Elissa Bowes, MA, ATR-BC, LCAT, a nationally board certified, registered Art Therapist, is the founder of Higher Art, LLC.  Elissa works with emotionally challenged, and at-risk children, adolescents, adults, and families at Higher Art and as a consultant to organizations throughout New Jersey.

After almost 10 years, and having the privilege of working with hundreds of families, Elissa noticed that the most rapid progress made towards change involved focusing on her client’s strengths, not their deficits.  Encouraging her clients to use their inherent creative problem solving abilities, Elissa helps her clients make positive changes that improve their relationships with others, increase flexibility, develop skills to manage difficult emotions and frustration, while learning how to create life long skills for success. Higher Art’s mission is to create an environment that is encouraging, respectful and uplifting, while inspiring positive and effective change.

Elissa received her master’s in Art Therapy from New York University and is an active member of both the American and New Jersey Art Therapy Associations. In addition to creating Higher Art, she developed and implemented Art Therapy Programs for Marlboro Township Board of Education, Meridian Health Manor by the Sea, CPC Behavioral Healthcare Children’s Partial Care Program/Circle of Friends, Very Special Arts of New Jersey, The Community YMCA of Monmouth County and The YWCA of Eastern Union County Domestic Violence Shelter Programs. She has extensive experience with children, adolescents and adults with emotional, behavioral and social difficulties through her partnership with Essex County’s Youth Consultation Service, Bergen County’s Special Services School District and Division of Family Guidance.  Elissa has worked in traditional and alternative settings both in New York and New Jersey including schools, in-patient, out-patient, day treatment, community organizations,  juvenile detention centers, correctional facilities, assisted living homes and grief and bereavement centers.

About Art Therapy:

The field of art therapy is founded in a long history of art being used for emotional healing. Typically, psychotherapy is a space for clients to explore problems without judgment. Art therapy adds another dimension to self-exploration by providing a concrete tool, the created art object, allowing for an even further examination of life patterns and behaviors, through symbolic expression and metaphors. The art process reveals the client’s perspective on the world and the final art piece becomes a reflection or keepsake of their experience and what they have uncovered and learned along the way. It is a non-threatening and easy way for people to share their stories. Within this process they are given the opportunity to retell or change their story, practice and create new stories and ultimately find a better way to cope with and manage their emotions.

For more information about the practice of art therapy visit: www.arttherapy.org