Licensed art therapist
Lyrah Wallace, LCAT (they/them)
- Neurodivergence
- Helping Professionals
- Chronic Illness & Disability
- Complex Trauma
- Inner Child Work
- LGBTQIA+ issues
- Systemic Oppression
Pittsford location
Openings currently available
$125 self-pay rate
In-network with MVP
HRT and surgery letters provided for non-clients
As a queer and nonbinary individual, I am passionate about working with and advocating for trans and neurodiverse communities. I strive to provide my clients a safe, sensory-friendly, and creative space to work through life’s challenges with a provider with whom they know has shared experiences and extensive experience in providing affirming care. I have advanced training in systemic oppression and multicultural therapy, and I provide gender-affirming services like letters of recommendation for HRT and gender affirming surgeries.
As LGBTQPIA+ and neurodivergent individuals, our daily lives are often clouded with shame, anxiety, isolation, and trauma due to feeling like we don’t fit in. The therapeutic act of creating can assist us with finding healing, empowerment, self-discovery, and community. Art therapy uniquely suits common issues faced by the LGBTQPIA+ and neurodiverse communities, because so many of our negative experiences center around not feeling comfortable, confident, or accepted as our authentic selves. Through the act of art-making, you’re able to freely explore and express yourself and work towards feeling more in control and capable of handling life’s challenges. Additionally, through the lens of Trauma Informed Care, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) aids us in working towards the goal of no longer letting our emotions, thoughts, and past trauma control and disrupt us in the present. Through developing effective coping skills and using art-based techniques, you can learn to overcome difficult thoughts and feelings and become more connected to your present self. Overall, when working with clients, my goal as a therapist is to make sure you are feeling heard, accepted, and supported on our therapeutic journey together.
“Often the hands will solve a mystery that the intellect has struggled with in vain.”
C. Jung
Get To Know Lyrah!
Education & Training
I'm licensed in New York State as a creative arts therapist and hold dual MS degrees from Emporia State University in art therapy and clinical counseling. I have studied under internationally recognized art therapists, Dr. Gaelynn Wolf Bordonaro, Libby Schmanke, and Jessie Wollhiser Stallings during their time at Emporia State. I have participated in and led several LGBTQ+ focused presentations, groups, and workshops, and am certified in letter writing for gender-affirming medical care. I have been practicing art-based psychotherapy since 2018.
client focus
I work with adolescents and adults, and have experience with the following:
- LGBTQ+ Issues
- Gender-Expansive Folks
- Asexuality and Aromanticism
- Polyamory and Kink
- Neurodivergence (ASD/ADHD)
- Survivors of Interpersonal Violence
- Addiction Recovery
- Chronic Illness and Disability
- Teachers, Therapists, and other Helping Professions
- College Students
- Life Transitions
- Transplants (new to NYS!)
- Twins & Triplets
Therapeutic approaches
People aren't one size fits all, and neither is my therapeutic approach. As an eclectic therapist, my approach is rooted in trauma-informed and person-centered practices. I can pull from a variety of perspectives to use what works best for each client. I utilize ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), somatic approaches, mindfulness-based practices, and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), in addition to many others.
Additionally, I enjoy bringing spiritual and meditative practices to our work together. I frequently use archetypes, oracle decks, and other reflective practices in sessions for clients who are interested.
areas of specialization
As a therapist, I specialize in gender dysphoria, identity exploration, and sexual identity, including polyamory and kink. I am neurodivergent-affirming and have extensive experience with late- or un-diagnosed autism, ADHD, or both. Many of my clients have CPTSD, often related to neurodivergence or Queer identity, but also due to sexual trauma and assault. I'm familiar with co-occurring conditions like chronic illness and disability, substance abuse, and disordered eating.
What does a session with you look like?
My main focus as we begin our work together is building rapport, comfort, and collaborative creativity. I usually introduce clients to art therapy with an open-ended collage, allowing the client to sift through images, colors, textures, and words to create a spontaneous image as we get to know each other. I encourage clients to share about their preferred mediums so I am able to cater our art making to their preferences, and encourage clients to bring in their own art projects that they're in the process of working on. I naturally lean towards a more open-ended approach, letting clients identify what they want to focus on in each session and going from there. However, if preferred, I will also suggest directives and activities that align with the symptoms and subjects we're exploring together. I am an energetic, passionate, and authentic person who clients seem to find motivating and encouraging.
How do I know if we're a good fit?
Therapy takes time. I find that about 1 year of consistent participatory therapeutic work is the average amount of time before adult clients experience significant alleviation of symptoms and greater self-awareness.
As a clinician, I frequently focus on increasing insight into the impact of lived experiences, including trauma, relationships, daily routine, and emotions. As a result, clients can expect to become more comfortable, regulated, and compassionate with themselves. This tends to lead to being more motivated and inspired to pursue change.
