My name is Corrin Sheaffer, and I am pursuing my master’s degree in Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. I specialize in art therapy and nature-based approaches. Creativity can be an avenue of self-expression, a safe way to process emotions and take the next step into deeper healing where talk therapy may not seem like the right fit. Similarly, nature can be innately healing, grounding an individual to find a safe avenue to process through the senses and movement. I have a keen interest in person- centered, strength-based, narrative, and existential approaches for individuals from all walks of life. With these lenses, I seek to empower clients to reimagine their story through art-making, time spent outdoors, expression, and self-acceptance. I hope to embody a warm, gentle, and open personality to facilitate an environment where individuals can authentically work towards their goals, creating a lasting positive impact.

Having attained my bachelor’s in art and minor in psychology, I began creating and selling my artwork as a way of processing my own healing journey. I have a passion for working with youth and have nearly a decade of teaching experience with children of all ages. Half of my teaching career has been at a forest school enrichment program where I taught art, science, cooking, textiles, and survival skills. These hands-on approaches enrich the work I have with individuals, catering the therapeutic experience with interests of their choosing, processing in a way that is comfortable and inspiring for the creator.

Through volunteer work, I gained experience with adults as well through mentorship training with mentees who survived intense trauma and have had the privilege of witnessing their healing journey. As I finish my master’s degree, I have plans to attain my horticulture and play therapy certifications to implement further knowledge of nature-based and child-centered work, adding it to my repertoire as an art therapist.