Cydney Peterson, MS, LPC-IT, ATR-P

INTRO 

My name is Cydney Peterson. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor under supervision (LPC-IT) and a Provisional Art Therapist under supervision (ATR-P).  I have special and personal interests in working with gender diverse, gender-exploring, and neurodivergent populations both individually and in group settings. I have experience working with eating disorder behaviors, highly masked autistic adults, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and identity development. I deeply value connection, creativity, community, and autonomy in my practice. 

PHILOSOPHY 

My desire is to cultivate a safe, open, and non-judgmental space for you to curiously and gently explore mental and emotional life experiences so you can grow more fully into who you are.  My therapeutic philosophy is rooted the belief that we are all creative beings with the capacity to grow, bloom, and stand more comfortably in our colors when offered nurturing support and resources for our growth. I believe that a trusting therapeutic relationship, client-centered mental health counseling, Art Therapy, and a connection to Nature are foundational resources for such growth. 

I envision all clients like unique bouquets of wildflowers; these bouquets reflect your complex identities, experiences, personal values, beliefs, and principles. Sometimes, your bouquet of flowers might wilt and wither and you need support to help weed out the dead flowers, change the stagnant water, and revive the vibrancy of your bouquet with fresh color. I am here to help you tend and cultivate your wildflower bouquet.

Come as you are, explore who you are, and express who you are, so you can grow more fully into who you are becoming.

APPROACH 

I center a collaborative, client-driven, culturally responsive therapeutic relationship. I study the principles of decolonizing therapy and work to integrate these principles into my practice. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that nurtures empowerment, collaboration, personal exploration, autonomy, self-regulation, and personal growth through integrated approaches such as, but not limited to, trauma-informed Person-Centered Therapy, Art Therapy, Eco-Therapy, Nature-Based Expressive Arts Therapy, Neuroscience, Bilateral Expressive Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

Whether we work in-person or virtually, I bring a mix of compassion, empathy, curiosity, bold honesty, humor, wit, and many “out-of-the box” invitations for your therapeutic healing journey. Art Therapy invitations will likely be offered as an option for your engagement whether we are meeting in-person or virtually; and it is always your choice how and when you want to use art materials.

My therapeutic art studio is thoughtfully divided between a living room-like space and an artmaking space. This division of space cues our nervous system for regulation and activation where and when appropriate. We work together in whichever space feels most supportive of your therapeutic goals. 

Notes about Art Therapy: You do not have to be an artist to engage in Art Therapy, nor is it “just for kids.” Art Therapy can be tailored for nearly any person. No matter your beliefs about you as an “artist,” there are rich discoveries to be had by playing with and exploring art materials and techniques that aren’t accessible through talk therapy modalities alone. Reluctance and fear about engaging in Art Therapy is normal. My hope is that you will cultivate enough curiosity to find out what is possible when you dip your toe into the Art Therapy journey. 

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AGE RANGE

Adults and teens 14+ 

SUPERVISIORS

Amanda Putnam, LPC WI Lic. #6038-125

Emily Taylor, LPCC MN Lic. #2947; ATR-BC #21-243