Creating a brave and empowering space for equality with – race, gender, sexuality, age, economic status, cognitive, physical, spiritual needs and those living with mental illness – through trauma informed care: music therapy, art therapy, dance/movement therapy and psychotherapy, to improve health and well-being.
A Story of Hope, Healing & Wellness
the beginning
Sara grew up with music surrounding her and early on, it became evident how powerful music was in her life. Her dad used to tell her “I always know what mood you’re in by what and how you’re playing the piano." When Sara was in high school, she learned about music therapy and the incredible variety of individuals that it could benefit. She knew she had found what she wanted to do “when she grew up”.
Expressive Therapies started in 2012 in a single room, with Sara as the solo music therapy provider. In 2014, the first employee joined Sara, and together they quickly learned that this area had a need for music therapy that wasn’t being met. As community awareness and excitement of creative arts therapies grew, so has Expressive Therapies.
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In 2017, we added art therapy services, as well as moved into a new space! We quickly outgrew this space and added a 2nd location directly across the street in 2019. In 2021 we have been able to expand and now also offer dance/movement therapy. We feel so fortunate – loving the variety of ages and populations that we are able to serve through music therapy, art therapy, and dance/movement therapy.
Expressive Therapies is the first – and currently only – creative arts therapy clinic in the Fox Valley. Our incredible staff is diverse and from all areas of the country – we are lucky to have them here in the Fox Cities!
the methods
We fulfill our mission through group and individual
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psychotherapy
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music therapy
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art therapy
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dance/movement therapy
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music and imagery
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guided imagery through music
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music psychotherapy
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music enrichment
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adaptive lessons
Who we serve
In Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling we frequently work with Individuals with the following diagnoses:
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Individuals of all ages from prenatal through the lifespan
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Individuals on the Autism Spectrum
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Individuals with dementia / Alzheimer's disease
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Those in need of physical rehabilitation
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Those in need of neurological rehabilitation, including but not exclusive to post stroke rehabilitation, improving executive functioning, and traumatic brain injuries.
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Individuals with special needs, including but not exclusive to: genetic disorders such as Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Williams Syndrome and others; cognitive impairments; developmental disabilities; learning disabilities; non-verbal learning disorders; and ADHD.
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Individuals seeking Wellness, including but not exclusive to: finding balance in life, motivation for exercise, empowerment, relaxation and improved self-esteem.
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Those with Mental Health needs, including but not exclusive to: individuals with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and low self-esteem and/or self-image.
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Individuals experiencing Grief
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Individuals with medical needs including but not exclusive to: non-pharmacological pain management, reduced nausea, reducing anxiety and improved mood while in hospital affecting outcomes of procedures.
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Corporations - we offer team building workshops, self-care workshops and conflict transformation.
FACTS SHEETS - music therapy with different individual populations from the American Music Therapy Association®
FACTS SHEETS - dance therapy from The American Dance Therapy Association®
INFORMATIONAL PAGE - about art therapy from The American Art Therapy Association®
the Goal
At Expressive Therapies, our goal is to promote wellness and growth in our community by empowering all ages and populations to embrace life and live fully. Music Therapy, Art Therapy, and Dance/Movement Therapy are effective tools in working with many individuals and groups from a wide variety of populations to help reach health and wellness goals.
Outcomes include but are not limited to:
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building of academic skills
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enhanced social skills
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improved self-esteem and/or self-image
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learning of expressive and coping techniques
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improved conflict resolution capabilities
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Gained empathy and perspective
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Improved attention and organization
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Improved interpersonal skills
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improved mood
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increased motivation
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reduced anxiety
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physical healing
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non-pharmacological pain management
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Improved leadership skills
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strengthened/more efficient work force
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SO MUCH MORE!
All services are facilitated by board-certified, licensed therapists.
Therapy and enrichment services are offered at 245 and 250 N Metro Dr in Appleton WI.
These services may also be a better fit in the community and/or a client's home/place of service.
Expressive Therapies is happy to travel to best meet these needs as well.