Lydia Henderson, MA, ATR-P
Art Therapy Clinician
Schedule an Appointment
Lydia Henderson, MA, ATR-P
Hi there! I’m Lydia (she/her). As a queer, neurodivergent woman, my lived experiences shape my advocacy for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities. As an art therapist, my goal is to create a judgment-free space where you feel supported in exploring your most authentic self.
You don’t need to be an artist or feel “good” at art to benefit from art therapy. Art-making offers a unique form of dialogue when words or traditional talk therapy fall short. Together, we may explore mediums like collage, painting, altered books, photography, sculpture, zines, comics, and more. I believe deeply in the power of art as a healing tool and in the sacred space art therapy creates for personal and collective liberation.
Outside the therapy room, I love sci-fi franchises like Star Trek, The Expanse, and Mass Effect, as well as video and tabletop games. My wife and I are proud parents to our cat and dog, Ash and Lincoln. I can’t wait to work with you! Let’s make art about it.
My Therapeutic Approach is:
Collaborative & Person-Centered
I believe healing happens in connection. My work is affirming, non-judgmental, and grounded in relationship, helping you reconnect with yourself and others in meaningful ways. You are welcomed as you are, and our work honors your autonomy, identity, and lived experience.
Creative & Experiential
I take an integrative approach to therapy, weaving together art making, somatic awareness, and nervous system regulation. Our work builds connections between the conscious and unconscious, fostering embodied healing through creative expression and reflection.”
Inclusive & Intersectional
My work is explicitly queer, inclusive, and intersectional. I approach therapy through a culturally sensitive and non-pathologizing lens that honors identity and lived experience. You are welcomed as your full self, without judgment or pressure to change who you are.
Existential & Empathic
I integrate evidence-based practices with a holistic understanding of human experience. Utilizing art therapy rooted in the Expressive Therapies Continuum, mindfulness, attachment theory, and polyvagal concepts, I support healing that honors both science and meaning.
Areas I Support Clients With
- LGBTQIA+ affirming care and identity exploration
- Neurodivergence and self-understanding
- Trauma and complex life experiences
- Anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
- Creative expression as a tool for healing
- Identity development and self-acceptance
- Life transitions and meaning-making
- Emotional processing beyond traditional talk therapy
Education & Trainings
Master of Art in Art Therapy
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography
Watkins College of Art & Design
Now part of Belmont University (Watkins College of Art & Design at Belmont)
Clinical Training & Practicum Experience
- Telehealth practicum with Advocate Aurora Health in Wisconsin
- Internship with Family & Children’s Service (FCS), providing therapy to children and families experiencing social, economic, and relational instability
- Experience supporting families involved in permanency planning and court systems
Trauma-Informed & Expressive Therapies Training
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Expressive Arts Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy (CBAT)
- Play therapy and sand tray observation and facilitation
- Jungian and existentially informed art therapy approaches
Professional Memberships
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American Art Therapy Association (AATA)
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Tennessee Art Therapy Association (TATA)
How I Show Up as a Therapist
So, what can you expect to experience while working with me as an art therapist? Our sessions together will foster a sacred space to experience the transformative process of witnessing and being witnessed. By opening up to me, allowing me to hold space for you and hear your truth, you will experience transformation. By witnessing your vulnerability and humanity, I will be transformed. This is a powerful tool for healing that can only be achieved with trust and authenticity which means we’ll laugh together, cry together, and make art together while forging a genuine therapeutic alliance. Therapy will push you. It will be challenging but rewarding, and I’ll be with you every step of the way.
To begin, we will spend sessions (however many necessary!) going over your personal history, identifying emerging themes and areas of focus, and incorporating artmaking when appropriate. Sessions will typically be a combination of talking and art making, though the balance of this will change depending on what you need that day. It might take a few sessions for us to learn whether you would prefer specific art therapy directives (evidence-based art therapy experientials with instructions), to be able to make art freely, or if this may ebb and flow.
I tailor my approach to each client from a trauma-informed, intersectional, feminist, existential, Jungian lens and draw from various theoretical orientations including elements from Person-Centered Expressive Arts Therapy, the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC), Cognitive Behavioral Art Therapy (CBAT), and secular spirituality. As a new practitioner to the field, I am still building my toolkit and refining my approach. It would be an honor to have you as my client because the work we do together will help develop my skillset and shape me as a practitioner. My skillset will continue to evolve as I incorporate different techniques and training to my repertoire as opportunities arise.
Interested in Working Together?
If you’re feeling ready to begin therapy or simply have questions, I’d love to connect. You’re welcome to schedule an appointment or reach out to see if working together feels like the right fit.