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Ellen Shewmaker, MS

Licensed Creative Art Therapist (NY)

Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Clinician Director of the Cypress Student Internship Program

Ellen's diverse work experiences include counseling children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Ellen works from a strength-based perspective and blends multiple principles from differing schools of psychotherapy, including: art therapy, DBT, CBT, positive psychology, and mindfulness. She has worked extensively with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, concerns regarding chronic illness, issues related to self identity, life transitions, and coping with family matters.

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Her specialization in art therapy equips her with an endlessly creative toolkit. She has seen first-hand how the combination of art and traditional talk therapy makes for a powerful mode of healing. When it may be difficult to describe emotions and experiences with words alone, she offers clients the opportunity to partake in art-making as a form of therapy.

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Ellen provides a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space for clients to express themselves. She leads with curiosity, compassion and open-minded support for her clients as they work through life’s challenges and dive into the process of discovering who they are on a deeper level.

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Specializations:

Credentials & Experience:

  • Art Therapy

  • Mood disorders

  • Family Conflict

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Couples Counseling 

  • CBT & DBT

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety & depression

  • Licensed Creative Art Therapist in New York

  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  • Master of Science in Art Therapy & Counseling

  • Registered Art Therapist - Board Certified

Ellen sees clients aged 5 and above, including children, adolescents,adults, and seniors.

Specializations:

  • Art Therapy: Utilizing creative processes to promote self-expression, emotional healing, and personal growth involves engaging in various artistic activities as a means of expressing thoughts, feelings, and experiences that may be challenging to articulate verbally. This approach provides individuals with an alternative pathway for exploring and processing their emotions, leading to valuable insights, catharsis, and relief from emotional distress. Through creative expression, individuals can develop coping skills, reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and foster personal growth. Art therapy, in particular, harnesses the power of creative expression to empower individuals on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and lasting personal transformations, offering a safe and non-threatening environment for emotional exploration and growth.

 

  • ADHD: Supporting individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in managing symptoms and developing effective strategies involves a tailored and comprehensive approach to address the challenges associated with ADHD. This support encompasses a range of interventions, including medication management, psychotherapy, educational accommodations, and behavioral strategies. The goal is to empower individuals with ADHD to effectively cope with their symptoms, improve their daily functioning, and enhance their overall quality of life. By providing personalized support and equipping individuals with practical strategies, it becomes possible to mitigate the impact of ADHD symptoms and promote positive outcomes in various aspects of their lives.

 

  • Anxiety and Depression: Assisting clients in understanding, coping with, and overcoming symptoms of anxiety and depression involves a multifaceted approach that includes psychoeducation, anxiety monitoring, understanding maintenance cycles, and building a toolkit of strategies.

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  • Couples Therapy: Helping couples improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their relationships involves fostering a safe and open environment where each partner feels heard and understood. By equipping couples with effective communication tools, conflict resolution strategies, and relationship-building skills, they can navigate challenges, deepen their emotional connection, and cultivate mutual trust and respect. Additionally, providing couples with guidance on active listening, empathy, and compromise can enhance their ability to express their needs, address issues constructively, and foster a more harmonious and fulfilling partnership.

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  • Trauma: Providing trauma-informed therapy to help individuals heal from past traumatic experiences involves creating a safe and supportive environment that acknowledges the pervasive nature and impact of trauma. This approach emphasizes the physical, psychological, and emotional safety of the client, and aims to empower survivors with the skills and understanding necessary for long-term healing and resilience.

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  • LGBTQIA+ Issues: Supporting individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community involves fostering a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment that promotes self-acceptance and addresses specific challenges unique to this community. This support encompasses a range of interventions, such as creating awareness, providing mental health resources, advocating for inclusive policies, and offering targeted training and education.

Modalities:

  • Talk therapy: Engaging in open dialogues to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

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  •  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Ellen incorporates CBT techniques to help individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, promoting positive change and personal growth.

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  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): Ellen incorporates DBT techniques to help individuals work on mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.

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  • Creative Art Therapy: Incorporating various art forms to facilitate self-expression and explore emotions.

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  • Strength-Based Approach: Focusing on client strengths and resources to promote empowerment and growth.

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  • Person-Centered Therapy: Providing a non-judgmental and empathetic environment that emphasizes the client's autonomy and self-discovery.

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