Deb Shoemaker, MAAT, ATR-BC, LPC

 

 

Martha Dyer

Deb Shoemaker, MAAT, ATR-Registered Art Therapist., LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor, Vermont College of Norwich University ,1997, comes to the field of art therapy as a life long dream since high school where she attended North  Carolina School of the Arts and discovered the field of Art Therapy.

Deb remembers even as a young child always making art and found the art room a safe haven on many childhood moves. In high school she discovered the reason she made art was to express herself and wanted  to help others experience art as a form of self-expression and self-discovery. Her journey has led her to art education. She is a North Carolina K-12 certified art teacher and TEACCH trained, experienced in working with children and adolescents who have Autism. Together with Art Therapy and Art Education, Deb has over 18 years of experience. She has experience and knowledge working with a variety of populations; including Psychiatric and other mental health issues, developmental, elderly, children, autism.

Trained in Art Therapy Assessments, DBT,and CBT, Deb incorporates relaxation, guided imagery and yoga techniques into her art therapy.

She is also trained and certified in level II MARI assessments (Mandala Assessment Research Instrument) and is an active member of the American Art Therapy Association a founding member of the Art Therapy Association.of North Carolina, a member of the NC Psychological Association, Cameron Art Museum and a Volunteer for No Boundaries Inc., an international artist’s colony.

In addition to individual private practice, Deb works part-time at the Oakes, the behavioral health hospital at New Hanover Health Network, and does Group Art Therapy  for the memory care residents at Oakdale Heights, an assisted living facility.

When Deb’s not working you can find her on or near the water with her husband. She spends time with family and friends and her two dogs Sarah and Ellie. Deb enjoys cooking and especially learning about healthy ways to eat…she loves tofu!

Her favorite quote is ...” the more self-awareness a person has, the more alive s/he is” Rollo May

Frequently asked questions about Art Therapy

Do I need to be an artist to do art therapy?
No, art therapy is for everyone. The goal is expression, with the emphasis on the creative process rather than on technique or skill. In fact, you don’t even need to know how to draw a straight line!

Is an art therapist a “real” therapist?
Yes, art therapists are required to take similar coursework to many other mental health professionals. They are also required to have a Masters degree and do hundreds of hours of supervised work with clients before they can practice art therapy.

What is a typical session like?
Though each session will vary based on the needs of the client, a typical session will begin with some introduction and sharing (perhaps about the week). Then there will be time for a creative process, perhaps based on the issues that came up in the talking. Then, there will be time for sharing and ending the session.

What kinds of materials might I use in a session?
You will use what you are comfortable with and you will have guidance from the art therapist in choosing materials. Some materials may include-picture cut outs from magazines, photographs from home, clay, sand, paint, and drawing materials like pastels or pencils.

Can an art therapist be my primary therapist?
Absolutely, Art Therapists are qualified professionals that have similar training to many other mental health professionals.

I already have a therapist. Can I still do art therapy?
Yes, art therapy can bring new vision and insight into your work with your therapist.

Can I claim art therapy services on my health insurance?
The National Art Therapy Association (AATA) is working to change this policy, but at this time you cannot claim art therapy services on most health insurance plans.

Where are you located?

3907 Wrightsville Ave, ste 110
Wilmington, NC 28403


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Quick Facts

Deb Shoemaker , MA, ATR-BC, LPC

3907 Wrightsville Ave, Ste 110
Wilmington, NC 28403

(910) 612- 3574 or
(910)799-6162
maymaker@bellsouth.net

Fee:

Individual 1 hour session $75*

Professional Supervision 1 hour $45

*Accepts Medicaid


Areas of Special Interest:

  • Children & Adolescents with Autism/Aspergers

  • Children, Adolescents, Adults and Elderly
    - Grief
    - Depression
    -Adjustment disorder
    -Stress Management

  • Personal Growth

  • Available for on site Group Art Therapy

  • Available for Supervision for mental health care professionals