I am a New York State licensed and board-certified creative art therapist providing psychotherapy treatment for young people and adults. My approach is strength based, client centered and deeply grounded in the restorative power of the creative process. A strong therapeutic alliance fostered through trust, understanding and collaboration is essential in cultivating positive change. 

Having worked in New York City’s public schools and residential treatment programs since 2011, I have extensive clinical experience supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds. Currently I supervise NYU graduate art therapy students and offer individual and group art therapy for children who are struggling with social, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Additionally, I am a candidate in the three-year psychoanalytic psychotherapy program at the Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Study Center where I work with adult clients through the PPSC treatment center.

 As an artist, I deeply value the use of art making and play to facilitate authentic self-expression, increase self-awareness, and promote self-acceptance.  Art therapy is an effective and developmentally appropriate modality for children. Children are inherently open to creative and pleasurable art interventions and find great relief in being able to express themselves through the creative process. The integrative and healing quality of art making can also support adults in identifying, expressing and processing difficult emotions. It goes without saying that you do not need to identify as an artist because we are all capable of expressing conflict creatively and moving towards a more integrated and healthy way of being.  

Maria Sossi, LCAT, ATR-BC

Licensed and Board Certified Art Therapist