ABOUT
TAYLOR HOLLINGSWORTH, MA, LGPAT
my ongoing journey…
I felt the healing properties of art as therapy long before I ever learned the term “art therapy”. Creative flow has always been my safe space to process emotions and reflect on my inner state. After experiencing grief and loss as an adolescent, I leaned into creating artwork as a way of healing myself and reconnecting my mind, body, and spirit. After meeting and working with a professional art therapist, my passion for the field grew and I went on to receive my Masters in Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling from The George Washington University. This training enhanced and clarified my commitment to a lifelong journey of self-discovery, awareness, expression, and service to others. I feel strongly about the benefits of holistic practice in the treatment of clients, evidenced by my interest in nutrition, movement therapy, music therapy, yoga, and other non-traditional mental health practices. In my career thus far I have utilized the innate healing power of art therapy with individuals affected by mass shootings, forensically committed psychiatric patients, as well as children and families battling cancer diagnoses. My most recent experiences include working with children on the Autism Spectrum to reach behavioral and socialization goals in a school setting. I believe that a wide array of individuals can benefit from expression through the creative process under the compassionate guidance of an art therapist.
“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
-Carl Rogers, On Becoming a Person, 1961
about art therapy
According to The American Art Therapy Association:
“Art therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.
Art therapy, facilitated by a professional art therapist, effectively supports personal and relational treatment goals as well as community concerns. Art therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensorimotor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.”
To see art therapy in action and explore the profession further, go to: https://arttherapy.org/art-therapy-action/
education
The George Washington University, Masters of Art Therapy, Class of 2018
The College of Charleston, Bachelor of Art, Class of 2016
trainings
Mind-Body Medicine Training, The Center for Mind-Body Medicine, Washington, D.C. | 2018
Intensive Trauma Training, GWU Art Therapy Trauma Clinic, Alexandria, VA | 2018
professional presentations & exhibitions
Multidisciplinary Committee Presentation, An Art Therapy Perspective, Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, Washington, D.C. | 2017
Research Day Presentation, Utilizing Art Therapy Assessments with Individuals on the Autism Spectrum, Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital, Washington, D.C. | 2017
Group Exhibition, Senior Thesis Exhibition, Simons Gallery, Charleston, SC | 2016
Juried Group Exhibition, Salon des Refusés, Hill Gallery, Charleston, SC | 2016