Kara Cross

Kara is a licensed psychotherapist, registered art therapist, artist, former art teacher, and loves using art in sessions with clients. Kara believes in empowering her clients to find their voice and foster the potential they already have through realizing self worth, building their confidence, and embracing one’s whole self. Who Kara works with: Kara works with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, guilt and shame, self-worth issues, and those who are healing from traumatic experiences and/or grief. Kara often uses creative processes in sessions including various mixed media approaches, book making, collage, painting, and clay work. Kara’s Why: Daily life can be overwhelming and confusing - especially with the academic and social media pressures so many experience. Kara’s aim is to provide a safe place for her clients to learn and grow while navigating these pressures. Her hope is that people learn to feel empowered, equipped, and successful in the midst of challenges; making changes as necessary. Kara’s Professional Experience Once a high school art teacher, Kara later went on to Eastern Virginia Medical School for a Masters in Art Therapy and Counseling. Kara has worked with teens and children in some capacity for over ten years. As a therapist, she has worked with children, teens, adults, and families in a variety of settings such as: residential hospitalization programs, a substance use center, schools, and private practice. Who I am Hey there. I am a toddler mom, a wife, an artist, an aspiring children’s book author/illustrator, and I have a lot of tattoos. I am a very direct communicator and don't shy away from speaking truth. I strive to be kind and do my best every day. I won’t pretend to be perfect or have everything figured out, but I would be honored to have you journey alongside me to discover the best parts of yourself and mend the parts that have been broken, discarded, or forgotten. There is beauty in our brokenness. Licenses and Certifications LPC-MHSP Tennessee #5959 LPC in Virginia #0701007693 Registered Art Therapist #18-063 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is art therapy? “Art therapy engages the mind, body, and spirit in ways that are distinct from verbal articulation alone. Kinesthetic, sensory, perceptual, and symbolic opportunities invite alternative modes of receptive and expressive communication, which can circumvent the limitations of language. Visual and symbolic expression gives voice to experience, and empowers individual, communal, and societal transformation.” - AATA https://arttherapy.org/about-art-therapy/ Who can benefit from art therapy? Literally anyone. Really, I mean it. You need ZERO art knowledge to participate in art therapy. Most people think art therapy is meant only for artists, children, or those who are non-verbal, but I see crazy amounts of growth with my adult clients and families who participate in art therapy. It’s pretty awesome. Do you use art in every session? No. As a matter of fact, there may be many times we do not use art in sessions and rather, verbally process through issues or concerns. Let’s not forget, I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor with the same training and education as many other licensed therapists. Think of me as a therapist with the added bonus of understanding how art affects the brain and body and how to use it in a way that is beneficial to healing and growth. Rates and insurance Do you accept insurance? I do not accept insurance, but do provide a superbill after each session. You are welcome to submit this to your insurance for reimbursement. Are your rates flexible? Yes. I advertise my rates as below, and also believe that money should not be a deterrent to receiving the care you need. If my rates are difficult for you to reach or if you are experiencing financial hardships, I am happy to discuss an alternative rate that is more palatable for you. If you can meet my rate, I ask that you do so. This allows me to continue providing sliding scales and lower rates for those who cannot.